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IMS specializes in automated drilling fluid analysis, providing real-time digital data to enhance global client operations. Their system automates the measurement and analysis of mud properties and offers continuous rheology, viscosity, density, and gel strength data.
Published September 14, 2020
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Updated August 1, 2025
Oil & Gas
Completions
Drilling
Product Overview
Overview
IMS operates in the global drilling industry offering precise automated drilling fluid analysis, along with robust digital integration for improved efficiency and decision-making. The offerings include both "on-site" and "cloud-based" services for real-time visualization of the generated data, with alarms and advisory services.
Core products:
- RheoSense: Measures key fluid properties (rheology, density (0.2–2.3 SG), gel strength, plastic viscosity, and yield point) as well as displacement management. It operates in a temperature range of 40–80°C, with API measurement standards at 50°C and 65°C. Additionally, it uses a Coriolis meter for density and flow rate measurements and offers automatic blockage detection and alarms.
- RheoMax: offers add-on for pH, water based fluid conductivity, and water-in-oil content measurements. Future capabilities include particle analysis.
- RheoSuite: is the cloud based platform including the following data tools RheoView (real-time data visualization), RheoReport (automated reporting tools), RheoAdvise advisory services) and upcoming tool RheoBrain AI (advanced AI-driven analytics)
Key Features:
- On-device control panel operating screen for system monitoring and adjustments where the user can start, stop, and monitor the system, and it automatically checks for issues like blockages or fluid starvation.
- Alarm systems for operational and technical issues, including a normal operation alarm.
- Data storage for up to 30 minutes locally, with client access via OPCUA and XML format outputs.
- Cloud-based tools enhance real-time data sharing and decision-making.
Business Model
The company operates from Stavanger, Norway, with direct sales to the Norwegian market and local agents established globally for overseas markets, in its regions of operation. Primarily rental-based, with 20-30% of revenue from sales to partners as contracts can range from 1 well campaign to multiple years. The pricing structure may vary as below:
- Fixed monthly rate applies for on-site installations on drilling rigs, with different rates for transit and standby periods.
- Mobile units typically move between rigs and contracts, with some units sold to rig owners at the end of longer rental periods.
- Discounted rates may apply for offshore projects.
- A monthly license fee is charged for access to cloud-based systems.
- Maintenance costs are included in the daily rate.
Technology Innovations
The technology is developed from research conducted in early 2000s in Norway, in collaboration with Equinor and supported by Norwegian government innovation funding, while having it tested to ISO Technical Readiness Level 7. Core technology utilizes pipe rheometry for base measurements, enhanced by unique software for reliable, consistent, and real-time data. High uptime (>99.7%) and low maintenance contribute to the technology's appeal offering simpler, more flexible data solutions compared to major competitors like Halliburton, Schlumberger, and Baker Hughes. Some of the technology innovations are as follows:
- RheoSense measures key parameters such as rheology, density, and gel strength in real-time and also provides a full rheology profile, including density, plastic viscosity, yield point, and gel strength.
- IoT Tools ("Review" and "Report") enables real-time trending and customizable data displays.
- Re-Advise Feature (in development) will provide alarm thresholds, trend analysis, and recommendations to address issues.
- The company operates a technology center with a fully installed mud system to test all sensors before deployment.
- Minimizes personnel exposure to mud systems, aligning with Norway's strict work environment regulations.
- Improved well control through displacement fluid optimization and interface control
- Cost savings through optimized fluid displacement and reduced contamination during cementing.
- Provides a primary safety barrier by ensuring accurate and real-time mud weight monitoring.
- Reduces human error through automated processes and digital integration.
Applications
Historically, drilling fluid analysis was a manual process conducted every 4, 6, or 12 hours, with results logged on paper and later input into computers. Intelligent Mud Solutions has automated this by continuously sampling fluid flowing in and out of the well, generating real-time digital data for on-site and remote visualization, historical logging, and integration with automated drilling systems. This continuous data capture ensures that no fluid condition changes are missed and, with ongoing AI advancements, significantly improves fluid management. It has the following applications:
- Measures fluid density in the range of 0.2 to 2.3 SG, providing measurements in both PPG and American units.
- Measures API values at 50 and 65 degrees Celsius, with the ability to operate between 40 and 80 degrees Celsius.
- Measures pH, conductivity, and is working on developing water sensors and particle analysis capabilities.
- Available in different configurations - semi-integrated unit, fully integrated unit, and containerized system
- Uses a Coriolis meter to measure density and flow rate, with the option to use the Coriolis meter as the primary density measurement
- Provides a full rheology profile, including density, plastic viscosity, yield point, and gel strength
- Provides real-time data and historical trending through cloud-based applications (Review and Report)
- Offers displacement control functionality and IoT reporting tools
- Measures additional parameters like RPM, temperature, and is working on expanding to measure water content, particle size distribution, and particle makeup
Intelligent Mud Solutions has established partnerships in various regions, including Angola, Nigeria, Perth, Malaysia, the US, and is looking to expand to the Caribbean or Guyana area.