Abstract: Disclosed is a method for identification of malfunctioning of a drill bit during drilling of hydrocarbon wells, including: measurement of the rate of penetration of the drill bit, measurement of the drilling length, measurement of the concentration in the drilling mud of at least one gas species belonging to the group of the alkenes, measurement of the torque at the drill bit, analysis of the microscopic structure of the drilling cuttings on the basis of the values assumed by these measurements and on the basis of the observations of this microscopic structure, generation of an alert signal and return of the drill bit to the surface.

Abstract: Method for the detection and quantification of the H2S which measures concentration of the H2S in the drilling mud including the steps of measurement of the initial concentrations of H2S in free form and of the hydrogen sulphide HS? and sulphide S2? ion species, dissolved in the sample of mud; acidification of the sample of mud, to generate gaseous H2S, making the hydrogen sulphide (HS?) and sulphide (S2?) ions dissolved in the mud and the H2S precipitated in solid form in the scavengers react; measuring concentration of the gaseous H2S formed following the first acidification; and relative system including at least: a mud sample collector; a unit measuring concentration of the hydrogen sulphide HS? and sulphide S2? ion species in the sample; a unit for measuring concentration of the free H2S; a unit to acidify the sample of mud; electronic controller and storage and processing of the measurements made.

Abstract: A system of analysis operating preferably on a sample of rock derived from oil drilling in a site situation and possibly under difficult environmental conditions, which allows the total quantity of hydrocarbons contained in said sample to be measured, both already present and generable following transformation of organic matter contained in the same sample, in the first case also allowing a quantity of each single hydrocarbon species to be measured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system of analysis, which can be used in a mobile laboratory in a drilling site situation or in a similar situation, suitable for measuring (preferably in relation to at least two partially gaseous species, which derive preferably from a mixture extracted from a drilling mud, for example, methane, ethane, propane and/or any other heavier hydrocarbons) the quantities of the different isotopes of at least a same chemical element (preferably the quantities of 13C, carbon isotope with 6 protons and 7 neutrons, and of 12C, carbon isotope with 6 protons and 6 neutrons, respectively) by means of a laser isotopes analyser regulated for a single, at least partially gaseous species which contains said chemical element.

Abstract: Method for measurement of carbon isotope ratio in hydrocarbons obtainable from solid rock samples extracted from subsoil, preferably while oil drilling comprising pre-treatment of rock extracted from subsoil; scrubbing with inert gas of a rock sample taken from said rock; desorption, by heating, of a first gaseous sample containing hydrocarbons contained in pores of said rock sample and pyrolysis of said rock sample, said pyrolysis being suitable for obtaining a second gaseous sample from transformation of organic material of said rock sample; homogenisation and sampling of said first gaseous sample and, subsequently, said second gaseous sample; oxidation of said first gaseous sample and said second gaseous sample, said oxidation being suitable for obtaining carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons contained in said first gaseous sample and said second gaseous sample; separation of said carbon dioxide from other products of oxidation reaction and measurement of carbon isotope ratio in said carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Method and relative system for the extraction of the gases contained in drilling mud, preferably, in a managed pressure drilling system, comprising the phases of: extraction of the drilling mud from the return piping, preferably, under pressure, sending of said mud to a degasser and extraction of the gases dissolved in the drilling mud by means of said degasser; characterised in that monitoring is provided of the quantity of drilling mud extracted from said piping, and a regulation of the quantity of mud to be extracted from said piping, said regulation being performed on the basis of said monitoring in such a way that the volumetric flow rate of mud which is sent to said degasser is constant.

Abstract: Filtering device for separation of solid debris from oil drilling mud. Filtering device has at least one non-planar filtering surface provided with a longitudinal axis and a plurality of openings for the passage of drilling mud; and a means for cleaning said filtering surface in the form of a rotating shaft coaxial with the filtering surface and a plurality of rotating blades suitable for rotating inside said passage ports, said blades rotating together with said rotating shaft.

Abstract: A system of analysis operating preferably on a sample of rock derived from oil drilling in a site situation and possibly under difficult environmental conditions, which allows the total quantity of hydrocarbons contained in said sample to be measured, both already present and generable following transformation of organic matter contained in the same sample, in the first case also allowing a quantity of each single hydrocarbon species to be measured. The time range wherein said system succeeds in completing these analyses is sufficiently reduced to allow use of the results for reference and as a decision instrument for drilling, and the configuration of said system guarantees the stability of functioning thereof sufficient for allowing the use thereof also under difficult environmental conditions, on land or at sea, and allows for convenient use thereof also by an operator simply trained in the use of the instrument.

Abstract: A system for the thermal conditioning of a fluid, more particularly a drilling mud, in Preparation for subsequent cycles of analysis of the composition of the fluid. The system provides for the presence of at least one generator of microwaves for heating the fluid, and a cylinder of non-stick material. The fluid flows through the cylinder such that the heating of the mud takes place in less than 70 seconds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and related apparatus for determining the presence and/or quantity of H2S in the drilling debris of a subsoil layer comprising the following working steps: recovering the drilling debris of a layer; degassing the drilling debris from the previous recovery step, and separating a gaseous phase from said debris; clearing the gas released in the step of degassing, and conveying towards an H2S detector; determining the possible presence and/or quantity of H2S in the gaseous phase from the steps of degassing and clearing by means of a suitable means of detection; possible repetition of the previous phases at two layers, at least of the subsoil at different levels of depth in relation to the surface, with consequent determination of a distribution profile of H2S in the subsoil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a field gas chromatograph with flame ionization for the analysis of a gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons, extracted, in particular, from oil drilling mud. Said mixture consists of a fraction of heavy hydrocarbons (beyond pentane) dissolved in mud in gaseous form. Said field gas chromatograph is made up of two independent analysis circuits, dephased by half a cycle and synchronized one with the other. Said analysis circuits are comprised of at least one sampling cell in a preferred design layout, at least one capillary separation chromatography column, at least one flame ionization detector, and at least one electrometer for the conversion of an electrical current, collected by the flame ionization detector, into a voltage signal describing a chromatogram.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system of analysis, which can be used in a mobile laboratory in a drilling site situation or in a similar situation, suitable for measuring (preferably in relation to at least two partially gaseous species, which derive preferably from a mixture extracted from a drilling mud, for example, methane, ethane, propane and/or any other heavier hydrocarbons) the quantities of the different isotopes of at least a same chemical element (preferably the quantities of 13C, carbon isotope with 6 protons and 7 neutrons, and of 12C, carbon isotope with 6 protons and 6 neutrons, respectively) by means of a laser isotopes analyser regulated for a single, at least partially gaseous species which contains said chemical element.

Abstract: A system for filtering and sampling, preferably but not exclusively, of oil drilling mud for the purpose of analyzing the gaseous component contained in debris produced by well-drilling and transported by said mud. The system is provided with a filtering surface developed in three dimensions and with various methods for cleaning the filtering surface with which any contact is avoided between the cleaner and the filtering surface. This prevents further and excessive incrustations of debris on the meshes of the filter and avoids an undesirable passage of air in the aspiration pipe when the filter is partially immersed.

Abstract: A system for the thermal conditioning of a fluid, more particularly of a drilling mud, in preparation for subsequent cycles of analysis of the composition of said fluid is disclosed, wherein the system provides for the presence of at least one generator of microwaves for the heating of said fluid and a cylinder of non-stick material wherein said fluid flows; said system and method being such that the heating of said mud takes place in less than 70 seconds.

Abstract: A device for the quantitative analysis of debris preferably produced while drilling, comprising means for the progressive collection of debris, means for the progressive weighing of collected debris, means for unloading the same preferably in a discharge channel, and a support structure for the device wherein said means for the collection of the debris comprise a collection tray which is capable of performing two types of movement: a rotation movement around an axis which allows alternate loading and unloading of debris and a backward movement which is simultaneous with the rotation movement, thereby allowing for a decisive reduction in the overall vertical dimension of the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a field gas chromatograph with flame ionization for the analysis of a gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons, extracted, in particular, from oil drilling mud. Said mixture consists of a fraction of heavy hydrocarbons (beyond pentane) dissolved in mud in gaseous form. Said field gas chromatograph is made up of two independent analysis circuits, dephased by half a cycle and synchronised one with the other. Said analysis circuits are comprised of at least one sampling cell in a preferred design layout, at least one capillary separation chromatography column, at least one flame ionization detector, and at least one electrometer for the conversion of an electrical current, collected by the flame ionization detector, into a voltage signal describing a chromatogram.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and related apparatus for determining the presence and/or quantity of H2S in the drilling debris of a subsoil layer comprising the following working steps: recovering the drilling debris of a layer; degassing the drilling debris from the previous recovery step, and separating a gaseous phase from said debris; clearing the gas released in the step of degassing, and conveying towards an H2S detector; determining the possible presence and/or quantity of H2S in the gaseous phase from the steps of degassing and clearing by means of a suitable means of detection; possible repetition of the previous phases at two layers, at least of the subsoil at different levels of depth in relation to the surface, with consequent determination of a distribution profile of H2S in the subsoil.

Abstract: Device for the quantitative analysis of debris (12, 41) preferably produced during drilling, of the type equipped with means for the progressive collection of the debris, means for the progressive weighing of the debris collected, means for periodical discharging of the same and a structure for support of the device, wherein said means for the collection of the debris comprise a conveyor belt (22, 46) wound in the manner of a track on at least two rollers (23, 24), said means for weighing the debris comprise at least four sensing elements (214, 411) placed so as to take a direct measurement of the weight force exerted on the conveyor belt (22, 46) and said means for discharging debris comprise the unit for actuation of the rollers.

Abstract: Device for the quantitative analysis of debris (12, 41) preferably produced during drilling, of the type equipped with means for the progressive collection of the debris, means for the progressive weighing of the debris collected, means for periodical discharging of the same and a structure for support of the device, wherein said means for the collection of the debris comprise a conveyor belt (22, 46) wound in the manner of a track on at least two rollers (23, 24), said means for weighing the debris comprise at least four sensing elements (214, 411) placed so as to take a direct measurement of the weight force exerted on the conveyor belt (22, 46) and said means for discharging debris comprise the unit for actuation of the rollers.