Abstract: A multi-gradient system for drilling a well bore from a surface location into a seabed includes an injector for injecting buoyant substantially incompressible articles into a column of drilling fluid associated with the well bore. Preferably, the substantially incompressible articles comprises hollow substantially spherical bodies.

Abstract: A method and system of drilling straight directional and multilateral wells utilizing hydraulic frictional controlled drilling, by providing concentric casing strings to define a plurality of annuli therebetween; injecting fluid down some of the annuli; returning the fluid up at least one annulus so that the return flow creates adequate hydraulic friction within the return annulus to control the return flow within the well. The hydraulic friction should be minimized on the injection side to require less hydraulic horsepower and be maximized on the return side to create the desired subsurface friction to control the well.

Abstract: An automated high speed drill cuttings processing and injection module having a relatively small foot print, capable of operation in zone 1 hazardous environments, for injecting drill cuttings into an earth formation. Capable of handling high drilling rate cuttings surges. The process including conveying systems, holding and slurry tanks, circulating pumps, high speed grinding mill, high pressure injection pump, fragmentation system and automation system for controlling electrically driven injection pump having automatic speed control regulation with torque and horsepower limiting features. Thereby allowing high speed injection without plugging the formation while still allow for high pressure formation fracturing when necessary. The processing system further insures cuttings slurry homogenization and entrained particle size to less than 100 micron for both hard and soft particles. Being unitized the system reduces installation cost dramatically.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for substantially continuously drilling and disposing of drill cuttings and dust to minimize airborne contamination while providing protection against overload. A drill stem with a bit is advanced by a drill head to form the drill hole. A flushing mechanism utilizes vacuum or pressurized water for flushing the cuttings and dust from the drill hole for disposal. A transducer monitors at least one parameter of the fluid flow. A controller is utilized to regulate the rate of drilling dependent on the signal level of the parameter being monitored.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring in the real time the wellbore pit volume to promptly determine the occurrence of a wellbore kick and take corrective action to minimize fluid influx volume and/or drilling fluid losses. A system includes one or more level sensors 22 which output signals to a pit volume totalizer 20 and then to a computer 26. Computer 26 may also receive signals from one or more fluid temperature sensors 40 and one or more fluid compressibility sensors 42. The output from the computer may be displayed in real time in various monitors 28, then also may be output to a permanent record 30. Computer 36 may also automatically activate the conventional alarm 32 to alert the drilling operator to the occurrence of a kick. Substantial savings in drilling time and cost may be realized according to the present invention, along with benefits of reduced environmental contamination and enhanced well safety.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods of separation and control of drilling fluids in under-balanced drilling. The separated returning stream materials are measured and used to control the additive gas mixing process to maintain under-balanced drilling conditions. Separation is conducted at reduced pressures to improve gas separation efficiencies. Preferably, separation is performed in multiple steps of pressure drops to eliminate foaming and to enhance gas removal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for offshore drilling in which a bit is driven at a far end of a drill string, drilling fluid is injected into the drill string from surface drilling facilities, and drilling fluid passes through the far end of the drill string and flushes the borehole at the bit and entrains cuttings into the drilling fluid which circulates up the casing/drill string annulus. The drilling fluid drawn off near the mudline and is treated through a subsea primary processing stage to removing the cuttings from the drilling fluid. The treated drilling fluid is then returned to the surface with a subsea return pump system and passes to surface drilling facilities for injection and recirculation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform includes the steps of separating the drill cuttings from the well drilling fluid on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore during drilling operations. The cuttings are then transmitted via gravity flow to a materials trough having an interior defined by sidewalls and a bottom portion. The drill cuttings are suctioned from the bottom portion of the trough interior with a suction line having an intake portion that is positioned at the materials trough bottom. Drill cuttings are transmitted via the suction line to a pair of hoppers that each have an interior chamber. A vacuum is formed in sequence within the interior chamber of each hopper using a vacuum means that is in fluid communication with the hopper interior chambers.

Abstract: A device for sucking off drillings during the drilling of boreholes, comprising a suction fan (9) and a filter (10) as well as an opening closeable by a lid for emptying the drillings reception space (8) preceding the filter (10), in which, for the simple cleaning of the filter (10), the lid (12) is connected with a vibrating mechanism for the filter (10).

Abstract: A drilling tool, including a housing (1), a suction device (14), and at least one gas spring (2) cooperating with both the housing (1) and the suction device (14) and an operational direction of which is parallel to a drilling direction, with the housing (1) having bore (15) for receiving a piston rod (22) and at least a section of cylinder (21) of the at least one gas spring (2).

Abstract: A vacuum tank apparatus for use with oil and gas well drilling operations facilitates the removal of well cuttings generated by drilling. The tank apparatus provides a frame having a plurality of corners reinforced by structural corner columns. The frame includes a base having a structural, generally horizontally extended base that includes a plurality of base perimeter beams. The columns are connected structurally to the base at the perimeter beams. The upper end portion of the frame includes a plurality of upper perimeter beams. The columns are structurally connected to the base and the perimeter beams. A shaped hopper is supported by the frame internally of the perimeter beams. The hopper includes an interior and a sidewall comprised of a plurality of inclined wall sections. Each wall section includes an upper end portion that connects to the frame at the perimeter beams, and a lower end portion that extends to another lower end portion of another inclined wall section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform provides for the separation of drill cuttings from at least a volume of the well drilling fluid (i.e. drilling mud) on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore. The cuttings are then transferred to a cuttings collection area on the platform. The separated drill cuttings are then suctioned with a first suction line having an intake portion. The suctioned drill cuttings are transmitted to a vacuum holding tank or multiple tanks on the platform, each having a tank interior. A vacuum is formed within the holding tank interior with a blower that is in fluid communication with the tank interior via a second vacuum line. The holding tank is then connected to a floating work boat with a discharge flow line. Cuttings are then transmitted from the tank on the platform to the work boat via the flow line.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting, defluidizing and disposing of oil and gas well drill cuttings is disclosed including a system consisting primarily of a separation tank assembly, a vacuum pump assembly, a solids collection box and a liquids collection tank. The seperating tank having an upper slurry chamber, for recieving cuttings via suction from a shaker screen trough via a suction line, and a lower liquid chamber having a strainer therein, for collecting liquids compressed from the drill cuttings. A helical conveyor screw is passed through the upper slurry chamber and the strainer located in the lower liquid chamber. An adjustable plug is provided to restrict the cuttings flow through the strainer discharge opening. When cutting are forced from the upper slurry chamber via the helical conveyor screw into the strainer against the preset tension of the adjustable plug, fluids are forced through the sides of the strainer into the lower liquid chamber where they are pumped out to a liquids collection tank.

Abstract: An in-line grinder has been developed which can be configured to perform in a variety of applications through the use of an adjustable rotor/stator assembly, removable shear bar, and a variety of interchangeable stator-rotor configurations. A unique drive system utilizing a mechanical seal cartridge provides maximum sealing with a minimum of shaft deflection and run-out, thereby improving performance. These improvements collectively allow the grinder to be configured for optimum sizing of solids to a predetermined particle size for a broad range of materials. It has been demonstrated that a class of in-line grinders such as that described herein is applicable for sizing drill cuttings for injection into a subsurface formation by way of an annular space formed in a wellbore. The cuttings are removed from the drilling fluid, conveyed to a shearing and grinding system that converts the cuttings into a viscous slurry with the addition of water and viscosity enhancing polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic processor for the treatment, for example, dispersing, emulsifying, dissolving, mixing or deagglomerating of materials by the application of ultrasound thereto, wherein said ultrasonic processor comprises a hollow elongate enclosure member with a plurality of transducers fixed to the exterior of said elongate enclosure member along the length thereof; each said transducer being capable of applying ultrasonic waves to materials passing through the interior of said hollow elongate enclosure member; and control means for control and/or regulating the frequency of such ultrasonic waves produced by said transducers; and sensing means for the determination of the nature of the materials passing through the interior of said hollow elongate enclosure member, wherein said sensing means actuates said transducers to produce ultrasonic waves at the prescribed frequency in accordance with the nature of said materials to be treated.

Abstract: A skid mounted first and second stage centrifuges, each being provided with an input pump. Drilling mud is delivered to the first pump, the first stage and then into a tank for storing temporarily the liquids separated from the mud. The heavier weight components are segregated, stored and later added back to the liquid discharge of the second stage to provide an output stream of drilling mud having a specified weight for use in drilling. The lighter weight components are removed at the second stage and are discarded to clean the mud. A control system provides for operation and control without overloading.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluid-handling system for use in underbalanced drilling operations. The system includes a first vessel which acts as a four phase separator. The first vessel includes a first stage for separating solids. Oil and gas are separated at a second stage. A pressure sensor provides signals to a pressure controller, which modulates a gas flow valve coupled to the vessel for discharging gas from the first vessel. The pressure controller maintains the pressure in the first vessel at a predetermined value. An oil level sensor placed in the first vessel provides a signal to an oil level controller. The oil level controller modulates an oil flow valve coupled to the vessel to discharge oil from the first vessel into a second vessel. Water is discharged into a third vessel. Water from the third vessel is discharged via a water flow control valve, which is modulated by a level controller as a function of the water level in the third vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform includes the steps of separating the drill cuttings from the well drilling fluid on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore during drilling operations. The cuttings are then transmitted via gravity flow to a materials trough having an interior defined by sidewalls and a bottom portion. The drill cuttings are suctioned from the bottom portion of the trough interior with a suction line having an intake portion that is positioned at the materials trough bottom. Drill cuttings are transmitted via the suction line to a pair of hoppers that each have an interior. A vacuum is formed in sequence within the interior of each hopper using a blower that is in fluid communication with the hopper interiors. The two hoppers are positioned one above the other so that cuttings can be added to the first, upper hopper via the suction line and then fed by gravity to the second, lower hopper.

Abstract: In a well drilling system a fire suppression apparatus includes a pressure rated bell nipple or enclosure member mounted on the blowout preventer and including an elongated central passage opening at one end to an enlarged bore portion adjacent a restabbing flange. Diametrically opposed convergent nozzles open into the enlarged bore portion and are connected to a source of pressure water and/or a source of pressure fire extinguishing fluid by way of a manifold and respective remotely controllable shut off valves and check valves. The enclosure replaces a conventional bell nipple and provides an added measure of fire suppression protection in the event of uncontrolled flow of well fluids from the well. Branch conduit sections are connected to the main conduit section of the enclosure to provide a cuttings evacuation fluid flow line and a fill up or well fluid diversion line.

Abstract: An oil well cuttings disposal tank apparatus of improved construction provides a tank body having an interior and a plurality of side walls, a plurality of end walls, a bottom wall, and a top wall with a discharge opening at one end portion thereof. The discharge opening communicates with the intersection of the top wall and one of the end walls. A hatch is provided for opening and closing the discharge opening. A plurality of lifting plates are attached to the side walls and extend upwardly from the top wall, each of the lifting plates having openings or eyelets for attaching lifting lines thereto. A stacking beam is associated with each lifting plate, each stacking beam extending from the top wall upwardly a distance and attaching to the lifting plate at a position above the top wall. Each stacking beam has a load bearing surface that extends laterally from its lifting plate inwardly toward an opposite stacking beam and the central portion of the tank.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for the uninterrupted transfer of oil and gas well drill cuttings from a collection point, such as a shale shaker trough, to several types of variously configured on rig and off rig receptacles. Two or more hoppers are arranged for alternating receipt and discharge of cuttings, the cuttings being continuously drawn to the hoppers by a suction force from an upstream blower. The receptacles utilized in the various embodiments are varied, such as barges, box containers, and slurry units. The hoppers are, in some embodiments, moved to remote locations, such as off rig barges, prior to beginning the cuttings transfer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform includes the steps of separating the drill cuttings from the well drilling fluid on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore during drilling operations. The cuttings are then transmitted via gravity flow to a materials trough having an interior defined by sidewalls and a bottom portion. The drill cuttings are suctioned from the bottom portion of the trough interior with a suction line having an intake portion that is positioned at the materials trough bottom. Drill cuttings are transmitted via the suction line to a pair of hoppers that each have an interior. A vacuum is formed in sequence within the interior of each hopper using a blower that is in fluid communication with the hopper interiors. The two hoppers are positioned one above the other so that cuttings can be added to the first, upper hopper via the suction line and then fed by gravity to the second, lower hopper.

Abstract: A method for disposing of drill cuttings generated during the process of drilling oil and gas wells, by injection into the annulus of a well bore and into the earth formation, throughout the well bore operation through the use of secondary casings, injection tubes attached externally to the surface casing string and by injection into a special well bore directionally drill adjacent the primary well bore in a path leading away from the primary well.

Abstract: A method of removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform includes the steps of separating the drill cuttings from the well drilling fluid on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore during drilling operations. The cuttings are transmitted via gravity flow to a materials trough having an interior defined by sidewalls and a bottom portion. The drill cuttings are suctioned from the bottom portion of the trough interior with a first suction line having an intake portion that is positioned at the materials trough bottom. Drill cuttings are transmitted via the suction line at flow velocities in excess of 100 feet per second to a tank that has two collection chambers. A vacuum is formed in sequence within the interior of each chamber using a blower that is in fluid communication with the tank interior via a second vacuum line.

Abstract: A method of removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform includes the steps of separating the drill cuttings from the well drilling fluid on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore during drilling operations. The cuttings are then transmitted via gravity flow to a materials trough having an interior defined by sidewalls and a bottom portion. The drill cuttings are suctioned from the bottom portion of the trough interior with a pair of primary suction lines, each having an intake portion that is positioned at the materials trough bottom. Drill cuttings are transmitted via the primary suction lines at flow velocities in excess of 100 feet per second to a pair of collection tanks that each have an interior. A vacuum is formed in sequence within the interior of each tank using a blower that is in fluid communication with the tank interior via a vacuum tank and secondary suction lines.

Abstract: The invention features an assembly for use in a system used to drill a well. The system is capable of receiving a mixture of drilling fluid (e.g., liquid mud) and gumbo from downhole of the well. The assembly has a grating having at least one opening extending through the grating and positioned to intercept the mixture. The at least one opening is sized to block the gumbo from passing through the at least one opening and to allow the fluid to pass through the at least one opening. The assembly has an arm and a motivator connected to move the arm across the grating to remove the gumbo blocked from passing through the at least one opening.

Abstract: A wellhead system has features which allow the injection of drilling cuttings in an annulus between first and second strings of casing. A wellhead assembly has an outer wellhead housing connected to a string of conductor pipe. An outer port is located in the sidewall of an extension member located below the outer wellhead housing. An inner wellhead housing lands in the outer wellhead housing. An inner port is located in an extension member below the inner wellhead housing. An internal landing shoulder is located within the conductor pipe. An external landing shoulder is located on a swivel connector joint mounted on the upper end of a first string of casing. The connector joint is secured to the inner wellhead housing extension member. Once landed, the landing shoulder on the connecting joint supports the weight of casing, allowing the inner wellhead housing to be rotated to orient the inner port with the outer port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing and treating hydrocarbon-contaminated drill cuttings suspended in drilling mud so that the cuttings are made environmentally acceptable while the hydrocarbon contaminants are contemporaneously captured and returned for use in said drilling mud is disclosed. Using one or more shakers to make a first separation of the cuttings from the mud, a mud stream and a first slurry containing cuttings are produced. The mud stream is fed into a mud pit, while the first slurry is fed into a classifier/grit dewatering unit to separate the cuttings from the slurry to obtain a drill solids discharge. The drill solids discharge is passed into a rotating, heat-jacketed trundle for a time and at a temperature sufficient to vaporize the hydrocarbon contaminants to obtain processed solids and hydrocarbon vapors. The hydrocarbon vapors are captured and condensed to obtain a liquid hydrocarbon, which is delivered to the mud pit for admixture with the mud stream.

Abstract: A method of removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform includes the steps of separating the drill cuttings from the well drilling fluid on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore during drilling operations. The cuttings are transmitted via gravity flow to a materials trough having an interior defined by sidewalls and a bottom portion. The drill cuttings are suctioned from the bottom portion of the trough interior with a first suction line having an intake portion that is positioned at the materials trough bottom. Drill cuttings are transmitted via the suction line at flow velocities in excess of 100 feet per second to a holding tank that has an access opening. A vacuum is formed within the holding tank interior using a blower that is in fluid communication with the tank interior via a second vacuum line. Liquids and solids flowing in the vacuum lines are separated from the vacuum lines before the liquids and solids can enter the blower.

Abstract: A mud pan apparatus provided for use in combination with a well drilling device. The mud pan apparatus includes a housing having a bottom, opposed sidewalls and opposed end walls. Together, the bottom, sidewalls and end wall of the housing form a reservoir which is adapted to receive a slurry laden with earth deposits produced during the well drilling operation. A plurality of sprockets are rotatably mounted on opposite sidewalls of the housing and a chain that is provided around each set of sprockets. A plurality of space scrapers are secured to the chains so that the scrapers extend between the chains and thus across the bottom of the housing. A motor rotatably drives the pulleys which causes the scrapers to move along the bottom of the housing and up one side of the housing to thereby remove earth deposits from the housing and onto the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating drill cuttings during oil and gas drilling, in particular in connection with oil and gas wells below water. This invention aims at a secure and permanent depositions of drill cuttings without risking environmental pollution. This invention is based on the philosophy that there is made a dispersion or emulsion of drill cuttings in water, as the particles of drill cuttings, including all present contaminations, are disintegrated to obtain particles being so small that they may be dispersed in a relatively small amount of water. As no particle has a size above a predetermined tiny value, this dispersion may be pumped into most existing subsea structures and are thus permanently disposed of.

Abstract: A method of removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform includes the steps of separating the drill cuttings from the well drilling fluid on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore during drilling operations. The cuttings are transmitted via gravity flow to a materials trough having an interior defined by sidewalls and a bottom portion. The drill cuttings are suctioned from the bottom portion of the trough interior with a first suction line having an intake portion that is positioned at the materials trough bottom. Drill cuttings are transmitted via the suction line at flow velocities in excess of 100 feet per second to a holding tank that has an access opening. A vacuum is formed within the holding tank interior using a blower that is in fluid communication with the tank interior via a second vacuum line. Liquids and solids flowing in the vacuum lines are separated from the vacuum lines before the liquids and solids can enter the blower.

Abstract: An injection adapter allows injection of oil base cuttings produced by an injection well into an annulus surrounding one of the strings of casing in the injection well. The injection well has inner and outer wellhead housings with at least one casing hanger installed in the inner wellhead housing. A port extends through the casing hanger to an annulus surrounding the casing. A closure sleeve will selectively close the port. An injection adapter removably lands in the bore of the casing hanger when the port is open. The injection adapter seals in the casing hanger and is connected to a pump at the surface for pumping the slurry into the annulus.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are provided for processing the drilling mud used to flush cuttings from the bore hole while maintaining control of bore hole pressure. Air is injected into the lower regions of drilling mud in the working pits to agitate the drilling fluids and thus maintain particulate additives in suspension while simultaneously facilitating the settling of larger cuttings from the earth formations. Air is also injected into the bottom of the drilling mud and other waste fluids which are placed into the discard pit to evaporate the water and thereby accelerate consolidation or ultimate drying of the drilling mud for final disposal. This can be done as required during the drilling operation so that the consolidated or dried drilling mud can then be more easily and economically handled for transport to a hazardous waste disposal site, or can be more easily covered with earth while remaining in the discard pit.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for drilling underground. The apparatus includes a conventional drilling bit and a shroud disposed around the drill bit to produce a confined for the suspension of drilling debris. The debris is withdrawn under suction from the area by a conduit system associated with the shroud and a cyclonic filter structure.

Abstract: Drill cuttings and similar earth materials are reduced in particle size, slurried and disposed of from a system which includes a ball mill, a reduced particle receiving tank, a grinder pump in communication with the receiving tank and separator screens for receiving a slurry of particles which have been reduced in size through the ball mill and the grinder pump. The underflow of the separator is suitable for discharge for final disposal, oversized particles are returned to the ball mill and the underflow discharged from the separator is controlled to maintain a certain level in the primary receiving tank. A secondary tank may receive a portion of the underflow to be mixed with viscosifiers and dispersants to maintain a suitable slurry composition for discharge. The system may be mounted on a semi-trailer and in weather-proof enclosures with the ball mill, receiving tanks and grinder pump on a first level and the separators on a second level.

Abstract: An improved gas trap for mud logging is vertically mounted such that its lower end is constantly beneath the surface of mud flowing in a tank. The mud is drawn into the housing where it is agitated to release the entrained gases which are drawn off for measurement. The spent mud is returned to the tank through a mud exit port and related pipe to a point below the level of the mud and remote from the mud intake to the gas trap. This gas trap is insensitive to mud level changes and is relatively free of maintenance requirements.

Abstract: Drill cuttings are disposed of by injection into a subsurface formation by way of an annular space formed in a wellbore. The cuttings are removed from the drilling fluid, conveyed to a shearing and grinding system that converts the cuttings into a viscous slurry with the addition of water. The system comprises a receiving tank and a centrifugal pump for recirculating the mixture of cuttings and water (seawater) between the pump and the receiving tank. A discharge conduit is connected to the pump for moving the viscous slurry to an injection pump for high pressure injection into the formation.

Abstract: In a drilling system where production fluids are produced during the drilling operation, a brine solution is used to prevent development of a filter cake on the formation and thereby in the absence of such filter cake, allow production to occur. A separation system at the surface separates out the gas component of the produced fluids, the fluidized particulate drill cuttings, and produced oil, to return a reusable drilling fluid to the system, which drilling fluid is substantially depleted of hydrocarbons so as to make the fluid usable. The separation system uses a hydrocyclone for processing an oily water phase to thereby minimize the complexity and cost of the oil/water separation portion of the drilling fluids system.

Abstract: A modular drilling apparatus having three units, each of which is fully enclosed, transportable and positionable for workover and completion of wells on 30 foot well centers without interfering with the operation of adjacent wells. The first end of the drilling unit is positioned over a well with its central axis diagonal to the centerline of the wells and at a right angle to the pipe handler in the pipe shelter unit, the vertex of the right angle being at the well center. The mud unit is set back from the centerline of the wells, and is functionally connected to the second end of the drilling unit. The width of the drilling unit is greater than 50% of the clearance between adjacent well houses on each side of the well.

Abstract: Drill cuttings are disposed of by injection into a subsurface formation by way of an annular space formed in a wellbore. The cuttings are removed from the drilling fluid, conveyed to a shearing and grinding system that converts the cuttings into a viscous slurry with the addition of water. The system comprises a receiving tank and a centrifugal pump for recirculating the mixture of cuttings and water (sewater) between the pump and the receiving tank. A discharge conduit is connected to the pump for moving the viscous slurry to an injection pump for high pressure injection into the formation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for removing oil base drilling mud or like contaminants from drill cuttings. A continuous phase liquid, such as, base oil or wash water, is used to wash the contaminants from the cuttings. The continuous phase liquid and the contaminants removed from the cuttings are separated for recirculation and reuse. The separation system (10) of the invention includes a wash drum (14) for agitating the contaminated cuttings and continuous phase liquid together, a drying screen (16) for separating the larger solids from the liquid phase, a first column tank (18) and a pair of centrifuges (24 and 26) for separating the smaller solids from the liquid phase, and second and third column tanks (20 and 22) for separating the continuous phase liquid from the removed contaminants.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for a percussion device powered by fluid pressure includes a percussion device housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A valve is displaced between an open and a closed position. A filter recess is formed within the housing. A filter is inserted within the filter recess for moving the valve from the closed to the open position, thereby permitting fluid pressure to be supplied from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A method of receiving returns from a well being drilled in which the hydrostatic pressure of the drilling fluid cannot contain the formation pressure and controlling the flow and pressure of the returns and separating the oil, gas, and drilling fluids on the surface and returning the drilling fluids to the well while disposing of the oil and gas.

Abstract: A subsea storage structure for treatment and storing drill cuttings from drilling operations in the sea bottom includes a generally closed container or tank suitable to be positioned on the sea bottom near the drilling site, which tank is provided with an upper inlet for supply of drill cuttings, and an output to ambient water for water which is displaced during the supply of drill cuttings. The tank contains arrangements for cleansing of the drill cuttings and storage of accumulated oil, fluids and other constituents separated from the drill cuttings, and structure for extraction of the accumulated oil, fluids and other constitutents lighter than water.

Abstract: Drilling cuttings comprising usable gravel, silts, clays and spent drilling fluid are reclaimed and disposed of during or after the process of drilling a well by separating construction-grade gravel from the drilling fluid and washing the gravel, if necessary, prior to storage or placing it in use as construction material. Solids not reclaimed for construction use are formed as a slurry and conducted to an injection well by and through centrifugal pumps or mechanical agitators for dispersing the fine solids in the slurry to aid in the injection process. Gravel wash water may be used as a component of the waste slurry and the slurry may be conditioned for injection by the addition of surfactants and dispersants.

Abstract: Conveyor apparatus for conveying oil well drill cuttings comprises an elongated two-level structural conveyor support that includes first and second elongated self-supporting structural sections, each section including an upper V-shaped conveyor surface, a lower flat return surface, and side walls, providing an enclosure that prevents spillage. A motor-driven drive roller is carried by one of the self-supporting structural sections while an idler roller spaced from the drive roller is carried by the second structural section. An endless conveyor belt is mounted upon and between the two spaced-apart rollers. The drive roller includes a plurality of radially spaced channels for removing slurried well cuttings, oil, drilling mud and like fluid from the contact area between the drive roller and the belt. Frictional contact between the roller and the belt is thus insured.

Abstract: Heavy hydrocarbon containing sludges such as refinery waste streams, oil storage tank sludges and marine oil tanker ballast are treated by passing the sludges in a flow stream through an indirect dryer to vaporize liquids having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of less than about 700.degree. F. and to provide substantially dried solid particles discharged from the dryer. The dried particles, containing heavy hydrocarbons as a coating or as a part of the solids, are conducted to a combustor/oxidizer and exposed to a high velocity flow stream of oxygen containing gas, typically low pressure forced air, to burn the residual hydrocarbons in the solids and to reduce heavy metals and the like to oxides thereof. A sludge handling system includes a rotary disk type indirect dryer connected to a lift pipe type combustor/oxidizer for thorough exposure of the dried solids to an oxygen containing atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention provides a facile method of oil removal from an oil-water emulsion containing suspended solid particulates. In general, the method utilizes a volatile solvent which is liquefied under pressure and forms a two-phase system when in contact with the emulsion.

Abstract: A system is provided for the optimization of particle separation in a shaker system of a well drilling system. A well bore is drilled with a rotary drilling system. A stream of drilling fluid is circulated through the rotary drilling system to carry rock particles away from the bottom of the well bore as the well bore is formed. This stream of drilling fluid with the rock particles being carried therein is passed through a shaker system for separating the rock particles from the drilling fluid. A value of at least one, and preferably a plurality of operating parameters of the rotary drilling system are monitored, which parameters correlate to an average size of the rock particles being generated. The shaker system is adjusted in response to these monitored values, and more particularly in response to control signals computed based upon these monitored values, to increase separation of the rock particles by the shaker system.