Abstract: Techniques described herein relate to a method for identifying downhole conditions during a drilling operation using a vibratory separator. The method includes calibrating a sensor system attached to the vibratory separator by periodically measuring the G-force acting on the vibratory separator functioning under steady-state operating parameters. The method also includes determining the relationship between the G-force acting on the vibratory separator and the flow rate and rate of penetration (ROP) for the drilling operation by measuring the G-force acting on the vibratory separator functioning under different non-steady-state operating parameters.

Abstract: Techniques described herein relate to a method for identifying downhole conditions during a drilling operation using a vibratory separator. The method includes calibrating a sensor system attached to the vibratory separator by periodically measuring the G-force acting on the vibratory separator functioning under steady-state operating parameters. The method also includes determining the relationship between the G-force acting on the vibratory separator and the flow rate and rate of penetration (ROP) for the drilling operation by measuring the G-force acting on the vibratory separator functioning under different non-steady-state operating parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for adjusting the total flow area of a drilling bit concurrently with drilling which includes a bit having a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle having a flow area and the bit having a total flow area, with at least one nozzle which is initially open and having a first flow area and at least one other nozzle which is initially closed and having a second flow area including a closure means for maintaining the nozzle in an initially closed state below a pre-selected differential pressure across the bit.