Rig-Site Monitoring of the Drilling Fluid Solids Content and Solids-Control Equipment Discharge

Many of the key properties of a drilling fluid are adversely affected by the solids entrained during the drilling process. To control the impact of the drilled solids on the fluid properties the engineer at the rig site requires an effective monitoring tool. This paper describes the development and implementation of a technique based on X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. The results are shown to be more accurate than traditional methods of analysis. The speed and ease of use of the XRF technique facilitates multiple sampling from various points in the circulating system and effluent discharges. Two case histories are cited which demonstrate the use of the technique for monitoring the deployment of solids control equipment at the rig site and optimizing its configuration. The overall result is to improve well quality, control costs, and limit the environmental impact of the drilling process.