Abstract: Storage apparatus includes a supporting base (11) supporting silos (14) having a lower conical portion (15) and silo port (16) controlled by an outlet knifegate valve (17), and a charging port (20) controlled by an inlet knifegate valve (21). An upper portion (22) of the silo is closed by a domed top (18). The silo ports (16) are manifolded to a common outlet (not shown). A charge manifold (25) interconnects the respective upper charging ports (20) and connects the ports to the cuttings source conduit (26). A pressure/vacuum port (27) is connected via cycle control valve (30) to an ejector assembly (not shown) valved to be able to cycle between a vacuum phase and a pressure phase of about 16 psig using a compressed air source. Control means is selectively operable to control the outlet valve (17), inlet valve (21) and cycle control valve (30).

Abstract: Cutting wash apparatus includes a wash tank (11) having side walls (15) converging to an inclined lower floor (16) and containing an air agitated wash solution including a surfactant. A cyclone separator (27) receives an oil-based mud and cutting-containing slurry through inlet (30), passing mud to an outlet (31) and a cuttings-rich component to the wash tank (11). A skimmer (13) removes wash overflow and a mud and slurry fines raft floated by the agitation, and passes this to a separator (18). Separated wash liquid is aerated and returned by pump (19) to injection points (28, 29) to recycle wash and provide the agitation. An auger (23) operates in a casing (21) opening into the tank (11) and extending upward of the wash tank and having an upper end discharge outlet (38). Additional aeration and agitation air is injected through air injection bars (45).

Abstract: There is provided sludge extraction apparatus (10) including a collection pipe (13) having a plurality of spaced, a suction pump (23), a suction pipe (15) with an end connected to the suction pump (23) and a suction head assembly (16) connected to the other end and slidable through the collection pipe (13) from an end, the suction head assembly (16) including a leading body portion (17) spaced from and connected to a trailing body portion (21) having an axial bore (19) connected to a suction pipe (15), the leading (17) and trailing (21) body portions substantially occluding the collection pipe (13) in use and defining there between a suction zone (22) of a length selected to open to at least one said opening at selected positions of the suction head assembly along the collection pipe.

Abstract: A support post or coupling for a sign post assembly having an integrated breakaway system. The post or coupling has a selected predetermined shape and is adapted for carrying an associated structure. The post or coupling includes an integral weakened region providing an area of structural weakness for allowing the support post to shear upon impact by a vehicle traveling at a minimum speed and impacting the support post from a desired impact angle. The integral weakened region is formed by reducing the cross-sectional area of a portion of the support post such that it is slightly less than the cross-sectional area of the remainder of the support post. The integral weakened region may be formed by swaging the support post, by scoring a groove within the support post, or by creating a series of dimples or perforations within the support post.