Abstract: A combined cuttings stream inlet and air stream outlet apparatus, for placement within the inspection hatch of a conventional drill cuttings box, is disclosed. The combined cuttings stream inlet and air stream outlet apparatus has a central cuttings stream inlet conduit, disposed within a larger air stream outlet conduit. The air stream outlet conduit is sized to closely engage the diameter of the inspection hatch when inserted into the hatch opening. The annulus between the two conduits forms a flow area for air to exit the cuttings box. In use, the combined apparatus is easily inserted into the hatch opening of the cuttings box, preferably with a gasket between the apparatus and the hatch opening, and is held in place by the cuttings/air stream. When the cuttings box is full, the apparatus is simply pulled out and inserted into an empty cuttings box.

Abstract: A compact, skid mounted system for handling of solids generated in wellbore operations. A cuttings drying unit and solids/liquid separator are mounted on a skid. A feed auger moves wet cuttings from the discharge on a rig to the cuttings drying unit. A first discharge auger moves the dried cuttings discharged from the cuttings drying unit to a disposal point, which may be a container such as a cuttings box. The fluid discharge from the cuttings dryer is routed to a solids/liquid separator. A second discharge auger moves the solids discharge from the separator to a disposal point. The liquid discharge from the solids/liquid separator is routed back to the fluids circulating system on the rig. The augers are mounted on the skid such that they can be rotated to within the width of the skid for transport, then rotated out to discharge the solids away from the skid.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying drill cuttings (“cuttings”) at multiple drilling locations. A commercially available cuttings drying unit is mounted on a means for transporting the cuttings drying unit between drilling sites, such as a truck. A means for conveying cuttings to an inlet of the cuttings drying unit, such as an auger, moves wet cuttings from a collection container to the drying unit. The cuttings are then dried. A means for conveying dried cuttings from a discharge of the cuttings drying unit to another cuttings container, such as a discharge auger, is provided. Preferably the discharge auger is mounted on the truck so as to be rotatable between a first position, wherein the truck can legally move down a roadway (preferably, contained within the width of the truck), and a second position usually to one side of the truck, where the dried cuttings can be discharged into a container.