Intellectual Property
Patents
Protecting the science behind the closed loop.
XRF-FI's technology is backed by granted patents in the United States, Canada, and the European Union — covering the first-of-its-kind integration of XRF, XRD, Particle Size Analysis, and Mud Check in a real-time drilling fluid decision system.
Methods and Systems for Adjusting Drilling Fluid
XRF
X-ray Fluorescence
XRD
X-ray Diffraction
PSA
Particle Size Analysis
Mud
Mud Checks
An integrated, real-time system for measuring, analyzing, and adjusting drilling fluids by combining four key analytical techniques: X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Particle Size Analysis (PSA), and Mud Checks. These analyses continuously detect abrasive low-gravity solids — especially quartz and sand — and recommend or automatically execute corrective actions using solids-control equipment.
Particle Size Analysis Method
A patented method for optimizing drilling fluids by creating a proper particle size analysis and distribution curve of particle sizing within drilling fluid. The particle size distribution curve is maintained with a maximum particle sizing of 6 microns to prevent coarser drilling solids from degrading beyond the point of mechanical separation — preventing a build-up of low gravity solids that can no longer be removed during the drilling operation.
Corrective Action Generation
The method generates corrective actions to modify the drilling fluids or adjust solids control equipment parameters to obtain an optimal particle size distribution throughout the drilling process.
AI Integration
In the process of integrating Artificial Intelligence into our patented process for PSA (Particle Size Analysis), with Patent Pending technology for XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) and XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) to further enhance drilling optimization capabilities.
Value to the Digital Oilfield
Why This Patent Matters
Closed-Loop, AI-Ready System
Enables automation of drilling fluid conditioning using real-time data. Integrates seamlessly into digital twin and rig automation systems.
Reduces NPT & Invisible Lost Time
Identifies abrasive solids before they damage downhole tools. Prevents tool failures, stuck pipe, and premature bit wear.
Optimizes Solids Control
Moves beyond simple volumetric cuttings removal to mineral-specific decontamination, prioritizing wear-reducing actions.
Improves ESG Performance
Reduces contaminated waste volumes and fluid disposal requirements. Enhances drilling efficiency, lowering energy use and carbon intensity.
Enables Predictive Maintenance
Links particle mineralogy and size with equipment wear trends, feeding into predictive analytics for rig components.
Supports Advanced Analytics
Embeddable in cloud-based dashboards and edge-processing systems. Provides structured, high-frequency data streams suitable for AI/ML optimization.
Competitive Advantage
What Makes This Patent So Valuable
First-of-its-kind combination of XRF, XRD, PSA, and Mud Check in a real-time decision system.
Shifts drilling fluid optimization from empirical to scientific and data-driven — linking mineralogy directly to tool wear risk.
Enables next-gen solids removal KPIs such as wear potential per barrel, not just volume of solids removed.
Lays the groundwork for fully autonomous fluids management in future unmanned or semi-manned rigs.
Addresses a known gap in drilling best practices — the lack of mineral-specific abrasiveness tracking in real time.
Protects a closed-loop architecture commercializable across hardware/software integrations — sensor OEMs, rig software providers, mud companies.
Final Takeaway
"This patent is a cornerstone IP for digitizing fluids management — protecting a smart, automated, and mineral-aware system that can revolutionize how the industry measures, manages, and maintains drilling fluids, leading to safer, faster, and more cost-effective wells in any environment."