Abstract: Drilling-fluid monitoring technology for a drilling rig's drilling-fluid circulation system. Pairs of vertically separated pressure sensors are installed at various points in the circulation system, including at the bell nipple or flow line, to provide drilling-fluid density information at different points in the circulation system. The bell nipple/flow line sensors provide information about the height of the fluid in the bell nipple and the density of the drilling fluid before the cuttings are removed from the fluid. Changes in the bell-nipple drilling-fluid density or height may indicate potentially dangerous borehole conditions. Similarly, comparisons between bell-nipple drilling-fluid density with the density at other points in the circulation system provide information about the status of the circulation system. This information may be used to operate the drilling rig more safely and efficiently during the drilling process.

Abstract: Drilling-fluid monitoring technology for a drilling rig's drilling-fluid circulation system. Pairs of vertically separated pressure sensors are installed at various points in the circulation system, including at the bell nipple or flow line, to provide drilling-fluid density information at different points in the circulation system. The bell nipple/flow line sensors provide information about the height of the fluid in the bell nipple and the density of the drilling fluid before the cuttings are removed from the fluid. Changes in the bell-nipple drilling-fluid density or height may indicate potentially dangerous borehole conditions. Similarly, comparisons between bell-nipple drilling-fluid density with the density at other points in the circulation system provide information about the status of the circulation system. This information may be used to operate the drilling rig more safely and efficiently during the drilling process.

Abstract: Drilling-fluid monitoring technology for a drilling rig's drilling-fluid circulation system is disclosed. Pairs of vertically separated pressure sensors are installed at various points in the circulation system, including at the bell nipple, to provide drilling-fluid density information at different points in the circulation system. The bell nipple sensors provide information about the height of the drilling fluid in the bell nipple and the density of the drilling fluid before the cuttings are removed from the fluid. Changes in the bell-nipple drilling-fluid density or height may indicate potentially dangerous borehole conditions. Similarly, comparisons between bell-nipple drilling-fluid density with the density at other points in the circulation system provide information about the status of the circulation system. This information may be used to operate the drilling rig more safely and efficiently during the drilling process.