Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing liquids from spent drilling fluid solids includes a horizontally elongate separator having an augur with a discontinuous blade. The solids are heated to drive off volatile liquids, which are then collected and condensed. An internal combustion engine may actuate a generator and the exhaust gases used as a heat source, as well as electric heating elements. The exhaust gases may be introduced into the separator directly, through a heating channel or through a hollow augur shaft. Uncondensed gases may be treated to reduce particulate and gas emissions.

Abstract: A system for cleaning particulate solids contaminated with hydrocarbons and water includes a preheating feed auger (12), a first separator (14) which comprises an auger (26) and a heat source, a first vapour collection and condensation system, a second separator (30) which comprises an auger (26) and a heat source which accepts the solids from the first separator and operates at a higher temperature, and a second vapour collection and condensation system. The system is particularly useful for cleaning solids obtained from drilling mud, which solids are mixed with water and diesel.

Abstract: An externally adjustable liquid interface for a centrifugal separator. A tubular liquid outlet extends into a rotatably mounted drum. The tubular liquid outlet has an exterior surface, an interior bore, and a top lip which represents an interface for liquids of differing densities. The tubular liquid outlet includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member. A first end of the second tubular member telescopically mates with a first end of the first tubular member. A second end of the second tubular member serves as the top lip of the tubular liquid outlet. A threaded coupling is provided between the first tubular member and the second tubular member. Upon rotation of the second tubular member the relative telescopic position of the second tubular member and the first tubular member is altered. A fitting disposed in the interior bore of the tubular liquid outlet is non-rotatably coupled with the second tubular member. The fitting is adapted to receive a working end of a tool.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator in which a wash fluid zone is formed within the confines of an annular weir, with excess wash fluids passing via a spillway to an excess wash fluid outlet. Recyclable fluids are forced into a wash fluid/recyclable fluid interface on top of the wash fluid zone by centrifugal force with recyclable fluids being skimmed from the wash fluid/recyclable fluid interface through a recyclable fluid outlet. Solids are propelled by centrifugal force outwardly toward interior sidewalls and washed down sloped interior sidewalls toward a solids outlet by wash fluids fed continuously in through a wash fluids inlet. A rotating shaft is provided having a plurality of arms which extend to immediately adjacent the solids outlet. The arms have paddle shaped extremities.

Abstract: A three phase centrifugal separator for separating the components of a fluid mixture of oil, water and gas, consisting of a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted within a pressure vessel. Two liquid phase holding tanks connected to the pressure vessel are also maintained under pressure. The drum has an initial separation chamber which separates gaseous phase fluids from liquid phase fluids. Water is forced to the outer circumference of the drum by centrifugal force and forms a water zone within the confines of a first and a second annular weirs. The first annular weir is lower than the second annular weir such that water is retained in the water zone until the level of the first annular weir is attached, thereafter any additional water entering the water zone results in a migration of water between the drum and the first annular weir to a water phase outlet. Oil is forced into a water/oil interface on top of the water zone by centrifugal force.