IMDEX MUD AID™ delivers accurate real-time data that leads to increased penetration rates

IMDEX conducted controlled trials of the IMDEX MUD AID™ at an iron ore mine site. Over the course of the trial, the IMDEX MUD AID™ provided mud data that allowed drilling crews to be more responsive to changes in lifting capacity and solids content.

IMDEX compared rheological properties observed by an experienced drilling fluid specialist against the IMDEX MUD AID™ (Automated In-field mud Diagnosis). The IMDEX MUD AID™ is a unique system that automatically monitors drilling fluid and guides drillers to complete drilling fluid programs.

Exploration holes included percussion, air, NQ and HQ drilling, through a collection of shale, clays, sand, BIF through to iron bearing formations. Conditions in these iron rich formations range from broken and caving to very competent. Rock density is extremely hard and loss of drilling fluid is typical through large voids and fractures.

Results

During the trial, the IMDEX MUD AID™ was shown to:

• Allow crews to respond quicker to changes in lifting capacity and solids content, minimising wear and tear on metal components and maximising rate of penetration (ROP).
• Improved construction productivity – five walls completed every six days
• Respond faster and more accurately to fluctuations in 300rpm and 600rpm rheology, plastic viscosity, yield point and solids content.
• Increase productivity, save time and overhead costs
• Provide intelligence that minimised challenges related to ROP, bit and component life, as well as torque, which increased productivity.

Solution

IMDEX compared the observations of an experienced drilling fluid specialist against the IMDEX MUD AID™ to measure the accuracy and response time to the fluid test results.

Project Outcome

From the comparison, the IMDEX MUD AID™ was able to identify anomalies, critical change requirements and solids properties faster than a drilling fluid specialist. Real-time data provided by the IMDEX MUD AID™ meant that personnel (whether on site or remote) could respond faster and recommend adjustments. Results in this particular trial meant that drilled solids could be intercepted, productivity increased, and time and money could be saved through improved efficiency. Negative impacts on productivity, rate of penetration, bit and component life as well as torque can all be avoided using intelligence delivered by the IMDEX MUD AID™. The IMDEX MUD AID™ empowers resource and drilling companies to enhance drilling performance, on and off site.