Vapor extracting and separator cleaning apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments relate to an apparatus for separating solids from drilling fluid that includes a shaker having a screening surface onto which the fluid and solids are directed and a vibratory drive vibrating the screening surface. A cabinet includes a plurality of walls enclosing the shaker, a vapor extraction system for circulating clean air into the cabinet and vapors out of the cabinet, and a cleaning system including a plurality of nozzles for directing the cleaning fluid toward the shaker. Furthermore, embodiments relate to a method for extracting vapors and cleaning a shaker that includes enclosing the shaker in a cabinet. The cabinet includes a plurality of walls through which a fresh air inlet and a vapor outlet are disposed, a solids collection container having a solids outlet, a sump having a fluid exit passage in which a valve is disposed, and a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with a cleaning fluid supply. Furthermore, the method connecting the vapor outlet to a fume extraction system, directing drilling fluid and solids onto a screening surface of the shaker, and discharging separated solids to a solids collection container. The solids collection container includes a solids outlet in which a rotary valve is disposed. The method also includes directing separated drilling fluid into a sump below the screening surface of the shaker, and selectively actuating the rotary valve to remove separated solids from the cabinet.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 756,353 filed on Jan. 5, 2006 entitled, “Vapor Extracting and Separator Cleaning Apparatus” incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] Rotary drilling methods employing a drill bit and drill stems have long been used to drill wellbores in subterranean formations. Drilling fluids or muds are commonly circulated in the well during such drilling to cool and lubricate the drilling apparatus, lift drilling cuttings out of the wellbore, and counterbalance the subterranean formation pressure encountered. The recirculation of the drilling mud requires the fast and efficient removal of the drilling cuttings and other entrained solids from the drilling mud prior to reuse. Shaker separators are commonly used to remove the bulk solids from the drilling mud. [0003] A shale shaker is a vibrating sieve-like table upon which returning dirty drilling mud is deposited and t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These vapors may be toxic or even explosive.

However, simply segregating the separator from the rest of the equipment is not feasible.

This presents additional potential exposure to dangerous vapors.

Such close proximity to the separator necessarily puts the operator in the vicinity of potentially dangerous fumes.

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