Abstract: Well material distribution methods may include gravity feeding bulk well materials including at least one well material component into a mixing vessel which may include a mixing vessel interior and at least one mixing device disposed in the mixing vessel interior; forming a well material mixture by mixing the bulk well materials including at least one well material component in the mixing vessel interior of the mixing vessel via operation of the at least one mixing device; distributing the well material mixture from the mixing vessel interior of the mixing vessel to at least one mud pit; and distributing a substantially homogenous well material mixture from the at least one mud pit to a hydrocarbon well.

Abstract: A well material distribution method includes obtaining at least one material-containing sack containing at least one well material, placing the at least one material-containing sack in an automatic sack cutting machine, opening the at least one material-containing sack and dispensing the at least one well material by operation of the automatic sack cutting machine and distributing the at least one well material from the automatic sack cutting machine directly into a mixing vessel configured to simultaneously handle a plurality of well materials. Well material distribution systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A well material distribution method includes obtaining at least one material-containing sack containing at least one well material, placing the at least one material-containing sack in an automatic sack cutting machine, opening the at least one material-containing sack and dispensing the at least one well material by operation of the automatic sack cutting machine and distributing the at least one well material from the automatic sack cutting machine directly into a mixing vessel configured to simultaneously handle a plurality of well materials. Well material distribution systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mixing two or more drilling fluid components to form a drilling fluid composition. In one embodiment, a method is provided which comprises (a) combining the components in a substantially sealed mixing tank to form a mixture, at least one of the drilling fluid components being dispensed under substantially sealed and externally dust-free conditions from at least one bulk bag into the tank, (b) agitating the mixture within the mixing tank, and (c) circulating at least a portion of the mixture from the mixing tank through grinding means for breaking apart agglomerates within the mixture.

Abstract: A bulk bag lifting apparatus includes a structural frame having beams that accept forklifting tines during lifting operations from below and lugs at the top of the frame which facilitate jerking lifts from above. The base has a peripheral side wall that is fixed and structurally connected to the base. A plurality of four moving side wall portions are provided which can collapse upon the base and below the upper edge of the peripheral side wall. In this fashion, a number of different units can be stacked when the units are in a collapsed position. The side walls collapse in pairs including opposed diagonally opposite side walls collapsing at the same time and a pair at a time. In this fashion, a first two of the side walls can collapse into a position upon the base wherein the first two side walls are generally side by side and occupying different half base portions of the base. The second two side walls are also diagonally opposed and are spaced ninety degrees (90.degree.

Abstract: A method of mixing drilling fluids at a drill site includes the transportation of sealed silo assemblies that can contain dry products in bulk to the well drilling site. The dry products are maintained within the silo assemblies in a dry and pressurized condition. The dry product is discharged from the sealed silo assemblies and into a mixer at the well drilling site wherein the mixer is maintained in a sealed environment until mixing is completed. The mixer combines the dry product with a liquid at the well site. The dry product is maintained within the silo assemblies in a pressurized condition to discourage the entry of moisture or gasses having high moisture content.