The BaraLogix Density & Rheology Unit (DRU) is an autonomous, automated device that allows real-time measurements of fluid density and rheology, combined with trending analysis visible to the well SONT – Halliburtonconstruction team. The BaraLogix DRU can help reduce risk, increase efficiency, and communicate drilling performance in real time.
Challenge
Critical decision making occurs daily in the oilfield, and operators depend on accurate drilling fluid data to determine the appropriate course of action for the success of their drilling program. Many operators’ critical downhole decisions are based on drilling fluid data that could be up to 24 hours old and may not accurately reflect the current fluid conditions in the wellbore. The drilling fluids representative at the rig site must contend with drilling fluid issues and may not have the opportunity and time to conduct repeated, consecutive, and consistent tests on the fluid to provide accurate recommendations to the operator. Decisions may be impacted or delayed by using fluid properties measured before or after issues are identified, and problems may escalate. Automating routine fluid property tests provides access to more precise and dependable drilling fluids properties in real time, data that becomes vital when crucial decisions need to be made.
Overview
Halliburton’s BaraLogix Density and Rheology Unit (DRU) is a fully automated unit that measures the density and rheology of drilling fluids. The unit is installed at the rig site, near the mud tanks, and is skid mounted. The unit incorporates a self‐generating, nitrogen purge system and is ATEX Zone 1 and AEx Class 1, Zone 1 certified. The BaraLogix DRU is equipped with connections for mud supply and return lines, air supply, and LAN connections. Connection types are modular and can be setup according to rig connectivity. Density is reported as frequently as every minute, and rheology measurements are performed at an average frequency of 1 test per 15 minutes. Rheology numbers are provided in HerschelBulkley parameters (n, k, tau0). Measurement data is collected via Halliburton’s InSite® data acquisition system. The system allows for customizable sorting of the data and viewing via the Insite Anywhere® web application.
Features
Frequent measurement of fluid data
• Fluid density as frequently as every minute
• Six-speed rheology as frequently as every 15 minutes
Compact and modular design
• Small footprint (2 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft)
• Rheology and density modules are easy to access/maintain
Benefits
Reduce Risk
• More frequent data collection than manual mud checks provides opportunity for more accurate downhole modeling to ensure safety margins
• Additional data points and trends allow greater control in managed pressure drilling or narrow margin applications
Increase Efficiency
• Real-time data helps ensure consistent fluid properties and reduce NPT
• Real-time data can be interpreted to proactively make adjustments and optimize drilling program
Communicate performance
• Automated measurement of fluid data provides additional oversight of rig operations
• InSite Anywhere® compatibility allows remote and continuous access to rig data
Application
The BaraLogixTM DRU can be added to any drilling program and offers measurable benefits for technically challenging wells, deepwater applications, mature fields, unconventional resources, and extended reach projects. The frequent and accurate data collection helps identify trends in the drilling fluid properties that are unavailable with current rigsite resources. Drilling performance is optimized through recognition of changes in the drilling fluid, analysis of the data trends, and appropriate fluid adjustments in real-time.