Abstract: A press process and structure is disclosed for defluidizing earth drill cuttings, thereby extracting valuable drilling additives and returning them to the drilling system while producing a dense, drier material which may be chemically treated for distillation and/or better dissolution into the environment, thereby reducing, cost in transportation and environmental treatment chemicals thus reducing environmental contamination.

Abstract: An oil well cuttings disposal tank apparatus of improved construction provides a tank body having an interior and a plurality of side walls, a plurality of end walls, a bottom wall, and a top wall with a discharge opening at one end portion thereof. The discharge opening communicates with the intersection of the top wall and one of the end walls. A hatch is provided for opening and closing the discharge opening. A plurality of lifting plates are attached to the side walls and extend upwardly from the top wall, each of the lifting plates having openings or eyelets for attaching lifting lines thereto. A stacking beam is associated with each lifting plate, each stacking beam extending from the top wall upwardly a distance and attaching to the lifting plate at a position above the top wall. Each stacking beam has a load bearing surface that extends laterally from its lifting plate inwardly toward an opposite stacking beam and the central portion of the tank.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the disposal of solid particulate material in subterranean formations penetrated by a borehole are disclosed. The invention includes, but is not limited to, the disposal of oil field waste and therefore provides means and methods for the disposal of virtually any type of waste slurry stream. A slurry is formed at the surface of the earth by mixing the solid waste in particulate form with liquid and preferably a viscosifier thereby forming a slurry. A borehole is drilled into a selected injection formation and the slurry is pumped or flowed "on vacuum" from the surface through the borehole and into the injection formation. Some surface pretreating of the slurry may be required including sizing of the particulate solids, adding weighting material, removing excessive amounts of oil and grease and diluting to reduce the level of radioactivity.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating drilling mud discharged from a well wherein the mud contains drill cuttings and paramagnetic materials such as hematite. The drilling mud is first passed through a high-gradient magnetic separator to separate the paramagnetic materials from the drilling mud. The drilling mud is then passed through a centrifuge separator to remove the drill cuttings from the drilling mud.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform includes the steps of separating the drill cuttings from the well drilling fluid on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore during drilling operations. The cuttings are then transmitted via gravity flow to a materials trough having an interior defined by sidewalls and a bottom portion. The drill cuttings are suctioned from the bottom portion of the trough interior with a suction line having an intake portion that is positioned at the materials trough bottom. Drill cuttings are transmitted via the suction line to a pair of hoppers that each have an interior. A vacuum is formed in sequence within the interior of each hopper using a blower that is in fluid communication with the hopper interiors. The two hoppers are positioned one above the other so that cuttings can be added to the first, upper hopper via the suction line and then fed by gravity to the second, lower hopper.

Abstract: A method for disposing of drill cuttings generated during the process of drilling oil and gas wells, by injection into the annulus of a well bore and into the earth formation, throughout the well bore operation through the use of secondary casings, injection tubes attached externally to the surface casing string and by injection into a special well bore directionally drill adjacent the primary well bore in a path leading away from the primary well.

Abstract: A closed loop process is shown for treating oil and saline contaminated particulate materials such as drilling cuttings such as are encountered in oil and gas well bore drilling operations. The process includes at least two washing stages and three solids separation stages. A process fluid tank utilizes an auger to remove deposited solids from the process fluid while hot gases being bubbled through the tank facilitate separation and skimming of oil and hydrocarbon components from the tank surface.

Abstract: A continuous-belt drilling mud separation unit is removably mounted in a box-like housing disposed in the flow path of drilling mud or drilling fluids and is operated by a motor on the housing. The separation unit includes a generally rectangular frame, a tensioning system, and a wide continuous belt in the form of a mesh screen, chain, self-cleaning chain link belt, or combination chain link belt and wire mesh screen which extends around rollers or sprockets and is driven in a continuous loop moving along the longitudinal axis of the frame. As drilling mud or drilling fluids are conducted onto the moving belt, liquids and particles smaller than the openings in the belt pass through the openings and liquids and particles larger than the openings are transported on the moving belt and are discharged off of one end as the belt completes its path.

Abstract: The invention concerns wellbore fluids suitable for use in the oil and gas exploration and production industries and embraces fluids used for drilling, completion, workover or packing of wellbores. The invention is especially concerned with biodegradable wellbore fluids the liquid phase of which consists of an oil, or of water-in-oil "invert" emulsions, where the oil phase comprises n-alkanes.

Abstract: A method of removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform includes the steps of separating the drill cuttings from the well drilling fluid on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore during drilling operations. The cuttings are transmitted via gravity flow to a materials trough having an interior defined by sidewalls and a bottom portion. The drill cuttings are suctioned from the bottom portion of the trough interior with a first suction line having an intake portion that is positioned at the materials trough bottom. Drill cuttings are transmitted via the suction line at flow velocities in excess of 100 feet per second to a tank that has two collection chambers. A vacuum is formed in sequence within the interior of each chamber using a blower that is in fluid communication with the tank interior via a second vacuum line.

Abstract: A method of removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform includes the steps of separating the drill cuttings from the well drilling fluid on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore during drilling operations. The cuttings are then transmitted via gravity flow to a materials trough having an interior defined by sidewalls and a bottom portion. The drill cuttings are suctioned from the bottom portion of the trough interior with a pair of primary suction lines, each having an intake portion that is positioned at the materials trough bottom. Drill cuttings are transmitted via the primary suction lines at flow velocities in excess of 100 feet per second to a pair of collection tanks that each have an interior. A vacuum is formed in sequence within the interior of each tank using a blower that is in fluid communication with the tank interior via a vacuum tank and secondary suction lines.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for separating coarse and ultrafine solids from a liquid stream to produce a substantially dry solids discharge and a clarified liquid. Apparatus is provided comprising a combination of a settling tank, a plurality of filter screens spaced along an endless link-chain conveyor, a screen vibrator and directed air streams. In operation, coarse solids settle preferentially to the tank bottom. Ultrafines solids remain in suspension. Relatively coarse filter screens are conveyed from a point outside the tank to traverse a prolonged path through the liquid. Ultrafine solids are captured on the screens, by filtering the liquid through an ever finer build-up of filter cake. The relatively large number of passes of the screens through the liquid provides effective filtering of suspended solids. Further, the screens dredge settled solids from the tank bottom.

Abstract: Ground peanut hulls in the range of -150 to 250 standard size mesh are mixed with a viscosifier and added to a fluid for circulation in a borehole during drilling, completion and workover operations. Below 250 standard sieve mesh the ground peanut hulls are distributed in a range down to 700 standard sieve mesh, with some of the ground peanut hulls having a size less than 700 standard sieve mesh.

Abstract: The invention features an assembly for use in a system used to drill a well. The system is capable of receiving a mixture of drilling fluid (e.g., liquid mud) and gumbo from downhole of the well. The assembly has a grating having at least one opening extending through the grating and positioned to intercept the mixture. The at least one opening is sized to block the gumbo from passing through the at least one opening and to allow the fluid to pass through the at least one opening. The assembly has an arm and a motivator connected to move the arm across the grating to remove the gumbo blocked from passing through the at least one opening.

Abstract: The drilling fluid returns from underbalanced drilling are introduced into a separator and a separate gas stream is recovered. The gas stream is cleaned at the well site to remove entrained liquid and particulate solids, to produce gas suitable to be fed to a compressor. The cleaned gas is compressed to re-injection pressure and recycled to the well.

Abstract: Described is the use of ecologically compatible, and more particularly of biologically degradable, oils having flash points of above 80.degree. C. for washing mineral oil-loaded drill cuttings prior to the disposal thereof by off-shore and/or on-shore deposition. For the use as wash oils there are preferred aerobically and/or anaerobically degradable low-viscosity oils are employed which are also suitable for being used as a mixture component of the continuous oil phase of W/O invert drilling fluids.

Abstract: For use with a mud pit connected to a drilling rig, a first pipe and connected pump pulls mud from the pit for use or disposal. The pit is provided with a bottom located drain line with a valve connected to an added pipe, a serially connected pump and outlet pipe going to a backload line for recovery in a tanker.

Abstract: A separation system for use with wells drilled for the purpose of producing hydrocarbons where the primary drilling fluid is air or mist. The separator system includes a horizontal separation tube connected to an exhaust line so that it will receive the exhaust mixture created during the drilling of the well. The separator tube has separator inlet liquid ports defined along the length of the tube. Dump outlet ports are also defined along the length of the tube. Separator liquid is injected into the tube and the solid and liquid components of the exhaust mixture along with the separator liquid will pass out of the tube through the dump outlet ports into a receiving tank. The gas component of the exhaust mixture passes through the separator tube into a secondary separator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a solution for use in downhole drilling to reduce the torque necessary to rotate the drill string. The solution comprises a phosphate and a sulfonate according to the formula (RSO.sub.3).sub.x Me.sup.x, where R is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkylaryl group, and mixtures thereof having a molecular weight between about 280 and about 650, x is the number of (RSO.sub.3) groups, and Me.sup.x is a metal ion having a valence x. The phosphate is preferably a phosphate ester, ether phosphate, or soluble phosphate having a molecular weight in the range of about 300 to bout 900. The phosphate is able to operate at temperatures prevailing in drilling mud systems. The solution is pumped down a drill string as a slug in order to coat solids which accumulate in the well and allow them to be removed along with the drilling fluid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the disposal of solid particulate material in subterranean formations are disclosed. The invention is not limited to the disposal of oil field waste and therefore provides means and methods for the disposal of virtually any type of waste slurry stream. A slurry is formed at the surface of the earth by mixing the solid waste in particulate form with liquid and viscosifier thereby forming a slurry. A borehole is drilled into a selected injection formation and the slurry is pumped from the surface through the borehole and into the injection formation. Some surface pretreating of the slurry may be required including sizing of the particulate solids, adding weighting material, removing excessive amounts of oil and grease and diluting to reduce the level of radioactivity. The injection formation is preferably dipping in angle with respect to the horizontal and highly fractured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing and treating hydrocarbon-contaminated drill cuttings suspended in drilling mud so that the cuttings are made environmentally acceptable while the hydrocarbon contaminants are contemporaneously captured and returned for use in said drilling mud is disclosed. Using one or more shakers to make a first separation of the cuttings from the mud, a mud stream and a first slurry containing cuttings are produced. The mud stream is fed into a mud pit, while the first slurry is fed into a classifier/grit dewatering unit to separate the cuttings from the slurry to obtain a drill solids discharge. The drill solids discharge is passed into a rotating, heat-jacketed trundle for a time and at a temperature sufficient to vaporize the hydrocarbon contaminants to obtain processed solids and hydrocarbon vapors. The hydrocarbon vapors are captured and condensed to obtain a liquid hydrocarbon, which is delivered to the mud pit for admixture with the mud stream.

Abstract: A method of removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform includes the steps of separating the drill cuttings from the well drilling fluid on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore during drilling operations. The cuttings are transmitted via gravity flow to a materials trough having an interior defined by sidewalls and a bottom portion. The drill cuttings are suctioned from the bottom portion of the trough interior with a first suction line having an intake portion that is positioned at the materials trough bottom. Drill cuttings are transmitted via the suction line at flow velocities in excess of 100 feet per second to a holding tank that has an access opening. A vacuum is formed within the holding tank interior using a blower that is in fluid communication with the tank interior via a second vacuum line. Liquids and solids flowing in the vacuum lines are separated from the vacuum lines before the liquids and solids can enter the blower.

Abstract: A method for removing insoluble materials from a liquid mixture, including spinning at least one centrifuge separator at a predetermined speed and pumping the mixture to the spinning centrifuge separator at a predetermined rate. The rate in which the mixture is pumped to the separator is varied in response to a variable angular moment of force in the centrifuge separator caused by density variations in the mixture. The method is carried out by an apparatus including at least one centrifuge separator coupled in fluid communication to at least one pump. A closed-loop feedback system is operably coupled to the devices driving both the separator and the pump to control the rate in which the mixture is supplied to the separator. The rate is determined by the angular moment of force in the separator which then allows the system to increase, maintain, or decrease the output of the pump.

Abstract: Predetermined quantities of slurried solids wastes are injected into earth formation waste disposal zones having a predetermined in situ stress distribution and compaction rate for a predetermined hydraulic injection pressure and wherein the disposal zones are bounded by zones having greater in situ stresses. Unconsolidated or lightly cemented formation zones may be used for waste disposal wherein it is determined that a substantial compaction of the material defining opposed faces of hydraulic fractures may occur. Fracture volume available for retention of solids in the slurry is calculated based on fracture height, fracture length, elastic deflection of the fracture faces, compaction of the fracture faces and the number of fractures based on either unequal or substantially equal horizontal stress distributions.

Abstract: A closed loop system for processing the effluent of drilling mud, cuttings, diesel, water and ultrafines includes a first mechanism for separating the cuttings from the mud, ultrafines and diesel utilizing washing fluid and shaking mechanisms. A second system is also provided to separate the majority of the diesel and water and ultrafines into water and diesel and ultrafines separately.

Abstract: A method for processing solid materials for disposal in an underground porous formation includes separating an initial slurry mixture into predefined components, and then continually classifying, shearing, recirculating and diluting the separated components until all solid particles in the initial slurry mixture are reduced to a desirable size. The reduced solid particles are then injected, as a slurry, into a porous underground formation. The desirable size is less than a size that has been found to cause problems with present methods of injecting waste products in underground porous formations.

Abstract: A method of solidifying oil base shale cuttings and used drilling mud on site by thoroughly mixing the shale cuttings and drilling mud with an activated lime mixture to form a uniform dispersion of the lime mixture throughout the composite. Water from the drilling mud or from water added as needed activates the admixed lime causing a reaction which generates substantial heat and steam. The generated heat will dry the mixture and neutralize its acidic components producing an environmentally safe end product which may be cultivated into a ground surface without the need for special storage pits or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an excavator for suction material, particularly for removing soil from underground pipes. The excavator has a pneumatic elephant trunk for removing the suctioned material and which issues into a storage tank for the suctioned material and to which is connected an exhaust fan. In the storage tank the suctioned material is separated from the suction air flow and is subsequently passed through a filter positioned between an elephant trunk opening and the exhaust fan. In order to ensure a good separation on the part of the filter for a long period of time, the filter is formed by a coarse filter and a fine filter connected to the latter. The coarse filter is formed by a labyrinth or cascade-like flow channel, which is bounded by reciprocally displaced partitions and whose flow cross-section increases in the flow direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating drill cuttings during oil and gas drilling, in particular in connection with oil and gas wells below water. This invention aims at a secure and permanent depositions of drill cuttings without risking environmental pollution. This invention is based on the philosophy that there is made a dispersion or emulsion of drill cuttings in water, as the particles of drill cuttings, including all present contaminations, are disintegrated to obtain particles being so small that they may be dispersed in a relatively small amount of water. As no particle has a size above a predetermined tiny value, this dispersion may be pumped into most existing subsea structures and are thus permanently disposed of.

Abstract: A method of removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform includes the steps of separating the drill cuttings from the well drilling fluid on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore during drilling operations. The cuttings are transmitted via gravity flow to a materials trough having an interior defined by sidewalls and a bottom portion. The drill cuttings are suctioned from the bottom portion of the trough interior with a first suction line having an intake portion that is positioned at the materials trough bottom. Drill cuttings are transmitted via the suction line at flow velocities in excess of 100 feet per second to a holding tank that has an access opening. A vacuum is formed within the holding tank interior using a blower that is in fluid communication with the tank interior via a second vacuum line. Liquids and solids flowing in the vacuum lines are separated from the vacuum lines before the liquids and solids can enter the blower.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of cementing a well with a cementing composition utilizing a portion of the fluid used to drill the well as a component of the cementing composition. The methods basically comprise forming a cementing composition, consisting essentially of a cementing precursor composition and a set-activator introducing the cementing composition into the well and permitting the cementing composition to set into a hard mass therein; wherein the cementing precursor composition is the fluid used to drill the well.

Abstract: Slurries of particulate solids wastes are injected into a disaggregated earth formation through an injection well by predetermining the formation to have a compressive stress in a range of about 300 psi to 2500 psi, a porosity of at least about twenty percent (20%) and disposed between overburden and underburden layers which have a substantially lower permeability than the disposal zone. The disposal zone is disaggregated or "liquified" by injecting substantially solids-free liquid followed by injection of the solids-laden slurry.

Abstract: In the removal of particulates from a wellbore, such as in air drilling for hydrocarbon recovery, a mixture of an amphoteric foaming agent and, typically, an anionic surfactant is employed. An aqueous solution thereof having a pH of at least 9.5 is used to generate a foam for removing the particulates; then the foam is collapsed by the introduction of acid to reduce the pH below about 4, the particles are removed mechanically, the pH is restored to greater than 9.5, and the foaming solution is returned to the wellbore. The solution may be used several times; partial losses of foaming agent in the process may be easily replenished with each cycle. Cationic surfactants may be used instead of anionic, with foaming and foam collapse being controlled at opposite pH's. Savings are realized in water, drilling chemicals, and settling pits and the like for removing particulates from the foam.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of cementing a well with a cementing composition utilizing a portion of the drilling fluid used to drill the well as a component of the cementing composition. The methods basically comprise forming a cementing composition, consisting essentially of a cementing precursor composition, a set-activator, and a portion of the drilling fluid, introducing the cementing composition into the well and permitting the cementing composition to set into a hard mass therein.

Abstract: A method for removing insoluble materials from a liquid mixture, including spinning at least one centrifuge separator at a predetermined speed and pumping the mixture to the spinning centrifuge separator at a predetermined rate. The rate in which the mixture is pumped to the separator is varied in response to a variable angular moment of force in the centrifuge separator caused by density variations in the mixture. The method is carried out by an apparatus including at least one centrifuge separator coupled in fluid communication to at least one pump. A closed-loop feedback system is operably coupled to the devices driving both the separator and the pump to control the rate in which the mixture is supplied to the separator. The rate is determined by the angular moment of force in the separator which then allows the system to increase, maintain, or decrease the output of the pump.

Abstract: Well cuttings are disposed of by solidification by combining the cuttings with water and blast furnace slag, and injection of the cuttings, water and slag into an annulus surrounding a wellbore casing and solidifying the cuttings, water and slag. Solidification in blast furnace slag cement is inexpensive, and the blast furnace slag is compatible with both oil and water based drilling muds. Drilling fluids therefore do not have to be removed from the drilling cuttings prior to solidification in the wellbore annulus.

Abstract: An injection adapter allows injection of oil base cuttings produced by an injection well into an annulus surrounding one of the strings of casing in the injection well. The injection well has inner and outer wellhead housings with at least one casing hanger installed in the inner wellhead housing. A port extends through the casing hanger to an annulus surrounding the casing. A closure sleeve will selectively close the port. An injection adapter removably lands in the bore of the casing hanger when the port is open. The injection adapter seals in the casing hanger and is connected to a pump at the surface for pumping the slurry into the annulus.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are provided for processing the drilling mud used to flush cuttings from the bore hole while maintaining control of bore hole pressure. Air is injected into the lower regions of drilling mud in the working pits to agitate the drilling fluids and thus maintain particulate additives in suspension while simultaneously facilitating the settling of larger cuttings from the earth formations. Air is also injected into the bottom of the drilling mud and other waste fluids which are placed into the discard pit to evaporate the water and thereby accelerate consolidation or ultimate drying of the drilling mud for final disposal. This can be done as required during the drilling operation so that the consolidated or dried drilling mud can then be more easily and economically handled for transport to a hazardous waste disposal site, or can be more easily covered with earth while remaining in the discard pit.

Abstract: Slurries of relatively fine particles of solids wastes and similar materials are disposed of through injection wells which penetrate earth formation disposal zones which have a minimum in situ compressive stress generally less than an overburden zone and an underburden zone adjacent to the disposal zone. The disposal zone preferably has a permeability greater than the overburden and underburden zones. The slurry is injected through a disposal well intersecting all of the zones and having perforations preferably communicating the slurry with the underburden zone to provide for lateral growth of the hydraulically fractured disposal zone as the solids filter cake plates out on the fracture faces of the disposal zone without substantially penetrating the overburden zone.

Abstract: A drilling fluid is diluted and a cementitious component added thereto. In a more specific embodiment the dilution is carried out by introducing liquid such as water to a flowing stream of the drilling fluid and thereafter a cementitious component is mixed therewith. Thus, the drilling fluid can be used in a conventional manner to drill a well and thereafter diluted and a cementitious component added to produce a cement for cementing operations such as setting a casing in the well and/or can be used for remedial cementing.In another embodiment of the invention, the drilling fluid itself contains a small amount of cementitious component and additional cementitious component is added after the dilution.

Abstract: The new method of removal and disposal of frozen reserve pit material, thawed reserve pit material and soils contaminated with low level radiation or other pollutants is disclosed. The system has several components that take the solids material and to crush the material down to a workable size. The crushed mixture is agitated and mixed into a slurry. Unlike other systems, the present invention uses agitation plus a jet feed of the fines slurry that is pumped into the bottom of the holding tanks. This supplemental feed assures proper dilution and ensures through mixing. The system then uses finer crushers and hydrocyclones to reduce the particulate size further. Once the material is properly reduced, it can be pumped into an injection well for disposal below ground, using any suitable method.

Abstract: Drill cuttings and similar earth materials are reduced in particle size, slurried and disposed of from a system which includes a ball mill, a reduced particle receiving tank, a grinder pump in communication with the receiving tank and separator screens for receiving a slurry of particles which have been reduced in size through the ball mill and the grinder pump. The underflow of the separator is suitable for discharge for final disposal, oversized particles are returned to the ball mill and the underflow discharged from the separator is controlled to maintain a certain level in the primary receiving tank. A secondary tank may receive a portion of the underflow to be mixed with viscosifiers and dispersants to maintain a suitable slurry composition for discharge. The system may be mounted on a semi-trailer and in weather-proof enclosures with the ball mill, receiving tanks and grinder pump on a first level and the separators on a second level.

Abstract: An apparatus supported on a truck bed and including a high pressure water conduit for dislodging earthen material for evacuation by a suction conduit. The evacuated material and water pass through a cyclone separator with the removed air directed through a secondary separator. A blower intake induces low pressure in the separators. Solids and water removed by the first mentioned separator are subjected to screening whereat water is reclaimed and returned to a tank from which a high pressure water pump draws. An air lock receives the earthen material and water from the separator. A modified air lock is disclosed for use with highly abrasive material. The screen is positionable about a horizontal axis by a hydraulic cylinder to maintain desired inclination for maximum dewatering of the evacuated material. A water conduit and valve system permit periodic drawing of water from a secondary tank when the level of the reclaimed water in the recovery tank falls below a certain level.

Abstract: Slurried solid waste materials are injected into subterranean earth formations in a zone of interest which has a relatively low in situ compressive stress bounded by zones of higher in situ compressive stress and wherein the zone of interest has alternate layers of material of relatively high and low permeability to fluid flow, respectively. The solid waste slurry is conducted through an injection well penetrating the zone of interest to form a conventional two-winged hydraulic fracture. The fracture is extended by reducing the tendency to form filtercake in the fracture adjacent to the layers of material of relatively low permeability while depositing particle filtercake adjacent the earth layers of high permeability so as to provide clear fluid flowpaths through the fracture while allowing the filtercake layers disposed in the fracture to assist in propping the fracture open until adequate lateral extension of the fracture and disposal of the waste material is accomplished.

Abstract: Drill cuttings are cleaned of oil-based drilling mud and oil using a cleansing agent, such as a C6-C10 carboxylic acid, that is preferentially oil soluble at one pH and preferentially water soluble at another pH. The oily cuttings are treated with the carboxylic acid and then washed with an aqueous, alkaline washing solution, which converts the carboxylic acid to its water soluble salt and, with vigorous agitation, lifts most of the oil from the cuttings. In other embodiments, the process is used for cleaning oil-contaminated soil, sand, and gravel, and for separating the oils from the solids in oily sludges.

Abstract: Drilling mud is economically disposed of in an environmentally sound manner by mixing the mud with a crosslinkable polymer and a crosslinking agent to form a composition that solidifies at a predetermined time. The composition is injected into a subterranean formation through an abandoned well and, when solidified, is substantially immobilized within the formation.

Abstract: Drill cuttings are cleaned of oil-based drilling mud and oil using a cleansing agent, such as a C6-C10 carboxylic acid, that is preferentially oil soluble at one pH and preferentially water soluble at another pH. The oily cuttings are treated with the carboxylic acid and then washed with an aqueous, alkaline washing solution, which converts the carboxylic acid to its water soluble salt and, with vigorous agitation, lifts most of the oil from the cuttings. In other embodiments, the process is used for cleaning oil-contaminated soil, sand, and gravel, and for separating the oils from the solids in oily sludges.

Abstract: A process for recovering hydrocarbon contaminants from a drilling mud by adding a hydrocarbon diluent along with a wash water to create an emulsion. The wash water having a surfactant dissolved therein. The resultant emulsion is subjected to centrifugation which produces three distinct layers that can be easily separated to produce a clean drilling mud, a clear wash water, and a hydrocarbon phase containing the hydrocarbon contaminant and the hydrocarbon diluent.

Abstract: New apparatii and processes are disclosed to create fluid continuity between opposite ends of a route drilled or bored under and/or around an obstacle. This invention allows fluids to be pumped through a reamer and a hollow swivel from either or both sides of the obstacle. It also allows the direct transfer of fluids from one side to the other through the connecting conduit located in the annular space produced during drilling and reaming operations.

Abstract: Drill cuttings are cleaned of oil-based drilling mud and oil using a cleaning agent, such as a C6-C10 carboxylic acid, that is preferentially oil soluble at one pH and preferentially water soluble at another pH. The oily cuttings are treated with the carboxylic acid and then washed with an aqueous, alkaline washing solution, which converts the carboxylic acid to its water soluble salt and, with vigorous agitation, lifts most of the oil from the cuttings. In other embodiments, the process is used for cleaning oil-contaminated soil, sand, and gravel, and for separating the oils from the solids in oily sludges.