Read about DrillDocs’ technology and the value it creates in these technical publications, many of them co-authored by our clients
Since CleanSight uses a video image to measure cuttings, it cannot directly measure their mass. To estimate mass, CleanSight estimates the cuttings volume (see above) and then calculates mass using customer-provided bulk density and porosity for the formation being drilled.
CleanSight is fluid-type agnostic because the cutting’s color isn’t needed for shape or volume calculations.
CleanSight cameras are equipped with vibration-dampening mounts and can use onboard image stabilization to mitigate the effects of rig vibration. Nevertheless, severe vibration will negatively affect image quality and measurement accuracy.
CleanSight can detect cuttings greater than 8mm (0.31in) when the camera is positioned within 7-8 feet of the shaker’s exit.
Image segmentation is an essential step in computer vision that involves partitioning a digital image into distinct segments or regions. This helps the algorithm to identify objects within the image, making it easier to analyze complex visual data. In the case of digital shaker surveillance, this means separating drill cuttings and other objects falling off the shaker table from the static background.
Deep learning significantly enhances image analysis. While CleanSight does use manual feature extraction, it is complimented with a deep learning neural network, which improves accuracy. Within CleanSight, this is particularly important to image segmentation, where individual objects within the image—such as cuttings, cavings, and pieces of debris—are identified and segmented for measurement and further characterization.
Deploying a CleanSight camera on each shaker is strongly recommended since it will provide the most accurate measurement of the cuttings return rate and maximize the probability of identifying cavings and other UFOs. However, significant useful information—and a good approximation for cuttings return rate—can be obtained by monitoring a subset of the shakers and extrapolating the measurements based on flow distribution at the header box. The shakers to be monitored should be the ones most commonly used during drilling so that most drilled cuttings pass across them.
The CleanSight camera must have an unobstructed view of the edge of the shaker table. The closer the CleanSight camera is to the shaker, the better the image it will capture and the more accurate its measurements will be. This distance should ideally be about 6-7 feet to maximize image quality without getting into the splash zone. The camera should also be positioned directly in front of the shaker to minimize image distortion.
CleanSight performs best in a well-lit, fully enclosed shaker room. Ambient lighting changes can significantly impact image quality, affecting CleanSight’s ability to make accurate measurements. Too little or too much light will cause under- or over-exposure, respectively. Flashlights shining onto the shaker table can impact CleanSight’s image analysis.
There are three steps between receiving a purchase order and having CleanSight fully operational:
Rig survey – to determine where and how the system will be installed
Installation – transporting equipment to the rig and working with the rig crew to install the cameras, cabling, server equipment, and displays.
Commissioning – calibrating the system to rig-specific conditions and confirming that it is delivering data to our and your satisfaction.
The time required to complete each step will vary, for example depending on where in the world the rig is located and how quickly people and materials can be mobilized.
However, 45 days is a realistic goal for completing all three steps.
CleanSight is far less intrusive than a cuttings flow meter (CFM), requiring minimal installation and leaving the shale shaker unobstructed. Since it contains no moving parts, CleanSight requires negligible maintenance (just an occasional lens cleaning) and operates autonomously without downtime.
CleanSight generates measurements every five seconds compared to the 15 or 30 second ‘weigh and dump’ CFM approach, delivering high-resolution, actionable data in near real-time.
The CFM calculations are dependent and influenced heavily by mud on cuttings assumptions. CleanSight also provides information on cuttings size distribution and UFO detection (e.g. cavings) that a CFM cannot measure.
CleanSight provides new and valuable information beyond the important role already being played by the mudlogger. Whereas the mudlogger performs detailed sample analyses at periodic intervals to confirm lithology and mud properties, CleanSight autonomously measures cuttings return rate and size distribution in real-time, as well as continuously monitors the presence of UFOs (including cavings). Both sets of information contribute to a safe, efficient drilling process.
