Quartz School
3. Rigfor Well Site Supervisors
Instrumentation
Module – 1
Drilling & W.O. Rigs
Section 3.
Rig Instrumentation
C. Alvarez Quartz School for Well Site Supervisors – Module 1 / Section 3 1/37
3. Rig Instrumentation
Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Functions of Instruments
3. Measurement & Recording Instruments
4. Signal Conversion and Transmission
5. Indicators
C. Alvarez Quartz School for Well Site Supervisors – Module 1 / Section 3 2/37
3. Rig Instrumentation
3.1 Introduction
The close recording and monitoring of parameters and events is a requisite for
assuring the success of any drilling operation. The monitoring can be local and
remote with options of interacting with rig systems in real time from centers of
command far from the rig site, via satellite.
C. Alvarez Quartz School for Well Site Supervisors – Module 1 / Section 3 3/37
3. Rig Instrumentation
3.2 Functions of Measuring & Recording Instruments
• Measure, record and control well
operations at the rig site and remotely
in real time
• Process and storage the recorded
information
• Show graphs with parameters data that
help in taking effective decisions
• Distribute the recorded information to
all interested
• Facilitate the formation of an inter-
disciplinary team located in the
“Operations Command Center” to run
well operations from office.
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
C. Alvarez Quartz School for Well Site Supervisors – Module 1 / Section 3 5/37
3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Weight Indicator
• Hydraulic Sensor
• At the dead line anchor
• Attached to the dead line
• Type mast supporting discs
• Electronic Sensor
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Weight Indicator Weight Indicator Dial
• Hydraulic Sensor at the Dead Line Anchor
• Pressure cell installed inside the dead line anchor
bolted to the rig structure or to the rig carrier
• When tension is applied to the drilling line the
hydraulic fluid contained in the pressure cell is
compressed and a pressure signal send to the
bourdon tube in the weight indicator to record the
actual weight supported by the hoisting equipment
Dead Line Anchor
Hydraulic Sensor
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Weight Indicator
• Hydraulic Sensor Attached to the Dead Line
• Type Diaphragm sensor inside a circular case is attached with a clip to
the dead line. The sealed diaphragm contains a small volume of
hydraulic fluid
• When the hoisting equipment lifts a load, all lines in the strung up are
tensioned, including the dead line. The tension compresses the
diaphragm and sends a pressure signal to the weight indicator dial
along a hydraulic hose
Type Diaphragm Sensor Weight Indicator Dial
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Weight Indicator
• Hydraulic Sensor in Mast supporting discs
• Used only in small / self propelled rigs Indicador de peso
• When rig mast is raised it is supported
by a pair of metallic discs which are a
set of a cylindrical chamber filled with
hydraulic fluid and a movable piston
• The load supported by the mast is
distributed among the legs and those
supported on the discs compress the
fluid in the chamber and a pressure
Patines para apoyo de la torre
signal is sent to the weight indicator con sensores de diafragma
dial via hydraulic hose
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Weight Indicator
• Electronic Sensor
Electronic Sensor
• It is also installed attached to the
dead line.
• Tension on the dead line pushes the
sensor and generates electronic
signals that are sent to the monitor
of weight indicator with digital
values of the hook load
Weight Indicator Monitor
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Pump Pressure Gauge
• Analog Pressure Recorder – 3 types of sensor:
• Bourdon Tube Sensor
• Elastic Capsule Sensor
• Diaphragm Sensor
• Electronic Pressure Recorder
C. Alvarez Quartz School for Well Site Supervisors – Module 1 / Section 3 11/37
3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Pump Pressure Gauge
Analog Pressure Recorder
• Bourdon Tube type Sensor:
• The Bourdon tube is located inside the pump
pressure gauge recorder
• Pump pressure is detected by a diaphragm
type sensor installed in the pressured line
• Hydraulic pressure signals are sent from the
diaphragm to the Bourdon tube through
hydraulic hoses
• The pressure signal bends the Bourdon tube
and displace its end a distance related to the
pressure detected inside the line
• A needle or pointer attached to the end of the
Bourdon tube rotates over a graduated dial
and records the pressure in the appropriate
measurement unit
C. Alvarez Quartz School for Well Site Supervisors – Module 1 / Section 3 12/37
3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Pump Pressure Gauge
Analog Pressure Recorder
• Elastic Capsule Type Sensor
• Two sealed membranes are contacted by
the pressured fluid in the line and send
signals to a Bourdon tube inside the
pressure recorder
• As in the previous case, the pressure
displaces the tip of Bourdon tube and
moves a pointer on the dial to indicate
the pressure
• This type of pressure recorder is more
used for gas and low pressure equipment
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Pump Pressure Gauge
Analog Pressure Recorder
• Diaphragm Type Sensor
• A circular membrane inside two flanges is
contacted by the pressured fluid that flows
through the line
• Fluid pressure pushes the diaphragm and
sends hydraulic pulses to the Bourdon
tube inside the analog pressure recorder
• As in the previous case, the pressure
displaces the tip of Bourdon tube and
moves a pointer on the dial to indicate the
pressure
• More used for high pressure and viscous
fluids
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Pump Pressure Gauge
• Electromagnetic Pressure Recorder
• One metallic sensor detects pressure signals
• One Transducer converts pressure signals to
variations in electric resistance of an electric
circuit
• Pressure readings are displayed on a digital
monitor
Pressure Sensors
Transducer
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Rotary Speed Recorder
Two types of sensors are commonly used:
• Electromagnetic Sensor
• Mechanical Sensor
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Rotary Speed Recorder
• Electromagnetic Sensor
• Uses an electromagnetic activated probe
in contact with the rotary table or with
any other object rotating at the same
speed than the RT
• The probe sends magnetic signals per
each rotating cycle which are then
converted to analog or electric pulses
with the assistance or micro processors
• The pulses move a pointer on a dial
indicating the RPM of the Rotary Table
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Rotary Speed Recorder
• Mechanical Sensor
• An electric generator is coupled
directly to the RT shaft or indirectly
by a “V” type belt
• The generator rotates and sends
electric signals which are converted
to movement of a pointer turning on
a dial, indicating the numbers of
revolutions per minute of the RT, or
“RPM”
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Pump Stroke Indicator
• Electric Sensor
• An electric generator is activated by the cyclic
movement back and forth of a rod in direct
contact with the rubber shield installed on the
piston rod of the mud pump
• The generator sends electric pulses each time
a cycle is completed (piston stroke)
• Electric pulses are converted to analog or
digital signals at the recorder
• Digital models record both “Strokes Per
Minute” (pump speed in SPM) and the
Accumulated strokes in a period of time
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Pump Stroke Indicator
• Magnetic Sensor
• One magnetic sensor is mounted on the
piston rod and another is left stationary
on the pump body housing
• Every time the piston completes a
stroke, the sensors are put face to face
generating a magnetic signal which is
then converted to analog or digital
reading
• Analog models display readings of SPM
while digital models display SPM and
accumulated strokes in a period o time
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Rotary Torque Indicator
• Electric Sensor
• Consists of a grip split in two sections and
one signal conditioner
• The grip is installed around the power
cable of electric motor that operates the
rotary table
• The conditioner converts the electric
signal into analog or digital readings
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Rotary Torque Indicator
• Hydro Mechanic Sensor
• Used only in rotary tables with
mechanical transmission
• A rubber wheel mounted on a
hydraulic piston is put in contact with
the chain of power transmission to
the rotary table
• When the rotary torque experiences
torque, the chain is tensioned
pushing the wheel and compressing
the hydraulic fluid inside the piston.
• The pressure pulse sent through a
hydraulic hose acts on a Bourdon
Tube inside the torque recorder and
moves the pointer on the dial to give
a qualitative indication of the rotary
C. Alvarez torque Quartz School for Well Site Supervisors – Module 1 / Section 3 22/37
3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Depth Indicator
Sensor mounted on the Mast Crown
• One electromagnetic sensor is installed
at the rig crown frame and other is
mounted on the fast line sheave
• When the shave turns the sensors face
each other and a magnetic signal is
generated
• The signal is then converted to electric
pulse and made equivalent to a given
displacement of the traveling block,
thus indicating the parameters already
mentioned: Total Depth, Bit Depth,
ROP, Trip Speed
C. Alvarez Quartz School for Well Site Supervisors – Module 1 / Section 3 23/37
3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Depth Indicator
Sensor mounted on the Drawworks
• Electromagnetic sensors installed directly
on the flange of drawworks drum and on
the stationary housing
• When the drawworks drum rotates the
two sensors face and generate a magnetic
signal
• As in the crown sensor, the magnetic
signals are converted into electric pulses
made equivalent to the TBA displacement
and velocity. The parameters are displayed
on a monitor screen are: Total Depth, Bit
Depth, TBA speed, ROP
C. Alvarez Quartz School for Well Site Supervisors – Module 1 / Section 3 24/37
3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Mud Density Meter
• A probe is put inside the discharge box at
the end of the flow line returning mud and
cuttings. Another similar probe is installed
in the suction inlet for mud pumps.
• Both probes are interconnected and send
electric signals that are then converted in
mud densities for the fluids in and out the
well bore
• A density log is displayed in real time on a
monitor indicating variations of mud
density with time
• The mud density measurements are useful
in detection / confirmation of kicks
occurrence
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Well flow indicator
• A electro mechanical sensor is installed in the
flow line with a movable paddle that swings
when pushed by the flow of fluid coming out
the well bore through the annulus
• The sensor is calibrated to indicate a
“normal” flow returning from the well. When
flow increases or decreases, the paddle is
pushed forward or backwards
• When the paddle moves, generates one
electric pulse which is sent to a “flow
indicator” device.
• Which is seen on the indicator is a “relative
change” in the flow volume. It is a qualitative
indicator that does not give flow rate value
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.2 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Gas in Drilling Fluid Detector
• Gas Trap:
• Cylindrical vessel submersed in the box at the end
of the flow line to collect a given volume of fluid
sample
• Vacuum pump that extracts out the dissolved and
entrained gas from the drilling fluid
• Gas Analyzer :
• Calibrated chromatograph that performs qualitative
(and in some models also quantitative) gas analysis
• Most of Gas Detectors provide the relative content
of gas in the collected sample and is presented as
“percentage” or “gas units”. It is a qualitative
indication of the gas content in the mud system
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Pit Volume Totalizer
• Set of sensors and recorders of mud volume in the mud surface system.
• Indicates the volume in each individual tank of the surface system
• Sensors and alarm system calibrated to detect variations of the total mud
volume
• Also includes most of drilling parameters in the information displayed as a
powerful tool for operation monitoring
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Pit Volume Totalizer
• Electro mechanical Sensor
• Set of floaters and potentiometers installed in
each mud compartment calibrated to measure
the volume of fluid of the compartment.
• When fluid volume of the compartment
increases of decreases, the floater moves and
activates de potentiometer which send electric
signals proportional to the volume variation
• All potentiometers are inter connected so the
total fluid volume in surface system is
measured
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.3 Measuring & Recording Instruments at the Rig Site
Pit Volume Totalizer
• Ultra Sonic Sensor:
One ultra sonic transmitter is installed above the
fluid level of each mud compartment.
One receptor in the same device measures the
time for the sound wave to travel to and
reflected from the fluid level
The time is proportional to the traveled distance
and thus to the volume in the compartment
The receptors generates in turn one electric signal
calibrated to indicate mud volume in the tanks
Ultrasonic Sensor
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.4 Signal Conversion and Transmission
As previously described, the recorded signals by different
sensors are converted and transmitted to the respective
indicators or monitor displays using several options /
systems:
• Coaxial or Mono Conductor Electric Cables for data
transmission
• Boxes with signal converter and electronic circuits
• Electronic Transducers
• “Bourdon” Tubes
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.5 Parameter or Property Indicators
Analog Indicator
• Circular display with moving pointer on a graduated
dial for direct readings of the parameter or property
recorded / measured by the sensor
• Typically are based in the operation of a Bourdon
tube driven by hydraulic signals from the sensor or
signal converter. The pointer is mounted to the free
end of the tube and turns on the graduated dial Weight Indicator
Torque Indicator Pump Stroke Indicator Rotary Speed Indicator Pressure Gauge
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.5 Parameter or Property Indicators
Digital Indicator
Screen monitors displaying values for electric, magnetic, or
electronic signals from he sensors, transducers and converters
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3. Rig Instrumentation
3.5 Parameter or Property Indicators
Digital Indicator – examples
Driller’s Digital Monitor Driller’s Digital Monitor
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