Downhole centrifugal drilling fluid separator
View Patent ↗In one aspect of the invention, a downhole centrifugal drilling fluid separator has a bore within a tubular body comprising a central axis. The bore is formed to receive drilling fluid comprising particulate matter. At least one fin rigidly fixed within the bore and at least one port formed in a wall of the tubular body. As the drilling fluid flows through the tubular body the at least one fin creates a rotary motion within the drilling fluid forcing a portion of the particulate matter away from the central axis and through the at least one port in the tubular body.
1. A downhole drilling fluid separator, comprising:
a bore within a tubular body comprising a central axis and formed to receive drilling fluid;
at least one fin disposed within the bore;
at least one downhole tool is disposed within a primary pathway downstream of the at least one fin;
an alternate pathway is also downstream of the at least one fin and by passes the at least one tool; and
the primary and alternate pathways converge downstream of the at least one tool;
wherein as drilling fluid flows through the tubular body the at least one fin creates a rotary motion within the drilling fluid forcing a denser portion of the fluid into the alternate pathway while a lighter portion of the fluid is routed into the primary pathway.
2. The separator of claim 1 , wherein the lighter portion comprises lost circulation material and/or fibrous materials.
3. The separator of claim 1 , wherein at least one additional fin that causes a rotary motion within the drilling fluid is disposed within the primary pathway.
4. The separator of claim 1 , wherein the downhole tool is a motor.
5. The separator of claim 1 , wherein the downhole tool comprise electronic equipment.
6. The separator of claim 1 , wherein the alternate pathway is annular.
7. The separator of claim 1 , wherein the primary and alternate pathways are concentric to each other.
8. The separator of claim 1 , wherein the at least one fin is rigidly fixed to the bore of the tubular body.
9. The separator of claim 1 , wherein the primary pathway is substantially aligned with a central axis of the tubular body.
10. The separator of claim 1 , wherein the alternate pathway is substantially aligned with a central axis of the tubular body.
11. The separator of claim 1 , wherein the primary and alternate pathways are separated by a tubular structure.
12. The separator of claim 1 , wherein another mechanism for separating drilling fluid densities is disposed within the primary pathway.