March 23, 2018

Kapwell Ltd is proud to announce the publication of its latest innovation in drilling safety technology:

👉 View Patent Publication (GB2613567A)

This milestone reflects Kapwell’s continued commitment to advancing process safety, automation, and operational reliability in oil & gas drilling operations.

Driving Innovation in Mud Gas Separator Safety

The newly published patent, titled:

“Automated Liquid Seal Monitoring and Control for the Mud Gas Separator”

addresses one of the most critical challenges in drilling operations — maintaining the integrity of the liquid seal within Mud Gas Separators (MGS).

Mud Gas Separators are essential for safely separating gas from drilling fluids during well control events. However, conventional systems often rely heavily on manual monitoring and intervention, creating risks during sudden pressure surges.

The Industry Challenge

In traditional MGS systems:

  • Pressure fluctuations can lead to liquid seal failure (blowout)
  • Gas release can result in serious safety hazards
  • Systems depend on operator response time, which may be insufficient during rapid events

These limitations highlight the need for automated, real-time control systems to prevent escalation.

Kapwell’s Breakthrough Solution

Kapwell’s patented system introduces an Automated Liquid Seal Control (ALSC) approach that fundamentally improves safety and reliability.

Key Features of the Innovation:

  1. Real-Time Pressure Monitoring

The system integrates pressure transmitters on both:

  • The Mud Gas Separator vessel
  • The liquid seal (U-tube / dip tube system)

This enables continuous tracking of operating conditions.

  1. Automated Control System

Unlike conventional setups, the ALSC system:

  • Actively manages pressure variations
  • Automatically responds to abnormal conditions
  • Eliminates reliance on manual intervention
  1. Prevention of Liquid Seal Blowout

The core innovation ensures that:

  • Sudden pressure surges are detected instantly
  • Corrective actions are triggered automatically
  • The risk of liquid seal failure is significantly reduced
  1. Integrated Control Panel

A dedicated control panel provides:

  • Centralised monitoring
  • System alerts and diagnostics
  • Enhanced operational visibility

Why This Matters for the Industry

This patent represents a major advancement in process safety engineering for drilling operations.

Key Benefits:

  • Enhanced Personnel Safety
    Reduces risk of gas release and hazardous exposure
  • Improved Operational Reliability
    Minimises downtime caused by emergency interventions
  • Reduced Human Error
    Automation ensures faster and more accurate response
  • Regulatory & ESG Alignment
    Supports safer and more environmentally responsible operations

Strengthening Kapwell’s Technology Leadership

This innovation reinforces Kapwell Ltd’s position as a forward-thinking engineering company, focused on:

  • Separation technologies
  • Process safety solutions
  • Smart automation in oil & gas systems

The patent is credited to Kapwell, further demonstrating Kapwell’s in-house engineering expertise and commitment to innovation.

Looking Ahead

As the industry continues to prioritise safety, automation, and digitalisation, technologies like Kapwell’s ALSC system will play a critical role in shaping the future of drilling operations.

Kapwell remains committed to:

  • Developing advanced separation technologies
  • Enhancing safety across offshore and onshore facilities
  • Delivering innovative solutions to global energy challenges

Final Thoughts

The publication of GB2613567A is more than a patent, it is a step forward in redefining how Mud Gas Separators operate safely under dynamic conditions.

Kapwell Ltd continues to innovate where it matters most: protecting people, assets, and the environment.