Systems and methods for the storage and disposal of waste cement

Abstract

A collapsible bladder system for the storage and disposal or re-use of cement returns from oil and gas wells is described. The collapsible bladder system includes a flexible storage bag having an input valve, an output valve and a vent that can be easily set up and transported by a single person. Cement returns are pumped into the flexible storage bag and allowed to harden into a cement block. The cement block covered with the storage bag can be hauled away for disposal or re-used for a secondary purpose, such as a barricade.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefits of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 and 120 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 674,200 filed Jul. 20, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to collapsible bladders, and specifically to collapsible bladder systems for the storage and disposal of cement returns from oil and gas wells.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Large storage containers are frequently needed in certain industries for the transportation and disposal of waste products. In one example and specifically in the oil and gas industry, there is a need for storing and disposing of cement returns from oil and gas wells that are being cased.[0004]As is known, after drilling an oil or gas well, an operator will typically case sections of the well in order to provide stability to one or more sections of the well for the subsequent production phases of the well. D...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a collapsible bladder for collecting and storing cement. The bladder has a vent for releasing air pressure and two ports for filling and expelling cement. It also has a zipper for easy handling and an external form for imparting a surface texture to the cement. The invention also provides a system for collecting and storing cement returns, which includes multiple collapsible bladders connected by a hose for overflow cement returns. The technical effects are improved cement handling and storage in a convenient and efficient manner.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, after drilling operations cease, the pit must be reclaimed to its former or equivalent land use, all of which may be a time-consuming and costly process for the operator.

More specifically, as the pit disposal method typically requires a) a large pit up to 100 m3 to be dug into the ground at a well site, b) allowing the cement returns to harden and conveying them from the wellhead to the pit and c) breaking the hardened cement into smaller pieces to ensure drainage in the pit and d) the reafter covering the cement and remediating the ground, the oil and gas industry has generally been moving away from the use of cement pits as these steps require a substantial amount of work that can be costly to complete.

While with this method drilling companies are not subjected to the same standard of land reclamation as with cement pits, the hauling and moving around of the large heavy containers containing waste cement is both labor and equipment intensive.

That is, this method typically requires the use of expensive equipment including a winch tractor as well as hammering and lifting equipment.

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