Abstract: An example system may be used to automate one or more processes relating to drill cutting handling, cleaning, and packing to produce consistently high-quality cleaned samples. In some implementations, an example system may employ cleaning processes including centrifugal and ultrasonic processes to clean a sample automatically without the aid of a human operator thereby increasing efficiency and quality of the produced samples for better subsequent sample analysis. A system may include an unloading module, a cleaning module, and packing module, all of which may be operated in combination with a robotic arm.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation are provided. A method includes providing a nanogas dispersion comprising a plurality of stable gas-filled cavities dispersed within an electrochemically activated (“ECA”) aqueous solution, the ECA aqueous solution comprising an electrolyte and water; and introducing an effective amount of the nanogas dispersion into the hydrocarbon-bearing formation, wherein the plurality of stable gas-filled cavities of the nanogas dispersion enter into an interstitial space defined as between the hydrocarbon and the hydrocarbon-bearing formation thereby reducing interfacial tension between the hydrocarbon and the hydrocarbon-bearing formation. A system includes a pump configured to introduce the effective amount of the nanogas dispersion into the hydrocarbon-bearing formation; and a recovery device configured to collect the hydrocarbon from the hydrocarbon-bearing formation.

Abstract: A method for identifying anomalous mud flow includes determining an operating rate of a mud pump discharging to a pipe string in a wellbore. Mud returned from the wellbore is moved to a first metering tank. Mud is moved from the first transfer tank to a mud storage tank using a first pump having a flow rate directly related to an operating rate thereof. A first parameter related to volume of mud in the first metering tank is measured. Anomalous mud flow is identified by detecting changes in the operating rate of the first pump wherein the operating rate is adjusted to maintain the first parameter substantially constant.

Abstract: A method of reducing a density of a density of a stable emulsion drilling fluid may comprise providing a stable emulsion drilling fluid comprising: an aqueous liquid; a biopolymer; an emulsifier; solid particulates; and an oil; wherein the stable emulsion drilling fluid is capable of remaining in quiescent storage at approximately 70° F. and atmospheric pressure without phase separation for about 8 hours or longer; circulating the stable emulsion drilling fluid though a drill string and annulus; adding additional oil to the stable emulsion drilling fluid to decrease the density of the stable emulsion drilling fluid and produce a reduced density stable emulsion drilling fluid; and circulating the reduced density stable emulsion drilling fluid though the drill string and the annulus.

Abstract: Methods and systems for desalination and decontamination for solid waste are disclosed. The method includes decontaminating a volume of contaminated, desalinated drill cuttings by removing at least a portion of contaminants associated with the contaminated, desalinated drill cuttings. The desalinated drill cuttings are drill cuttings that have been desalinated by a desalination unit.

Abstract: System and method for measuring the characteristics of drill cuttings. The system comprises at least one camera operably connected to a processor for determining characteristics of particles from cuttings from drilling, wherein said processor is configured to perform particle detection, determine information about said particles, or both. The processor can be configured to initiate, interrupt or inhibit an activity based on the particle characteristics. The method comprises acquiring visual data from at least one camera, performing particle detection using said data, determining information about the detected particles, alerting an operator and/or initiating, interrupting, or inhibiting activity responsive to such information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting well operations utilize measured values and curve fitting to determine predicted values of the gel strength of well-treatment fluids. The systems and methods are exemplified by first measuring a plurality of measured values representative of the gel strength of the well-treatment fluid, then determining a mathematical function that fits the plurality of measured values. From the mathematical function, the projected values are determined. The projected values are representative of the gel strength for the well-treatment fluid after a projected-value static period.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trench cutter for producing a cut trench in the soil with a cutter frame, at least one pair of cutting wheels which are supported and driven in a rotatable manner on a lower end of the cutter frame, wherein each cutting wheel has a plurality of cutting teeth along its external circumference, and a discharge means with at least one discharge pump for discharging a cutting fluid from the cut trench in the region of the cutting wheels. According to the invention a switchover means is provided which is designed for switching the discharge means over to a flushing operation, in which a fluid flow generated by at least one discharge pump of the discharge means is generated onto at least one cutting wheel for flushing out the cutting wheel.

Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid includes a containment vessel having a V-shaped tank in fluid communication with an agitated overflow tank. Baffles within the V-shaped tank provide a series of zones where the fluid is deposited for processing. A shaftless auger at the bottom of the V-shaped tank transfers solids to an area where they are pumped to a first hydrocyclone assembly associated with a first shaker. Overflow from the hydrocyclone assembly and underflow from the first shaker is further processed by a second hydrocyclone assembly associated with a second shaker. Overflow from the second hydrocyclone assembly and underflow from the second shaker are deposited into overflow tank which contains the cleaned fluid.

Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid includes a containment vessel having a V-shaped tank in fluid communication with an agitated overflow tank. Baffles within the V-shaped tank provide a series of zones where the fluid is deposited for processing. A shaftless auger at the bottom of the V-shaped tank transfers solids to an area where they are pumped to a first hydrocyclone assembly associated with a first shaker. Overflow from the hydrocyclone assembly and underflow from the first shaker is further processed by a second hydrocyclone assembly associated with a second shaker. Overflow from the second hydrocyclone assembly and underflow from the second shaker are deposited into overflow tank which contains the cleaned fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drilling fluid reclaimer. The reclaimer has at least one adjustable screen assembly for providing a leveling filter for reclaimed drill fluid. Used drill fluid is placed at the screen assembly at the front the of the screen assembly. The at least one screen is vibrated to separate large particulate matter from liquid drilling fluid. A second screen is provided for additional filtering. Large particulate matter is expelled by a chute at the back of the screen assembly. Drilling fluid passing through the screen is “reclaimed” for use with a drilling system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drilling fluid reclaimer. The reclaimer has at least one adjustable screen assembly for providing a leveling filter for reclaimed drill fluid. Used drill fluid is placed at the screen assembly at the front the of the screen assembly. The at least one screen is vibrated to separate large particulate matter from liquid drilling fluid. A second screen is provided for additional filtering. Large particulate matter is expelled by a chute at the back of the screen assembly. Drilling fluid passing through the screen is “reclaimed” for use with a drilling system.

Abstract: Oilfield water resource systems and methods for managing oilfield water resources are provided herein. In an embodiment, an oilfield water resource system includes a water storage pond and a second holding pond. The water storage pond includes an oilfield water resource to be provided for use in an oilfield operation. The second holding pond includes low value water different from the oilfield water resource in the water storage pond. The second holding pond is configured to influence relative humidity of air above a water surface of the oilfield water resource in the water storage pond.

Abstract: A method may include: providing a spacer fluid comprising water and an agglomerated zeolite catalyst; and displacing a drilling fluid in a wellbore using the spacer fluid. The agglomerated zeolite catalyst may be a spent agglomerated zeolite catalyst and may include a matrix, a filler, a binder, and zeolite crystals. The zeolite crystals may be selected from the group consisting of type x, type y, ultra-stable type y, ZSM-5, SAPO-11, silicalite-1, mordenite, ferrierite, beta, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sieving apparatus and method for separating solid particles above a predetermined size from a fluid by carrying the solids-containing fluid across at least one sieving cloth in a frame connected to a shaking device for providing shaking motion. The sieving apparatus includes an inlet portion for receiving solids-containing fluid, a discharge portion for solids that have been carried across the at least one sieving cloth and an outlet portion for fluid that has passed through the sieving cloth. The sieving apparatus further includes at least one endless sieving cloth arranged for rotating around at least two spaced-apart turning-rollers, at least one being connected to a motor, and a pumping device in fluid communication with a suction nozzle located proximate an underside of the endless sieving cloth between two of the turning-rollers, to produce a fluid flow through at least a portion of the endless sieving cloth.

Abstract: Shale inhibiting additives for subterranean drilling and/or treatment fluids that include water-soluble polymers are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include: providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a shale inhibiting additive comprising a water-soluble polymer; introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation to contact at least a portion of the subterranean formation that comprises shale; and allowing the shale inhibiting additive to interact with the shale in the subterranean formation to at least partially inhibit the shale.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore extending from a surface of the earth and penetrating a subterranean formation, including: removing water from an aqueous based wellbore servicing fluid by contacting the aqueous based wellbore servicing fluid with a porous substrate coated with a hydrophilic and oleophobic coating, whereby water is removed from the aqueous based wellbore servicing fluid via passage through the porous substrate, and whereby a water concentration and a volume of the aqueous based wellbore servicing fluid are reduced and a density of the aqueous based wellbore servicing fluid is increased to provide a modified aqueous based wellbore servicing fluid.

Abstract: The current invention relates to fluids used in well-bore applications. Embodiments of the present invention encompass fluids including, but not limited to including, a combination of solids and liquid, where the solids include, but not limited to including, clay and industrial dust, such as, but not limited to, steel dust, and methods of making and using such fluids. The liquid may be a combination of two or more liquids. The clay may be a combination of two or more clays. The liquid may include water. A mixture of industrial dust from different sources may be used. In some embodiments, the industrial dust is steel dust including, but not limited to including, calcium oxide.

Abstract: A transportable separation apparatus for separating spent materials from oil and gas operations into a primarily solid component and a primarily liquid component. The separation apparatus includes a first separation area disposed on the separation apparatus for receiving spent materials and beginning separation of the spent materials. The separation apparatus designed to be connected to a vehicle to be pulled on commercial roadways. The separation apparatus also includes a second separation area in fluid communication with the first separation area for further separation of the spent materials. The separation apparatus can further include an auger in fluid communication with the first separation area to remove the primarily solid component from the separation apparatus. A method of introducing and separating the spent materials via the separation apparatus.

Abstract: A method of removing a soluble metal ion from a contaminated brine fluid comprising: adding lime to the contaminated brine fluid, wherein the lime causes the soluble metal ion to become insoluble in the contaminated brine fluid; and passing the contaminated brine fluid through a filter media, wherein the step of passing is performed after the step of adding, and wherein after the brine fluid is passed through the filter media, a brine fluid having a reduced concentration of the metal ion is produced. Another method of removing a soluble metal ion from a contaminated brine fluid comprises: passing the contaminated brine fluid through a filter media, wherein the filter media comprises the lime.

Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid includes a containment vessel having a V-shaped tank in fluid communication with an agitated overflow tank. Baffles within the V-shaped tank provide a series of zones where the fluid is deposited for processing. A shaftless auger at the bottom of the V-shaped tank transfers solids to an area where they are pumped to a first hydrocyclone assembly associated with a first shaker. Overflow from the hydrocyclone assembly and underflow from the first shaker is further processed by a second hydrocyclone assembly associated with a second shaker. Overflow from the second hydrocyclone assembly and underflow from the second shaker are deposited into overflow tank which contains the cleaned fluid.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore extending from a surface of the earth and penetrating a subterranean formation, including: removing water from an aqueous based wellbore servicing fluid by contacting the aqueous based wellbore servicing fluid with a porous substrate coated with a hydrophilic and oleophobic coating, whereby water is removed from the aqueous based wellbore servicing fluid via passage through the porous substrate, and whereby a water concentration and a volume of the aqueous based wellbore servicing fluid are reduced and a density of the aqueous based wellbore servicing fluid is increased to provide a modified aqueous based wellbore servicing fluid.

Abstract: A method that includes providing a treatment fluid having an aqueous base fluid and ground drilling cuttings and placing the treatment fluid in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A bio-friendly water flow control system can include a portable structure adapted to contain organic waste material. The water flow control system can be configured for deployment outdoors to guide water flow to limit erosion. A portable structure of such a system can include a sheath that is configured to contain waste material within an interior of the sheath. The portable structure may be configured to allow a flow of water into the interior of the sheath. The portable structure may include a waste material that includes processed palm frond particles. The portable structure may be configured to absorb a weight of water at least 50% greater than a dry weight of the portable structure.

Abstract: A separation system for use with weighting materials in drilling fluids, the separation system has a body with an interior, a distribution chamber positioned in the interior of the body, a drilling fluid inlet pipe extending into the body in communicating with the distribution chamber, an overflow chamber positioned in the body, and at least one separation chamber positioned in the body and extending below the distribution chamber. The distribution chamber is configured to allow the drilling fluid to pass to the separation chamber. The separation chamber has a high-gravity solids outlet adjacent a lower end thereof and a fluid outlet adjacent an upper end thereof. The fluid outlet communicates with the overflow chamber. The separation channel has an inner diameter that tapers so as to narrow from the upper end thereof to the lower end thereof.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method can include implementing a feedback control scheme including controlling a separation efficiency for a high-pressure production trap (HPPT) by manipulating the demulsifier concentration. Controlling the separation efficiency can include determining, as a function of temperature and based on correlations of historical process data, minimum and maximum target separation efficiencies; identifying a target separation efficiency that is between the minimum and maximum target separation efficiencies; and adjusting a demulsifier dosage, used in calculating the separation efficiency, between a minimum demulsifier concentration and a maximum demulsifier concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole power supply device for supplying power in situ to a power consuming device arranged in a well, comprising a fuel cell producing electricity and water and having a fuel inlet, an oxidising inlet, an electric output and a water outlet, a fuel container fluidly connected to the fuel inlet, and an oxidising agent container fluidly connected to the oxidising inlet, wherein the fuel cell has an internal pressure which is at least 1.0 bar for increasing a boiling temperature of the water produced in the fuel cell. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a downhole system.

Abstract: A method for improving mobility of heavy crude oil in a subterranean reservoir is provided. A fluid formulation can be introduced into the reservoir, the fluid formulation comprising water and a surfactant, and optional co-solvents. The fluid formulation can produce one or more of a dispersion and an emulsion in the reservoir, whereby the surfactant acts as an dispersant or emulsifying agent, emulsifier and/or drag reducing agent. The emulsion or the dispersion can have a water external phase and a crude oil internal phase.

Abstract: Base oil can be recovered from contaminated O/SBF by combining a chemical process with a mechanical process. The chemical treatment includes adding a demulsifier, an anionic surfactant, a non-ionic surfactant and/or a mutual solvent to the contaminated O/SBF in an amount effective to separate the base oil from the contaminated O/SBF fluid followed by mechanical separation of oil from water, and optionally from any solids present. The recovered base oil (i.e. conventional drilling fluid, conductive drilling fluid and constant rheology drilling fluid, etc.) may then be reformulated to make a new OBM of the same type from which the base oil was recovered, or as a fuel for engines.

Abstract: Systems and methods recycle liquid(s) by introducing at least a portion of a first liquid from a first centrifuge into a tank. At least a portion of a second liquid is introduced from a second centrifuge into the tank. The first liquid and the second liquid are mixed together in the tank to produce a mixed liquid. At least a portion of the mixed liquid is introduced from the tank into the second centrifuge. Particles from the mixed liquid are separated using the second centrifuge, thereby producing the at least a portion of the second liquid that is introduced from the second centrifuge into the tank.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an ionized fluid, injecting the ionized fluid into fissures in a subterranean formation, pressurizing the ionized fluid, whereby the crystalline structure of a portion of the shale deposits located at the fissures are changed into suspended particles, whereby the depressurization of the ionized fluid forces the suspended particles out of the fissures, increasing the flow of hydrocarbons from those fissures.

Abstract: A drilling and grouting device comprises a drill string including a hollow elongate outer rod having a central axis and a hollow elongate inner rod located coaxially within said outer rod, wherein a first outer flow path is defined between said inner and outer rod, and a first central flow path is defined inside said inner rod, a drill bit aligned with said inner rod along said central axis and including a second central flow path, and a crossover part interposed between said inner rod and said drill bit along said central axis, which is configured to connect the first central flow path with a second outer flow path surrounding the drill bit to form a main path and to connect said first outer flow path with said second central flow path to form a secondary path. Also disclosed are systems and methods that include and use the device.

Abstract: A water pump control system is provided for vacuum excavation equipment. The water pump control system includes a control circuit for controlling a hydraulic actuation circuit configured to control a water pump circuit such that a water pressure produced by the water pump circuit does not exceed a desired water pressure. The hydraulic actuation circuit can include a proportional hydraulic valve, and the control circuit controls a water pump speed by monitoring a water pressure and adjusting an electric current flowing into the proportional valve to meet the desired water pressure. The control circuit can include a pressure transducer mounted to the water pump circuit to monitor the water pressure in real-time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vector sensor for measuring particle movement in a medium. The vector sensor comprises a magnetic body that is held at a certain distance from a magnetometer in such a way that the magnetic body can move in time with a passing particle movement, wherein the magnetometer is arranged to detect the oscillations in the magnetic field that the movements in the medium produce.

Abstract: A process for separating synthetic turf product comprising includes the consecutive steps of: (a) downsizing the synthetic turf product into a downsized turf material; (b) separating the downsized turf material by sieving into at least a first fraction substantially comprising a mixture of backing material and additional components and a second fraction substantially comprising grass fiber components; (c) separating the first fraction by specific gravity to provide a low density fraction and a high density fraction; (d) separating the second fraction by specific gravity and size by providing an airflow directed upwards in a separator configured to cause a swirling motion whereby a lighter fraction is entrained upwards in the air flow and a heavy fraction is allowed to fall downwards; and (e) collecting the low density fraction and the light fraction.

Abstract: A wellbore strengthening material collection system including a vibratory separator having a top deck, a middle deck, and a bottom deck, and also including a collection trough coupled to at least one of the decks and configured to receive wellbore strengthening materials from the at least one of the decks. Additionally, a collection trough including a body having an inlet and an outlet, an angled surface disposed within the body and at least on extension surface extending form the body and configured to secure the collection trough to a vibratory separator.

Abstract: Methods and processes for recycling base oils from spent invert emulsion drilling fluids may include frictionally heating a spent drilling fluid that comprises an invert emulsion and solids, wherein the solids are at about 50% or less by volume of the spent drilling fluid; and simultaneously evaporating oil and water from the invert emulsion at a temperature lower than an atmospheric boiling point for the oil.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and techniques for manufacturing proppant or lost circulation material from drilling cuttings. In an example embodiment, a method for manufacturing proppant or lost circulation material from drilling cuttings includes obtaining solid drilling cuttings from drilling fluid, removing any remaining hydrocarbon from the solid drilling cuttings, and rending the solid drilling cuttings into a powder form. The method further includes using the powdered drilling cuttings as raw material in a proppant or lost circulation material manufacturing process. In an example embodiment, the proppant or lost circulation material manufacturing process can be sintering or flame spheroidization.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an ionized fluid, injecting the ionized fluid into fissures in a subterranean formation, pressurizing the ionized fluid, whereby the crystalline structure of a portion of the shale deposits located at the fissures are changed into suspended particles, whereby the depressurization of the ionized fluid forces the suspended particles out of the fissures, increasing the flow of hydrocarbons from those fissures.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of wastewater. In one aspect, the invention can be a method of treating wastewater comprising: a) introducing wastewater having a first turbidity level into a wastewater treatment system; b) injecting an aqueous polymer mixture into the wastewater to flocculate suspended solids within the wastewater; c) removing the flocculated suspended solids from the wastewater to form a treated water having a second turbidity, the second turbidity being lower than the first turbidity; and wherein the aqueous polymer mixture of step b) is formed by introducing a raw polymer into a re-circulated portion of the treated water.

Abstract: Methods and processes for recycling base oils from spent invert emulsion drilling fluids may include frictionally heating a spent drilling fluid that comprises an invert emulsion and solids, wherein the solids are at about 50% or less by volume of the spent drilling fluid; and simultaneously evaporating oil and water from the invert emulsion at a temperature lower than an atmospheric boiling point for the oil.

Abstract: A method of processing a return oil-based drilling fluid includes centrifuging a primarily fluids phase at a first speed and separating the primarily fluids phase into a first effluent and a first residual, centrifuging the first effluent at a second speed and separating the first effluent into a second effluent and a second residual, and centrifuging the second effluent at a third speed and separating the second effluent into a third effluent and a third residual. A surfactant, a polymer, combinations of surfactant(s) and polymer(s) and/or a wash water may be added to one or more of the return oil-based drilling fluid, the primarily fluids phase, the primarily solids phase, the first effluent, the second effluent, and the third effluent.

Abstract: A drilling system including a riser, a pressure vessel, a source of pressurized gas, and a main flow line which extends from the riser to the pressure vessel, the pressure vessel having a liquid inlet port connected to the main flow line, a gas inlet port connected to the source of pressurized gas, a liquid outlet port located in a lowermost portion of the pressure vessel, and a gas outlet port located in an uppermost portion of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A method of extracting recovering oil from vegetable material in which oil bearing material is heated and subjected to sonication at least one frequency above 400 kHz, removing a first yield of oil by decanting and subjecting the retained material to centrifugal separation to separate out a second yield of oil. Preferably the raw vegetable material is passed through a screw press and the obtained material is heated and subjected to the ultrasonic treatment and then allowed to settle for a predetermined period before decanting the oil layer. Preferably two frequencies above 400 kHz are used, one below 1 MHz and the second from 1 MHz. There are many potential transducers arrangements possible for producing standing waves.

Abstract: A slug mitigation system for subsea pipelines includes a riser located between a low level and an upper (above sea-) level of a pipeline, where an inline separator, e.g. an “I-SEP”, is located upstream of a first stage separator. A throttling valve or fixed restriction is located downstream or upstream in series with the inline separator. Further aspects may also include a surface jet pump upstream of the in-line separator and/or a cyclonic separator downstream of the in-line separator.

Abstract: A method of extracting recovering oil from vegetable material in which oil bearing material is heated and subjected to sonication at least one frequency above 400 kHz, removing a first yield of oil by decanting and subjecting the retained material to centrifugal separation to separate out a second yield of oil. Preferably the raw vegetable material is passed through a screw press and the obtained material is heated and subjected to the ultrasonic treatment and then allowed to settle for a predetermined period before decanting the oil layer. Preferably two frequencies above 400 kHz are used, one below 1 MHz and the second from 1 MHz. There are many potential transducers arrangements possible for producing standing waves.

Abstract: A method for controlling a downhole pressure during drilling comprises continually sensing in real-time at least one real-time fluid property of an input fluid to a well and of a return fluid from the well. A wellhead setpoint pressure is calculated in real-time that results in a predetermined downhole pressure at a predetermined location in the well, where the calculation based, at least in part, on the at least one continually sensed real-time fluid property. The flow of the return fluid is controllably regulated to maintain the calculated wellhead setpoint pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remediating porous contaminated material. In the method, fuel material is combined with the contaminated material and a smoldering combustion process is initiated in the contaminated material to remediate the contaminated material. Control systems are provided to control the smoldering combustion process. The contaminated material may include oily waste, asbestos fibers, and/or at least one of a chlorinated solvent, a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), a dioxin, a furan and a polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH).

Abstract: A system and method for separating two or more materials, such as a solid from a liquid, or a solid from a slurry, are provided. An exemplary system and method for separating drill cuttings from drilling fluids are provided, as well as a system and method of processing such separated drill cuttings. In another implementation, a system and method is provided for separating gold (or another mineral, element, or solid) from a slurry or liquid that includes mining cuttings.

Abstract: 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.