Abstract: A method for continuously determining characteristics of a process fluid includes inline real-time analysis. In one embodiment, inline analysis of water, oil, and salt anions provides continuously obtained measurements for determination of various drilling fluid properties and assessment of drilling operation parameters and wellbore conditions. In one embodiment, the continuously provided measurements and/or data calculated therefrom allow for monitoring and controlling of a downhole drilling operation. In embodiments of the method, automated control of drilling operations using the continuously generated information can be accomplished. In one embodiment, a material balance of drilling fluid components using the continuously generated information is provided.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus has a shaft, at least one arm radiating outwardly of the shaft, and a mixing element affixed to the arm away from the shaft. The mixing element has a generally frustoconical member with a wide opening at an end thereof and a narrow opening at an opposite end thereof. The mixing element also includes a throat section of a generally constant diameter connected to the narrow opening of the frustoconical member and a diffuser section having an end affixed to an end of the throat section opposite the frustoconical member. The mixing elements have a longitudinal axis extending at an acute angle to horizontal. A motor is cooperative with the shaft so as to rotate the shaft. Each of the mixing elements includes a Venturi.

Abstract: A nozzle for use with a diffuser has a body with a fluid passageway extending through an interior thereof and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The body has an end surface formed at the fluid outlet. The body has an orifice formed through the end surface so as to communicate with the fluid passageway. The orifice has a first elliptical portion and a second elliptical portion. The elliptical portions are conjoined so as to communicate therebetween. The elliptical portions have major axes of equal length and minor axes of equal length. The nozzle is placed toward a mixing chamber of a jet pump.

Abstract: An eductor with a jet ring assembly for generating a low pressure region for detaching and removing residual drilling fluid solids from the internal walls of the eductor is disclosed. The eductor can include: induction ports, liquid induction ports, a mixing chamber, a diffuser, and a jet ring adaptor that can generate the low pressure region. Also disclosed is a method for removing residual drilling fluid solids (wall cake) from internal walls of the eductor. The method can include: stopping the flow of a first pressurized fluid to the eductor, stopping discharge from a diffuser of the eductor, and pressurizing a jet ring assembly using a second pressurized fluid to detach and remove the wall cake from the internal walls of the eductor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mixing a static fluid with another component, such as a particulate material, a liquid, a compressible liquid or gas, or combinations thereof, using a motive fluid stream, producing a low pressure region within the static fluid using radial eductors in a tank. The invention further relates to a method for separating oil form an oil and water mixture using a motive fluid stream and air, producing a low pressure region in a tank with entrained air bubbles, wherein the oil attaches to the air bubbles and rises to the surface.

Abstract: A method for dust-free low pressure mixing for conveying and mixing secondary dry and secondary liquid components into a primary liquid component with a hermetically sealed system, the method comprising: using a cyclone separator to capture dust from a surge tank and form a recovered product, using a flow promoter to prevent bridging an rat-holing, pressurizing an eductor to draw dry components into a mixing chamber, fluidizing the dry component, and expelling the fluidized dry component.

Abstract: A dust-free mixing system for use with drilling fluids having a jet ring adapter. The dust-free mixing system can have an eductor. The eductor can have a housing with an axial bore for receiving a first suction induction port. The first suction induction port is for receiving a first dry component. The eductor can have a second suction induction port for receiving a second dry component. The eductor can further have a third suction induction port for receiving a third dry component.

Abstract: A dust-free mixing system for use with drilling fluids. The dust-free mixing system can have an eductor. The eductor can have a housing with an axial bore for receiving a first suction induction port. The first suction induction port is for receiving a first dry component. The eductor can have a second suction induction port for receiving a second dry component.

Abstract: This invention provides a jet pump comprising: a three-dimensional axisymmetric nozzle with a top end and a bottom end, a mixing chamber with a top section and a bottom section, a conical diffuser with a top end and a bottom end, a distributor of a shower cap and an induction passage. The top section of the mixing chamber neighbors the bottom end of the nozzle. At a distal downstream end of the bottom section of the mixing chamber is the top end of the diffuser. The distributor is connected to the bottom end of the diffuser. The nozzle, the mixing chamber, the conical diffuser and the distributor share a longitudinal axis which is perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the induction passage. A pressurized first fluid is injected through an inlet orifice of the top end of the nozzle.