Abstract: Gas laden drilling fluid is subjected to shear and turbulence in a unique degassing vessel having a radial spray mechanism inside the vessel for emitting a continuous radial sheet of fluid spray against the inner surface of the vessel wall. Means is provided for communicating the gas in the vessel area below the radial spray with the gas in the vessel area above the radial spray. A resulting vacuum is created in the upper portion of the vessel, at least partially as a result of the radial spray action therein, and the resulting vacuum may be used in other parts of the degassing assembly for increasing the effectiveness of the degassing process.

Abstract: A method for effectively removing gas entrained in a viscous drilling fluid involves pumping the fluid with an open-center impeller pump and thereby creating a central opening in the pumped fluid into which freed gas can move coaxially with the pumped fluid; emitting the fluid in a continuous radial spray against the inner surface of the wall of a spray vessel while simultaneously creating a vacuum in the spray vessel; communicating the created vacuum area in the spray vessel with the central opening in the pumped fluid to improve gas removal and pumping efficiency in the pump; flowing the pumped fluid into an enclosed flow trough having a fluidic barrier at each end; and conducting the removed gas from the flow trough to a safe disposal area.

Abstract: Gas laden drilling fluid is subjected to flow through a unique enclosed degasser trough to aid in the removal of entrapped gas bubbles from the fluid. A fluidic seal means is provided at each end of the trough to prevent flow of freed gas thereby, and a gas exhaust conduit is located at or near the top of the trough to allow gas removed from the fluid to be conducted to a safe disposal area.