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Method and system for measurement of fluid flow in a drilling rig return line

  • US 5,063,776 A
  • Filed: 12/14/1989
  • Issued: 11/12/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/14/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A system for obtaining an indication of volumetric flow of a drilling mud exiting a well bore through an annulus between a drill pipe and the well bore and up to a bell nipple and out to a drilling rig return line connected to said bell nipple at an angle such that said drilling mud partially fills said return line and is in supercritical flow in said return line, said return line having a known physical configuration, said system comprising:

  • a) a non-intrusive mud level sensor means located in or in proximity to said return line for sensing the height of the mud flowing in the return line without affecting mud flow and for providing signals indicative thereof; and

    b) means responsive to said level sensor signals, and in conjunction with return line configuration, for providing an indication of the flow-out volume of the mud from said well bore.

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