Treating Spent Or Used Fluid Above Ground Patents (Class 175/66)
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Patent number: 9073091Abstract: A system for detecting oil contaminated product and foreign matter within a product stream is provided. The system includes a first conveying means for delivering a product stream; a first detection apparatus for detecting oil contaminated product, the first detection apparatus positioned proximate the product stream, the first detection apparatus including a high intensity infrared light source directed at the product stream; and a high speed NIR spectrometer sensor tuned to detect a reflected signal from a taggant disposed in the oil of the oil contaminated product; a second detection apparatus for detecting foreign matter within a product stream, the second detection apparatus positioned proximate the product stream, the second detection apparatus including a light source for illuminating the product stream and a detector for detecting light reflected from the product stream; and a controller for determining whether the product stream contains oil contaminated product or foreign matter.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES INC.Inventor: Edmond J. Cadieux, Jr.
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Patent number: 9068433Abstract: A diverter system having stabbing dogs is provided. In one embodiment, such a system includes a diverter, a housing, and a plurality of stabbing dogs coupled to the housing. The stabbing dogs are positioned to enable locking elements of the stabbing dogs to be extended into recesses in the diverter to secure the diverter within the housing. At least one of the recesses in the diverter is connected to a fluid conduit within the diverter, and at least one stabbing dog includes a fluid passage that enables fluid to be routed into the fluid conduit within the diverter through the at least one stabbing dog. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Jerod C. Bushman, John B. Hankins, John A. Hoefler, Harold A. Tenorio
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Publication number: 20150129312Abstract: A drill cuttings conveyance system includes a collection tank that includes a screw conveyor and a chamber operable to accommodate drill cuttings, the screw conveyer extending along a longitudinal axis of the collection tank from a first end of the chamber to a second end of the chamber; a port disposed at the second end of the chamber of the collection tank, the port including a channel operable to direct the drill cuttings from the chamber of the collection tank; a pump including an inlet connected to the port and operable to receive drill cuttings from the port, an outlet, and a pumping mechanism operable to direct the drill cuttings through the outlet of the pump; and a drag chain conveyor in communication with the chamber of the collection tank via an auxiliary opening, the drag chain conveyor being operable to remove drill cuttings from the collection tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2015Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: Shawn Bender, Donald C. Brenneman
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Patent number: 9010440Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for centrifugal separation. In one embodiment, a separator includes an outer tubular having ends sealed from the environment and an inner tubular. The inner tubular is disposed within the outer tubular, has ends in fluid communication with a bore of the outer tubular, and is attached to the outer tubular. The separator further includes an inlet. The inlet is disposed through a wall of the outer tubular, in fluid communication with a bore of the inner tubular, and tangentially attached to the inner tubular so that fluid flow from the inlet to the inner tubular is centrifugally accelerated. The separator further includes a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore; and a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: George Joel Rodger, Denman L. Cloudt, Jr.
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Patent number: 9010462Abstract: A low headroom confined space drilling system is disclosed, comprising a low headroom drilling apparatus, a drilling fluid supply system, a drilling fluid collection system, and a drilling fluid recycling apparatus for supplying a recycled drilling fluid to the drilling apparatus. A method of installing a geoexchange borehole in an interior space of a building is also disclosed, comprising installing a borehole access chamber in a floor slab of a building, positioning a low headroom floor mounted rotary drilling apparatus over the borehole access chamber, providing a pressurized drilling fluid to the drill rod string and powering a rotary downhole drilling device attached to the drill rod string to advance the borehole to a desired depth, recovering a drilling fluid and drill cuttings from the borehole, removing drill cuttings from the recovered drilling fluid using the drilling fluid recycling apparatus and returning a recycled drilling fluid to the drilling apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Fenix Energy Solutions Ltd.Inventor: Thomas Ross King
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Patent number: 8997896Abstract: Methods and related systems are configured to treat a drilling fluid to cause water droplets to coalesce. One or more phases are thereafter separated from the treated drilling fluid. The oil and/or solids separated from the treated drilling fluid may be added to a base fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: David E. Clark, Lirio Quintero, Anuradee Witthayapanyanon, Alexander John McKellar, Martin Gilbert
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Patent number: 8956543Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fluid distribution apparatus. The fluid distribution apparatus has a housing including an inlet configured to receive a drilling material, a first outlet configured to direct a first portion of the drilling material onto a first separatory surface, and a second outlet configured to direct a second portion of the drilling material onto a second separatory surface. The fluid distribution apparatus further includes a screen disposed within the housing and configured to separate solids from the second portion of the drilling material directed through the second outlet onto the second separatory surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: Brian S. Carr, John Fedders
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Patent number: 8950510Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to drill cuttings conveyance systems comprising a collection tank, a port, and a pump. The collection tank comprises a chamber operable to accommodate drill cuttings and a screw conveyor. The screw conveyor extends along a longitudinal axis of the collection tank from a first end of the chamber to a second end of the chamber. The port comprises a channel operable to direct drill cuttings from the chamber of the collection tank to the pump. The pump comprises an inlet operable to receive drill cuttings from the port, an outlet, and a pumping mechanism operable to direct drill cuttings through the outlet of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Beitzel CorporationInventor: Shawn Bender
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Patent number: 8945402Abstract: One embodiment of the invention disclosed is an apparatus for separating a solid material from a mixture containing oil, water, clay, sand, soil and drill cuttings. The apparatus comprise a series of processing cells and wash tanks. Hydrocyclonic devices are also used to further purify the solid mixture for disposal.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Inventor: Larry Saik
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Publication number: 20150014062Abstract: The object of the present invention is a composition comprising amine compound and carboxylic acid compounds, wherein at least the amine compounds are alkoxylated, use thereof as a drilling fluid, and a method for using the drilling fluidType: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Heinz Napierala, Ludger Bosing
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Publication number: 20140332282Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus and method for cleaning drill cuttings recovered from a wellbore. Specifically, the apparatus includes an effective system for handling and washing drill cuttings at a well site to remove hydrocarbon contaminants. The system successively washes hydrocarbon contaminated drill cuttings in organic solvent and water to remove and recover the hydrocarbon contaminates, and produce cleaned drill cuttings that may enable disposal of clean drill cuttings without further treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: Stanley Ross, Michael Biersteker
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Patent number: 8881912Abstract: A vibratory separator including a separator deck including a hinge point, and a positive displacement mechanism coupled to the separator deck and configured to displace the separator deck to an angle of inclination is disclosed. A method of separating solids form a slurry, the method including pumping a slurry onto a separator deck, vibrating the separator deck, and displacing an end of the separator deck in an upwards or downwards direction with a positive displacement mechanism to a selected angle of inclination is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventor: Brian S. Carr
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Patent number: 8871097Abstract: A method of reclaiming a formate brine may include increasing the pH of a spent formate brine fluid comprising water-soluble polymers; treating the fluid with an oxidizing agent; and removing at least a portion of suspended solids from the fluid. Further, a method of reclaiming a formate brine may include lowering the pH of the spent formate brine fluid comprising water-soluble polymers; increasing the pH of the spent formate brine fluid to initiate precipitation of materials solubilized in the fluid; treating the fluid with an oxidizing agent to break down remaining water-soluble polymer; and recovering at least a portion of the formate brine.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: Hui Zhang, Robert L. Horton, Charles Svoboda, Frank E. Evans
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Patent number: 8844650Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a closed loop apparatus, system, process or method adapted for processing drilling mud used in a down hole well drilling process such that any undesirable particulate such as cuttings will be substantially, if not completely separated from the dirty mud while at the same time allowing the recycled drilling mud to be continuously circulated with the drilling mud. In one embodiment, the present invention includes the following components, all in fluid or mud flow communication with one another and with an adjacent drilling rig: at least one clean mud mixing tank, at least one pump system, at least one dirty mud shakers, at least one optional conveyor belt system, at least one recycled mud reclamation tank and one or more filtering centrifugal pumps or centrifuge systems.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Terra Tersus LLCInventor: Gary Saiz
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Publication number: 20140262510Abstract: A closed loop drilling fluids circulation system includes a first drilling fluid circulation system disposed at a first subterranean drill site. The first drilling fluid circulation system includes a supply tank for holding clean drilling fluid and a solids control device configured to separate solids from used drilling fluid. In addition, the system includes a central processing facility disposed at a location remote from the first drill site and configured to receive used drilling fluid from the solids control device and supply clean drilling fluid to the supply tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Richard Beddoes, Ulric Fournier, Jeff Hall, Allan Peats
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Patent number: 8834726Abstract: A method of treating a wastewater is provided and can be used, for example, to treat a gas well hydrofracture wastewater. The method can involve precipitating barium as barium sulfate, precipitating calcium and strontium as calcium carbonate and strontium carbonate, precipitating magnesium hydroxide, and filtering out the metal compounds to form a recycle water. The recycle water produced from the method is also provided, as is a method for using the recycle water as a gas well hydrofracture water. In some embodiments, discharge water from a coal mine, and/or water from an abandoned coal mine, is used as a source of sulfate ions to precipitate barium as barium sulfate.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: ProChemTech International, Inc.Inventor: Timothy Edward Keister
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Publication number: 20140251693Abstract: There is provided a device and method for control of return flow from a borehole (18) where drill fluid is supplied from a surface rig (16) via a multi section drill string (4) to a bottom hole assembly (18), the drill pipe sections (6) having tool joints (8) that include an enlarged outer diameter portion (9), and where an annulus (12) is formed between a pipe (2) and the drill string (4), and where the annulus (12) is in fluid communication with or forms part of a return path (40) for the drill fluid, and where a choke (1) is positioned in the annulus (12), and where the length (L) of the choke (1) exceeds the distance (M) between the enlarged outer diameter portion (9) of two adjacent tool joints (8).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2012Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventors: Mehdi Mir Rajabi, Roger Sverre Stave
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Patent number: 8820438Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus and method for cleaning drill cuttings recovered from a wellbore. Specifically, the apparatus includes an effective system for handling and washing drill cuttings at a well site to remove hydrocarbon contaminants. The system successively washes hydrocarbon contaminated drill cuttings in organic solvent and water to remove and recover the hydrocarbon contaminates, and produce cleaned drill cuttings that may enable disposal of clean drill cuttings without further treatment.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Cutting Edge Systems Inc.Inventors: Stanley Ross, Michael Biersteker
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Patent number: 8813875Abstract: A drilling rig with continuous microwavable particulate treatment system for treating fluid from a wellbore on an offshore platform. The system uses a materials handling controller, a vibrating sieve device or filtering device to separate particulate from drilling fluid, a cuttings discharge collection device for continuously moving the slurry to a cuttings processing station, a treatment system controller controlling the continuous cuttings processing station that uses a microwave generator creating microwaves that heat the slurry and a plurality of non-deforming microwave heatable polishing and grinding media in a vibrating trough. The system continuously creates water vapor with oil droplets and cleaned cuttings, and a vapor recovery system is used for removing the oil droplets from the water vapor having a vapor recovery system controller in communication with the material handling controller and treatment system controller.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2014Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: KMC Oil Tools B.V.Inventors: Joseph Daniel Farrar, Perry Don Lyman
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Publication number: 20140231146Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of drilling a wellbore wherein a drill-in fluid is foamed at the drill tool. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises providing a drill-in fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, a foaming agent, a foam stabilizer, a gas generating chemical and an encapsulated activator; introducing the drill-in fluid downhole into a drill string connected to a drill tool; and allowing the drill-in fluid to exit the drill tool where, upon exiting the drill tool, the encapsulated activator is de-capsulated sufficiently to react with the gas generating chemical such that a gas is generated within the drill-in fluid and thus foams the drill-in fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Philip D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8812236Abstract: A method for optimizing drilling fluids by creating a proper particle size analysis and distribution curve of particle sizing within drilling fluid. The particle size distribution curve is maintained with a maximum particle sizing of 6 microns so as to not allow for coarser drilled solids to degrade beyond the point of mechanical separation to prevent a build-up of low gravity solids that can no longer be removed from the drilling fluid during the drilling operation due to their size. An optimal drilling system requires that drilling fluids be modified through the following process to attain the appropriate particle sizing distribution to: make the most efficient use of the drilling operation, reduce the amount to drilling fluids utilized, and reduce formation damage. The method generates corrective actions to modify the drilling fluids or adjust solids control equipment parameters, to obtain a unique particle size distribution throughout the drilling process.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Particle Size Engineering, LLCInventors: Thomas W. Freeman, Paula S. DeWitte, Robert W. Troy
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Patent number: 8789622Abstract: A continuous microwave particulate treatment system for treating fluid from a wellbore. The system uses a material handling controller, a vibrating sieve device or filtering device to separate particulate from drilling fluid, a cuttings discharge collection device for continuously moving the slurry to a cuttings processing station, a treatment system controller controlling the continuous cuttings processing station that uses a microwave generator creating microwaves that heat the slurry and a plurality of non-deforming microwave heatable polishing and grinding media in a vibrating trough. The system continuously creates water vapor with oil droplets and cleaned cuttings, and a vapor recovery system is used for removing the oil droplets from the water vapor having a vapor recovery system controller in communication with the material handling and treatment system controllers.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2014Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: KMC Oil Tools B.V.Inventors: Joseph Daniel Farrar, Perry Don Lyman
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Patent number: 8789583Abstract: A method for separating hydrocarbon content from a hydrocarbon contaminated matrix. The method includes controlling water content of a feed material having the hydrocarbon contaminated matrix; continuously conveying the feed material into a treatment cavity; exposing the feed material in a treatment area of the treatment cavity to microwave radiation arranged to cause rapid heating of at least a portion of the water content to form steam, wherein the rapid steam formation results in thermal desorption of at least a portion of the hydrocarbon content from the matrix; and continuously removing the treated matrix from the treatment cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: The University of NottinghamInventors: John Robinson, Sam Kingman, Colin Snape, Michael Bradley, Steven Bradshaw
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Patent number: 8770287Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising placing a foamed wellbore servicing fluid into a wellbore; flowing the foamed wellbore servicing fluid back to the wellbore surface; and contacting the foamed wellbore servicing fluid with an immobilized defoaming agent structure comprising an inert substrate and a defoamer. A system comprising a foamed wellbore servicing fluid in contact with a de-foaming structure, wherein the de-foaming structure comprises a defoamer covalently bonded to an inert substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth W. Pober
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Patent number: 8763724Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsion, consisting of an oil phase and an aqueous phase and comprising as emulsion components (?1) 15 to 40% by weight of at least one water-immiscible organic solvent as solvent of the oil phase, (?2) 15 to 40% by weight of water as solvent of the aqueous phase, (?3) 10 to 40% by weight of at least one surfactant, (?4) 10 to 40% by weight of an alkoxylated fatty alcohol and (?5) 0 to 25% by weight of at least one other additive, wherein the quantities by weight of the components (?1) to (?5) are each relative to the total weight of the emulsion, and together add up to 100% by weight. The invention further relates to a method for producing an emulsion, to the emulsion which can be obtained from said method, to the use of an emulsion, to a method for cleaning the surfaces of well holes, drilling devices or drillings, to a method for producing a well bore, and to a method for producing an oil or a gas.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Emery Oleochemicals GmbHInventors: Heinz Müller, Diana Mäker
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Publication number: 20140175008Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure also involved a method of processing waste, such as drill cuttings, involving the operations of receiving a waste material comprising a liquid material and a solid material, the waste material received directly from a source wherein the waste material is warm. The source may be a drilling operation and the waste material may be drill cuttings from the drilling operation. The method further involving pumping the warm waste material to a separation mechanism, such as a dryer, that separates a portion of the solid material (e.g., cuttings) from a portion of the liquid material (e.g., drilling fluid). The method may further involve mixing the separated solid material with a bioremediation agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Inventor: Mark Joseph Mathis
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Publication number: 20140174830Abstract: A system for conditioning drilling fluid includes a conditioning device having a first conduit configured to receive the drilling fluid, a flow restriction disposed adjacent the first conduit, the flow restriction comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, an impact plate disposed downstream of the flow restriction, a first chamber disposed between the flow restriction and the impact plate, and a second chamber disposed downstream of the impact plate, wherein the first chamber is fluidly connected to the second chamber. A method for conditioning drilling fluid using a conditioning device, includes pumping a drilling fluid through a flow restriction, accelerating the drilling fluid into a mixing chamber, subjecting the drilling fluid to elongational shearing, decelerating the drilling fluid against an impact plate, subjecting the drilling fluid to impact shearing, and emptying drilling fluid from the mixing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: June 26, 2014Inventors: Richard Bingham, Michael Rafferty, Neal Smothers
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Patent number: 8741072Abstract: A tank cleaning system for use at a drilling location, including a first cuttings storage vessel comprising an inlet and an outlet, at least one tank cleaning machine configured to clean a tank, a disposal vessel, and a module including a pump configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids from a clean water vessel to the at least one tank cleaning machine, and a fluid connection configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids from the outlet of the first cuttings storage vessel to the disposal vessel.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: M-I LLCInventor: Jan Thore Eia
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Publication number: 20140144708Abstract: In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to modular drilling system, the system comprising a first module comprising a first work surface; and a second module comprising a second work surface; wherein the first module is disposed above the second module. In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a modular drilling system, the system comprising a first module; and a second module; wherein at least one of the first and second modules comprises oilfield process equipment disposed on the module around a center point.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2011Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: Joe Sherwood, Thomas Geehan
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Patent number: 8695809Abstract: A system for processing returned drilling fluid including a flow line configured to provide a return flow of drilling fluids and at least one vibratory separator having at least one screen, wherein the vibratory separator is fluidly connected to the flow low and is configured to receive at least a partial flow of fluids and separate the flow of fluids into a primarily fluid phase and a primarily solids phase. The system further includes a dual-trough configured to receive the primarily solid phase from the at least one vibratory separator and a slurry tank configured to receive the solids phase from the trough. Additionally, a method of processing a return drilling fluid including dividing the return drilling fluid into a primarily fluids phase and a primarily solids phase with a primary separatory operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: M-I LLCInventors: Joe Sherwood, Greg McEwen
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Publication number: 20140072368Abstract: A process is disclosed which converts intractable, semi-solid drill cuttings into a free-flowing granular, soil-like SDC material, which, after appropriate compaction, can be beneficially used for a variety of engineering construction applications, thereby removing the need for disposal with its associated costs and environmental impact, and as a result improving the overall economics for gas well development, together with improving corporate sustainability and reducing liability.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Inventors: Raymond T. Hemmings, Bruce J. Cornelius
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Patent number: 8667717Abstract: A mobile digging and backfill system for removing and collecting material above a buried utility. The system comprises a mobile chassis, a collection tank mounted to the chassis, a water pump mounted to the chassis for delivering a pressurized liquid flow against the material for loosening the material at a location, a vacuum pump connected to the collection tank so that an air stream created by the vacuum pump draws the material and the fluid from the location into the collection tank, and at least one backfill reservoir mounted to the chassis for carrying backfill for placement at the location.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: McLaughlin Group, Inc.Inventors: Charles Robert Maybury, Jr., John William Gilman
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Patent number: 8662170Abstract: A cuttings transfer system including a separator configured to separate cuttings from a slurry and a transfer line configured to receive the cuttings from the separator. The system further including a valve in fluid communication with the transfer line and the separator, wherein the valve is configured to control a flow of the cuttings from the separator to the transfer line, and an air transfer device coupled to the transfer line that is configured to supply a flow of air through the transfer line.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
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Patent number: 8641899Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for removing metal cuttings from an oil well drilling mud stream provides a magnetic body or “ditch magnet” having end plates that extend radially and circumferentially from the magnetic body, the plates being positioned at end portions of the magnetic body. A third plate in the form of a wiper is used to dislodge metal cuttings and other metallic material from the magnetic body after the magnetic body has accumulated such metallic parts. One of the end plates can be removable to facilitate a complete scraping or wiping of the metallic parts from the metallic body by the wiper plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Petroleum Specialty Rental, LLCInventor: James A. Branch
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Patent number: 8641811Abstract: This invention relates to an ecologically and environmentally friendly mud-gas containment system. Specifically, this invention relates to a mobile device that is capable of receiving waste gas and, in emergency situations, a volume of a mud-gas mixture from a drilling operation. The waste gas is communicated to a removable flare stack through a vent line. The mud-gas is received at a containment vessel. The impact of the mud-gas within the containment vessel separates the mud-gas into mud and waste gas. The mud is collected for recycling and/or environmentally sensitive disposal. The waste gas from the vessel is communicated to the flare stack. Separate removal ports and conduits are used to remove any residual mud or mud-gas from the vent line and/or containment vessel. Excess mud or mud-gas is communicated to an overflow catch tank for removal. The entire assembly is mounted on a mobile skid sized for highway transportation.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Mathena, Inc.Inventor: Harold Dean Mathena
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Publication number: 20140000893Abstract: Set-delayed cement compositions and methods of using set-delayed cement compositions in subterranean formations. Embodiments include a method of drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising: circulating a drilling fluid comprising a set-delayed cement composition in the wellbore while drilling the wellbore, wherein the set-delayed cement composition comprises: pumice, hydrated lime, a set retarder, and water. A method of displacing a fluid in a wellbore comprising: introducing a spacer fluid comprising a set-delayed cement composition into a wellbore such that the spacer fluid displaces one or more prior fluids from the wellbore, and wherein the set-delayed cement composition comprises: pumice, hydrated lime, a set retarder, and water.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Samuel J. Lewis, Thomas Jason Pisklak, Kyriacos Agapiou, Peter James Boul
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Patent number: 8613329Abstract: A traveling cuttings distributor (TCD) system that is capable of horizontal and vertical positioning for use in vacuuming, auguring or pumping drill cuttings from a drill rig shaker screen trough, drying/minimizing the cuttings and depositing by gravity cuttings while under vacuum into individual cuttings boxes as it moves from one cuttings box to the next or to a bulk system, a cuttings injection system or other cuttings processing system, the system including a vacuum tank having a filter system therein and a large silencer or exhaust system separated by a blower system capable of producing a high vacuum on an opening in the vacuum tank for engaging an opening in a cuttings box or other cuttings processing equipment. The TCD system is capable of being operated without the need for skilled service personnel, while further improving drilling performance, providing reduced environmentally friendly waste material and volumes, recovers expensive drilling mud, thus, reducing the cost of cuttings waste disposal.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Inventor: Jeffrey A. Reddoch, Sr.
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Patent number: 8607894Abstract: A system for offshore disposal of drill cuttings including a cleaning system for treating contaminated drill cuttings into drill cuttings and contaminants; a transport system for moving the drill cuttings; a slurrification system for making a slurry of the treated drill cuttings; and a cuttings re-injection system for injecting the slurry into a well.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: M-I LLCInventors: Nick McDonald, Andrew John Murray, Gordon M. Logan, Dan Knapper
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Patent number: 8563480Abstract: The present invention relates to bridging agents for use in subterranean formations, to well drill-in and servicing fluids comprising such bridging agents, and to methods of using such bridging agents and well drill-in and servicing fluids in subterranean drilling operations. An example of a well drill-in and servicing fluid of the present invention comprises a viscosified fluid, a fluid loss control additive, and a bridging agent comprising a degradable material.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Trinidad Munoz, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130256037Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to drill cuttings conveyance systems comprising a collection tank, a port, and a pump. The collection tank comprises a chamber operable to accommodate drill cuttings and a screw conveyor. The screw conveyor extends along a longitudinal axis of the collection tank from a first end of the chamber to a second end of the chamber. The port comprises a channel operable to direct drill cuttings from the chamber of the collection tank to the pump. The pump comprises an inlet operable to receive drill cuttings from the port, an outlet, and a pumping mechanism operable to direct drill cuttings through the outlet of the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: BEITZEL CORPORATIONInventor: Shawn Bender
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Patent number: 8533974Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to systems that are used for reclaiming components of wellbore cuttings material. In one illustrative embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes, among other things, a dryer that is adapted to receive a drill cuttings mixture that includes drilling fluid and cuttings material, the dryer being further adapted to treat the drill cuttings mixture by drying the cuttings material below a preselected moisture content level. The system also includes a moisture sensor that is adapted to sense a moisture content of the cuttings material after it is dried by the dryer, and a cuttings reinjection system that is adapted to reinject the dried cuttings material into a well bore. Additionally, the system includes a conveyor system that is adapted to convey the dried cuttings material to the cuttings reinjection system, wherein the conveyor system includes, among other things, a positive pressure pneumatic conveying apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventor: George Alexander Burnett
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Patent number: 8528665Abstract: A mobile drilling waste management system including a trailer having at least one centrifuge and a solids catch tank receiving solids separated from drilling fluid by one or more of the centrifuges. And a method of reclaiming drilling fluid including pumping drilling fluid contaminated with solids onto a trailer, separating the contaminant solids from the drilling fluid with at least one centrifuge located on the trailer, directing the contaminant solids to a solids catch tank located on the trailer, and pumping the drilling fluid off of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: Dennis Jackson, Fredrick Gillis, Jason White
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Patent number: 8528666Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising (a) transporting the drill cuttings 520 to a cuttings collection area 530 on the platform 510; (b) providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area 30, and covering the at least one storage area 30; (c) placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; (d) transporting the drill cuttings 500 from the cuttings collection area 530 to the at least one storage area of the barge 10; (e) placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; (f) transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; (g) placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and (h) removing the cuttings 520 from the stoType: GrantFiled: September 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Central Boar Rentals, Inc.Inventors: Michael Patterson, Edward L. Shearer
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Publication number: 20130228380Abstract: A clog free waste removal system for removing waste or drilling cuttings from a wellbore at the rate that waste is being produced having an incoming transportation system, a rig buffer, and optional surge tank, an outgoing transportation system, and post treatment device or transport.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: KMC OIL TOOLS B.V.Inventors: Joseph Daniel Farrar, Perry Don Lyman
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Patent number: 8522898Abstract: An inhibitive water-based polymer mud system and method for using the system in drilling and in stabilizing wellbores for use in water sensitive formations as an alternative to oil-based muds or water-based muds comprising ferro-chrome lignosulfonates. The system comprises a fresh water or salt water base thinned or dispersed with a sulfonated acrylic copolymer having a hybrid/graft lignosulfonate multipolymer structure containing carboxylate and sulfonate functional groups with synthetic polymer side chains covalently linked to a base lignosulfonate material, having a molecular weight in the range of about 1,000 to about 15,000, and having a high anionic charge density.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Kingsley Ihueze Nzeadibe, Gregory Paul Perez
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Patent number: 8469100Abstract: An integrated fluid filtration and recirculation system and method are provided for re-circulating and filtering fluid that is used in well cleaning operations. The system is incorporated within an enclosure, which is transportable, such as on a vehicle trailer. The system has power generation capability, thereby making the system capable of operating as a stand-alone unit. Chemicals may be infused into the filtered fluid from an integral chemical supply allowing the system to also function as a treatment facility for the fluid. The components of the system are arranged in a linear fashion that enables the system to maintain a minimum profile for transport upon a conventional trailer, yet the system provides enough room within the enclosure to allow operators to repair/inspect each of the system components. The enclosure may be climate controlled, and the enclosure may include removable panels for operation of the system in temperate conditions when climate control is unnecessary.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Engineering Fluid Solutions, LLCInventors: William O. Irvine, Benjamin Allen Galassini
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Patent number: 8469116Abstract: Techniques for controlling drilling fluid cleaning apparatus that reclaim lost circulation material from spent drilling fluid are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a tank, a density separation device, and a fluid density control system. The tank holds spent drilling fluid containing drilling fluid, lost circulation material, coarse solids and fine solids. The density separation device is coupled to an outlet of the tank. The density separation device provides an overflow stream and an underflow stream. The overflow stream contains less dense material than the underflow stream. The fluid density control system is configured to adjust the density of the spent drilling fluid provided to the density separation device by recirculating a portion of the underflow stream into the tank.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventor: Thomas Robert Larson
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Publication number: 20130153225Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes contacting tar resident in a well bore with a tar stabilizer comprising an acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer; and allowing the tar stabilizer to interact with the tar to at least partially reduce the tendency of the tar to adhere to a surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Philip Wayne Livanec, Greg PJ Perez
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Patent number: 8457898Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a method is disclosed for assessing image quality of a down hole formation image, the method comprising collecting acquisition system data from a plurality of sensors down hole; applying a set of rules to the acquisition system data to obtain an acquisition quality indicator; and presenting the acquisition quality indicator at a surface location. A system is disclosed for performing the method.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Andreas Hartmann, Oleg N. Akimov, Ansgar Baule, Christian Fulda
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Publication number: 20130068530Abstract: Processes and systems are provided with a hydrophilic liquid or solution for clarifying drilling mud to separate diesel oil or other oil lubricants out from the drilling mud such that the diesel oil or other oil lubricants may be recycled to a well for reuse as a lubricant for drilling components, such as a drilling bit. The hydrophilic liquid or solution may be recovered and reused/recycled in the processes and/or systems as well.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventor: Jurgen D. Scheide