Abstract: A flow diverter and a vacuum blower for vibrating screen separator assembly. The flow diverter decelerates and increases the exposed surface of materials. The exhaust blower removes vapors from the materials.

Abstract: A system for separating fluids from a hydrocarbon well production fluid mixture at a subsea location has a centrifugal separator (16) for separating the mixture into gas and liquid. A hydrocyclone separator (32) then separates the liquid into oil and water and an oil-in-water sensor (38) detects the amount of oil in water leaving the separator. If the sensor (38) detects that the water contains more than the prescribed amount of oil, the water is recirculated through the hydrocarbon separator (32) for removal of further oil form water. The hydrocyclone separator (32) has a level interface sensor (66) and if this sensor detects that the oil/water interface is not within prescribed limits for optimum separation of the oil and water, the amount of oil removed from the separator is adjusted until the oil/water interface is within the prescribed limits.

Abstract: A method for recirculating fluid in a well system includes drilling a first well bore from a surface to a subterranean zone, and drilling an articulated well bore that is horizontally offset from the first well bore at the surface and that intersects the first well bore at a junction proximate the subterranean zone. The method also includes drilling a drainage bore from the junction into the subterranean zone, and receiving gas, water, and particles produced from the subterranean zone at the junction via the drainage bore. The gas, water, and particles are received from the junction at the surface, and the water is separated from the gas and the particles. The method also includes determining an amount of water to circulate, and recirculating a portion of the separated water according to this determination.

Abstract: A system which receives as inputs various measurements of solids and liquids in a clarification system and, from these measurements, determines the various constituents and their fractional makeup within the system. The measurements may be made manually or mechanically, but are preferably made manually. From a quantitative analysis of easily accessible sample points, data is acquired and plugged into a spread sheet program, which numerically and graphically displays the breakdown of the constituents which make up the solids and liquids discharged from a treatment stage or of the entire system.

Abstract: A method for selecting an emulsifier for isolating free hydrocarbons in a given drilling system and a method of using the emulsifiers to treat drill cuttings to isolate free hydrocarbons, including bitumen.

Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid stream. The system includes a first separator device mounted to a container. The container includes a settling compartment and baffle plate module, with the initial settling compartment receiving the fluid from the first separator device. The fluid stream proceeds through the baffle plate module. The solids within the fluid stream will descend to the bottom of the container. A spiral blade is positioned at the bottom of the container, with the spiral blade adapted to convey solids to a first pump member. The speed of rotation of the spiral blade may be varied. The first pump member discharges the slurry to a second separator device. The second separator device will discharge the separated fluid stream into the baffle plate module. In one embodiment, the first separator device is a linear shaker and the second separator device is a cyclone separator and linear shaker mounted in tandem.

Abstract: A method for drilling a well below a body of water as disclosed which includes injecting into the well, at a depth below the water surface, a liquid having a lower density than a density of a drilling mud producing a mixture of drilling mud and low-density liquid in the well. The mixture of drilling mud and low-density liquid is withdrawn from an upper end of the well. The drilling mud and the low-density liquid are separated, with at least a portion of the separated low-density liquid returned to the depth below the water surface and at least a portion of the separated drilling mud returned to an upper end of the drill string.

Abstract: A drilling system for drilling a bore hole into a subterranean earth formation, wherein at least a portion of the mud flow from the primary mud pump is diverted to the mud discharge outlet, thereby creating a backpressure system to readily increase annular pressure.

Abstract: A system for heating drilling, completion, and/or stimulation fluids including acidizing liquids but not limited to; entering or exiting a wellbore, the system including a principal heat exchange vessel; a first inlet for introducing heat transfer media into fluid flow lines within the vessel; an outlet for flowing the heat transfer media from the vessel; a second inlet for introducing fluids returning from or returning to the well bore for receiving heat from the heating fluid within the fluid flow lines in the vessel; an outlet for flowing the heated downhole fluids from the vessel to be returned down the borehole; a heater for heating the heating fluid to a desired temperature before returning the heating fluid to the heat exchange vessel. Optimally, the drilling or completion fluid would be heated to 50° to 60° F. above ambient temperature.

Abstract: A hydraulic choke for a flow stream from a well with large diameter particulate matter of a finite amount includes an inlet with a defined inlet flow area and a chamber with a defined chamber flow area. The inlet flow area is about ⅓ the size of the chamber flow area. The choke further includes a gate in the chamber surrounded by a housing separated from the chamber wall, a piston for engaging the gate against a seat, a studded outlet in communication with the chamber in the same plane as the inlet, and a studded solids removal outlet in communication with the chamber. The studded solids removal outlet is oriented approximately 90 degrees from the inlet position to permit the large diameter particulate matter to fall from the flow stream and into a solids receptacle for collecting the large diameter particulates matter. The solids receptacle is in communication with the studded solids removal outlet.

Abstract: A vertical, centrifugal separator used for drying drill cuttings prior to transport or further processing. The separator is adapted to receive scavenged heat from any source and is further adapted to include internal conveyers, thereby lowering the overall operating profile and providing increased cuttings retention time within a heated environment.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system of well workover fluids, the system comprising: a first settling tank which stores fluid; a second settling tank which stores fluid; a low pressure pump in fluid communication with the first and second settling tanks; a low pressure filter in fluid communication with the first and second settling tanks; a high pressure pump in fluid communication with the second settling tank; and a high pressure filter in fluid communication with the second settling tank, wherein the high pressure filter comprises: an inlet; an outlet; a plurality of input feed lines in fluid communication with the inlet; a plurality of output feed lines in fluid communication with the outlet; a plurality of filter canisters, wherein at least one filter canister is in fluid communication with each input feed line and each output feed line.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for processing deleterious material on a floating vessel during transportation from a well to a disposal site. The vessel contains equipment for the slurrification and agitation of the deleterious material. Such equipment includes storage tanks, slurrification units, and agitation units, as well as transfer equipment such as flow lines and vacuum or pump means. The deleterious material is transferred from the drill site to the storage tanks on the vessel. The vessel then transports the material to a disposal site, such as an injection well. During transportation, the deleterious material is processed. Such processing can include slurrification and/or agitation of the deleterious material to maintain the slurry, adding fluid if necessary. Once at the disposal site, the deleterious material slurry is then transferred from the vessel to the disposal site.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for preparing variable density drilling muds. The invention is particularly useful in offshore operations where storage and transportation of consumable materials is an important economic issue. One version of the apparatus is a portable apparatus requiring minimal deck space that can be used as needed and then removed. The invention is particularly useful during offshore dynamic kill drilling.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for producing a pressurized stream of substantially inert gas. The apparatus includes a compressor having an intake manifold and an output manifold. The intake manifold receives a substantially inert gas stream and the output manifold receives a stream of pressurized gas from the compressor. The apparatus further includes a compressed gas re-circulation conduit connecting the output manifold to the intake manifold such that a portion of the pressurized gas from the compressor is re-circulated from the output manifold back to the intake manifold to maintain the gas pressure within the intake manifold above atmospheric pressure and to prevent atmospheric gases from being drawn into the intake manifold.

Abstract: A method for transporting oil drill cuttings using a vessel having a lower conical portion where the cone has an angle which provides for mass flow of the drill cuttings when there is an application of compressed air on the surface of the drill cuttings in the vessel.

Abstract: A method for conveying a non-free flowing paste where the non-free flowing paste is loaded into a vessel or container having a conical lower portion designed to provide mass flow of the paste. A gas is applied to the vessel to cause the paste to flow out. The paste may be transported to another vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where it may be stored. The paste may then be discharged using a gas to transport the paste to a third vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where the loaded vessel itself may be transported, such as by boat, to another destination, such as the shore. The third vessel may be disposed vertically or horizontally on the boat. Thereafter, the paste may be transported to a fourth vessel for further transport or the third vessel may be moved from the boat to a truck for further transport. A frame, the size of a shipping container may enclose a vessel or the frame enclosed vessel may be coupled to other frame enclosed vessels.

Abstract: A method for conveying a non-free flowing paste where the non-free flowing paste is loaded into a vessel or container having a conical lower portion designed to provide mass flow of the paste. A gas is applied to the vessel to cause the paste to flow out. The paste may be transported to another vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where it may be stored. The paste may then be discharged using a gas to transport the paste to a third vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where the loaded vessel itself may be transported, such as by boat, to another destination, such as the shore. The third vessel may be disposed vertically or horizontally on the boat. Thereafter, the paste may be transported to a fourth vessel for further transport or the third vessel may be moved from the boat to a truck for further transport. A frame, the size of a shipping container may enclose a vessel or the frame enclosed vessel may be coupled to other frame enclosed vessels.

Abstract: A method for conveying a non-free flowing paste where the non-free flowing paste is loaded into a vessel or container having a conical lower portion designed to provide mass flow of the paste. A gas is applied to the vessel to cause the paste to flow out. The paste may be transported to another vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where it may be stored. The paste may then be discharged using a gas to transport the paste to a third vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where the loaded vessel itself may be transported, such as by boat, to another destination, such as the shore. The third vessel may be disposed vertically or horizontally on the boat. Thereafter, the paste may be transported to a fourth vessel for further transport or the third vessel may be moved from the boat to a truck for further transport. A frame, the size of a shipping container may enclose a vessel or the frame enclosed vessel may be coupled to other frame enclosed vessels.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon contaminants in drill cuttings generated in an oil drilling operation are removed by mixing the drill cuttings with an agglomerant to produce a pre-treatment mixture; heating to vaporize the hydrocarbon contaminants under a condition in which vapor entrainable particles of the drill cuttings are agglomerated by the agglomerant, and caking of drill cuttings is inhibited; drill cuttings having a reduced content of the contaminant are removed, and vaporized hydrocarbons having a reduced content of vapor entrainable particles are recovered. In this way, the particulate content of vapors escaping from the drill cuttings is reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for developing and recycling drilling fluids at the site of a subterranean well is described, thus eliminating the need for transporting the fluids to the site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing fluids, particularly entrained and/or adherent fluids, from drill cuttings generated during the well drilling process. A generally cylindrical wire-wrapped screen having a bore therethrough rotates about its longitudinal axis. Suction pressure is applied through the inner bore of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen. As fluid-laden drill cuttings are deposited on the outer surface of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen, fluids are drawn off of the cuttings and evacuated from the inner bore of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen. Solid components of the cuttings remain on the outer surface of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen and eventually roll off the screen. A scraping member is provided to agitate cuttings deposited on the outer surface of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for processing deleterious material on a floating vessel during transportation from a well to a disposal site. The vessel contains equipment for the slurrification and agitation of the deleterious material. Such equipment includes storage tanks, slurrification units, and agitation units, as well as transfer equipment such as flow lines and vacuum or pump means. The deleterious material is transferred from the drill site to the storage tanks on the vessel. The vessel then transports the material to a disposal site, such as an injection well. During transportation, the deleterious material is processed. Such processing can include slurrification and/or agitation of the deleterious material to maintain the slurry, adding fluid if necessary. Once at the disposal site, the deleterious material slurry is then transferred from the vessel to the disposal site.

Abstract: A sub-sea mud pump system includes a plurality of pump units, and each pumping unit includes a plurality of pumping elements. Each pumping element includes a pressure vessel with a first and a second chamber, a separating member between the first and second chambers, a measurement device adapted to measure the volume of at least one of the first and second chambers, a hydraulic inlet control valve and a hydraulic outlet control valve coupled to the first chamber, a mud suction valve and a mud discharge valve coupled to the second chamber. The first chamber is hydraulically coupled to receive and discharge a hydraulic fluid, and the second chamber is hydraulically coupled to receive and discharge a drilling fluid. The separating member is adapted to move within its the pressure vessel in response to a pressure differential between the first and second chambers. The pump system also includes a hydraulic control unit adapted to control the plurality of pump units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of modelling a circuit travelled by a drilling mud during drilling, the circuit including both the well and the surface equipment, in particular solid separation devices, in which method, for each time sequence, there are calculated the mass concentration of each liquid and solid species present in the mud, the total flow rate, and the grain size distribution of each solid species downstream from each item of equipment. The invention also provides inversion of the above method to estimate the size of the cuttings on the basis of the measured efficiency of solid separation devices.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system of well workover fluids, the system comprising: a first settling tank which stores fluid; a second settling tank which stores fluid; a low pressure pump in fluid communication with the first and second settling tanks; a low pressure filter in fluid communication with the first and second settling tanks; a high pressure pump in fluid communication with the second settling tank; and a high pressure filter in fluid communication with the second settling tank, wherein the high pressure filter comprises: an inlet; an outlet; a plurality of input feed lines in fluid communication with the inlet; a plurality of output feed lines in fluid communication with the outlet; a plurality of filter canisters, wherein at least one filter canister is in fluid communication with each input feed line and each output feed line.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon contaminants in drill cuttings generated in an oil drilling operation are removed by mixing the drill cuttings with an agglomerant to produce a pre-treatment mixture; heating to vaporize the hydrocarbon contaminants under a condition in which vapor entrainable particles of the drill cuttings are agglomerated by the agglomerant, and caking of drill cuttings is inhibited; drill cuttings having a reduced content of the contaminant are removed, and vaporized hydrocarbons having a reduced content of vapor entrainable particles are recovered. In this way, the particulate content of vapors escaping from the drill cuttings is reduced.

Abstract: A mud tank cleaning system includes a debris collection sweep that drives debris towards a collection zone in a mud tank, whence the debris can easily be mechanically disposed of through an opening in the mud tank. Preferably, the collection zone is in a central depressed part of the mud tank to allow gravity to assist in moving debris towards the collection zone. Preferably, a pair of collection sweeps are used on opposed sides of the collection zone. The collection sweeps are preferably pivotally mounted to follow an arcuate path along the surface of a cylindrical confining wall of the mud tank. Sweep drive mechanisms operate the sweeps. The collection sweeps are preferably used in conjunction with a disposal sweep that sweeps debris collected in the collection zone by the collection sweeps out of the collection zone and through the opening in the mud tank, from where it may be readily disposed of. The mud tank is typically operated in conjunction with a hydrovac vehicle.

Abstract: A drilling mud clarification or reclamation system is provided. High gravity and low gravity solids are removed from the drilling mud in respective centrifugal separator stages. A plurality of in-line mass flow sensors are provided to provide real-time indication of the effectiveness of the clarification of the drilling mud, and to provide control signals to a central control station. The heavier weight components are separated from the mud and returned to the system for further use. The lighter weight components are removed and are discarded to clean the mud. A cuttings dryer is provided to remove oil from cuttings which have been separated from a shale shaker stage. A de-sludging centrifuge is also provided to remove very fine cuttings which may have a harmful effect on the viscosity of the mud.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing fluids, particularly entrained and/or adherent fluids, from drill cuttings generated during the well drilling process. A generally cylindrical wire-wrapped screen having a bore therethrough rotates about its longitudinal axis. Suction pressure is applied through the inner bore of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen. As fluid-laden drill cuttings are deposited on the outer surface of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen, fluids are drawn off of the cuttings and evacuated from the inner bore of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen. Solid components of the cuttings remain on the outer surface of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen and eventually roll off the screen. A scraping member is provided to agitate cuttings deposited on the outer surface of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen.

Abstract: A horizontal boring apparatus comprises a traveling framework (10) on which is arranged a boring ramp (18) for guiding a boring rod (19), a rod magazine (22) for receiving individual boring rod sections (19), a drive apparatus (24) for the travelling framework (10) and the boring rod (19). In addition, the horizontal boring apparatus is comprised of an operating station (14, 16), and a mixing apparatus for the preparation of flushing fluid. The mixing apparatus includes a mixing unit (32) having a mixing pump, and is arranged on the traveling framework (10) without a flushing fluid tank. The mixing apparatus has a first inlet port connectable with a flushing fluid source and at least one outlet port releasably connectable with a flushing fluid receiver.

Abstract: A pumping system for injecting buoyant spheres into an oil or gas well having a feeder containing a plurality of buoyant spheres; and a sphere pump in proximity to the feeder, having first and second rotatable wheels, wherein the first wheel has a plurality of notches and the second wheel has a corresponding plurality of notches, such that during rotation of the wheels the first and second wheel notches temporarily combine to form a plurality of pockets, wherein each pocket receives then ejects one of the plurality of buoyant spheres from the feeder during rotation of the first and second wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing and recovering up to 98 percent of the residual drilling mud and fluids from drill cuttings for reuse and storing the drill cuttings in a relatively dry state thereby reducing cuttings volume requirements for storage and transport thereby reducing constipation of the drilling process due to disposal congestion. The present invention further provides methods for collecting and transferring drill cuttings in either dry or wet states to various locations on or adjacent the rig for processing, containerization, transport and disposal, thereby reducing handling and contamination thus simplifying recycling while reducing cost.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for reducing dust-related problems in rock drilling, air and liquid mist is supplied into a drilling hole to moisten the dust that comes off the drilling hole. The air and moistened dust exiting from the drilling hole are led to a dust separator, dust portions that collect into the dust separator being removed therefrom at suitable intervals. When dust is to be removed from the dust separator's filter, liquid is supplied to the portion below the filter in a mist-like form or as small droplets in connection with the dust removal to moisten the dust which then falls out of the lower end of the dust separator.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for removing proppant from fluid used in an oil and gas well for reuse in future operations. The proppant is separated from the well fluid and transported to a materials collection tank. A crane then transports the materials collection tank onto a processing boat. On the processing boat, the proppant is vacuumed from the materials collection tank to a hopper. The proppant is then discharged from the hopper into a holding tank for treatment and reuse. In a first alternative embodiment, two hoppers are positioned above each other so that the proppant can be added to the upper hopper and then fed by gravity to the lower hopper. A valving arrangement maintains vacuum within the interior of at least one hopper at all times to provide a continuous vacuum operation. A conduit discharges from the lower hopper into the holding tank.

Abstract: A biodegradable wellbore fluid with an oleaginous phase including a linear paraffin having 11-18 carbon atoms, a non-oleaginous phase, an emulsifying agent and optionally a weighting agent. Use of the fluid while drilling allows bio-remediation of drill cuttings using land spreading, bioreactors, conventional composting or vermiculture composting. The resulting product, especially when vermicomposed, is potentially useful as a soil amendment or plant fertilizer material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling drilling mud density at a location either at the seabed (or just above the seabed) or alternatively below the seabed of wells in deep water and ultra deep water applications are disclosed. The present invention combines a base fluid of lesser density than the mud required at the wellhead to produce a diluted mud in the riser. By combining the appropriate quantities of drilling mud with base fluid, a riser mud density at or near the density of seawater may be achieved. The present invention also includes a wellhead injection device for attachment to the wellhead and for injecting the base fluid into the rising drilling mud at a location below the seabed. The riser charging lines are used to carry the low density base fluid to the injection device for injection into the drilling mud below the seabed. The cuttings are brought to the surface with the diluted mud and separated in the usual manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating for disposal oil-contaminated clay substrates such as drill cuttings from drilling with an oil-based mud. If necessary, the substrate is pretreated with an aqueous emulsion breaker such as alkylbenzenesulfonic acid. The substrate is mixed under high shear conditions with a mineral acid such as sulfuric acid. This can be done in an agitated reactor with sequential addition of the organic and inorganic acids. The substrate is then mixed with alkaline earth such as lime in a second agitated reactor. The reactions between the acid(s), alkaline earth and substrate are exothermic and provide heat to vaporize the oil, reaction products and water. Recoverable constituents in the vapor can be condensed in a vapor collection system. The treated substrate is essentially free of oil and has a controlled water content.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recycling drilling mud contaminated with particulates, consists of channelling a stream of contaminated slurry onto a screen deck, with the partly cleansed liquid entering a mixing tank. Liquid within the tank is continually mixed. An exit conduit removes liquid from the tank on a continuous basis, where it is given an additional purification with a cyclonic separator. The heavier fraction is further screened, with the resulting purified liquid re-entering the tank. The lighter fraction exists the cyclonic separator, and a portion of the lighter liquid is withdrawn for use as a substantially cleansed liquid. Another portion of the lighter fraction is re-circulated back into the tank, thus providing multi passes through the system to provide enhanced purification. The cleansed liquid may be directed into a separate mixing apparatus, in which additional slurry-forming powder such as Bentonite is added for forming a new slurry.

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: Liquids are removed from drill cuttings generated during drilling operations, recovered and recycled to the rig drilling fluid system, reducing the amount of waste generated and fluid lost. The process and apparatus to achieve this uses a fluid bed thermal desorption unit that vaporizes the liquids from the cuttings. A portion of this vapour is recycled to fluidize the bed, enhance heat transfer and maintain a low oxygen environment in the desorption chamber. The cuttings become the bed medium. The drilling fluid system is used to condense the vapours for re-use. The unit allows for varying rates of cuttings generation and varying composition of those cuttings.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for reducing dust-related problems in rock drilling, air and liquid mist is supplied into a drilling hole to moisten the dust that comes off the drilling hole. The air and moistened dust exiting from the drilling hole are led to a dust separator, dust portions that collect into the dust separator being removed therefrom at suitable intervals. When dust is to be removed from the dust separator's filter, liquid is supplied to the portion below the filter in a mist-like form or as small droplets in connection with the dust removal to moisten the dust which then falls out of the lower end of the dust separator.

Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid stream. The system includes a first separator device mounted to a container. The container includes a settling compartment and baffle plate module, with the initial settling compartment receiving the fluid from the first separator device. The fluid stream proceeds through the baffle plate module. The solids within the fluid stream will descend to the bottom of the container. A spiral blade is positioned at the bottom of the container, with the spiral blade adapted to convey solids to a first pump member. The speed of rotation of the spiral blade may be varied. The first pump member discharges the slurry to a second separator device. The second separator device will discharge the separated fluid stream into the baffle plate module. In one embodiment, the first separator device is a linear shaker and the second separator device is a cyclone separator and linear shaker mounted in tandem.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing system for the preparation of a drilling fluid for horizontal drilling methods, having a high-pressure pump and a feed line for the additive medium arranged upstream of the high-pressure pump in the direction of flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for preparing variable density drilling muds. The invention is particularly useful in offshore operations where storage and transportation of consumable materials is an important economic issue. One version of the apparatus is a portable apparatus requiring minimal deck space that can be used as needed and then removed. The invention is particularly useful during offshore dynamic kill drilling.

Abstract: A fluid collection system for connection upon a wellhead. The collection system includes a fluid collection pan having an upwardly open fluid reservoir. The pan is adapted to be connected in-line with a wellhead conduit. The pan has an upwardly convex floor adapted to direct collected fluids in the reservoir toward a peripheral trough that is formed between the floor and a surrounding side wall to the floor. One or more drains is positioned at the trough for accommodating withdrawal of collected fluid therefrom. A wellhead extension conduit is included that has a through bore configured for conveying well produced fluids from below the fluid collection pan to above the fluid reservoir. Preferably, the extension conduit and the pan are unitarily configured to permit on-site monolithic installation of the assembly upon a wellhead.

Abstract: A drilling mud clarification or reclamation system is provided. High gravity and low gravity solids are removed from the drilling mud in respective centrifugal separator stages. A plurality of in-line mass flow sensors are provided to provide real-time indication of the effectiveness of the clarification of the drilling mud, and to provide control signals to a central control station. The heavier weight components are separated from the mud and returned to the system for further use. The lighter weight components are removed and are discarded to clean the mud. A cuttings dryer is provided to remove oil from cuttings which have been separated from a shale shaker stage. A de-sludging centrifuge is also provided to remove very fine cuttings which may have a harmful effect on the viscosity of the mud.

Abstract: An automated high speed drill cuttings processing and injection module having a relatively small foot print, capable of operation in zone one 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 allowing 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. The system reduces installation cost dramatically.

Abstract: A method for increasing the efficiency of drilling operations by using a drilling fluid material that exists as supercritical fluid or a dense gas at temperature and pressure conditions existing at a drill site. The material can be used to reduce mechanical drilling forces, to remove cuttings, or to jet erode a substrate. In one embodiment, carbon dioxide (CO2) is used as the material for drilling within wells in the earth, where the normal temperature and pressure conditions cause CO2 to exist as a supercritical fluid. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC—CO2) is preferably used with coiled tube (CT) drilling equipment. The very low viscosity SC—CO2 provides efficient cooling of the drill head, and efficient cuttings removal. Further, the diffusivity of SC—CO2 within the pores of petroleum formations is significantly higher than that of water, making jet erosion using SC—CO2 much more effective than water jet erosion.

Abstract: A recovering system includes at least one shale shaker having at least one screen and a hydrocyclone manifold system; a recovery tank having a cavity and a base, the tank having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the recovery tank having at least one agitation system for creating force within the cavity of the recovery tank; and at least one recovery shaker having at least one screen.