Bio-Based Liner Mat for Drilling Fluid Recycling and Soil Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling fluid management systems result in uncontrolled disposal and inefficient recycling of drilling waste, posing environmental risks and resource wastage, particularly in remote areas.
Innovation Solution
A liner mat composed of a composite bio-based material with layers of chitosan, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polylactic acid (PLA), and hydroxyapatite (HAp) for filtration and mechanical support, which adsorbs pollutants and heavy metals, allowing for recycling and reuse of drilling fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional liner mats are used for waste pit management, then mechanical strength and durability are provided, but environmental harm occurs due to non-biodegradable materials and uncontrolled disposal of drilling fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The liner mat employs a composite structure combining PLA (polylactic acid) for mechanical strength and PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) for adsorption functionality. This composite material approach enables the mat to simultaneously provide structural integrity and environmental protection through biodegradability and pollutant adsorption capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters from conventional non-biodegradable polymers to biodegradable polymers (PLA and PHA) with specific functional properties. The PLA component provides mechanical strength while the PHA component offers adsorption capacity for heavy metals and pollutants, transforming the liner mat into an environmentally beneficial material.
2Productivity
If drilling fluids are discharged into ponds with minimal treatment, then disposal is simplified and costs are reduced, but environmental pollution increases due to uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons and chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The liner mat performs self-service pollution remediation by passively adsorbing heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and chemical pollutants from drilling fluids through its PHA component. This eliminates the need for active treatment systems while simultaneously removing contaminants, allowing efficient disposal without environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful pollutants in drilling fluids into a beneficial adsorption process. The PHA material selectively binds heavy metal ions and hydrocarbons, transforming the waste disposal problem into a resource recovery opportunity where contaminants are removed and the treated fluid can be safely discharged or reused.
3Reliability
If adsorbent materials are added to remove pollutants from drilling fluids, then fluid quality improves for reuse, but device complexity increases due to additional treatment components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the waste containment function and the pollutant removal function into a single integrated liner mat structure. The PLA base layer provides mechanical containment while the PHA adsorbent layer provides pollution remediation, combining multiple treatment functions into one component without requiring separate treatment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner mat utilizes a thin-film flexible structure that can be deployed in waste pits and directly contacts drilling fluids. This thin-film design provides effective adsorption surface area while maintaining simplicity of installation and removal, avoiding complex treatment equipment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The liner mat effectively removes pollutants and heavy metals from drilling fluids, enabling their reuse and minimizing environmental impact by preventing soil contamination, while being biodegradable and sustainable.
Implementation Method 1
The adsorbent layer provides filtration and removal of undesired species from the drilling fluids by adsorption, diffusion, or both
Implementation Method 2
Chitosan can act as a chelating agent that selectively binds some metals
Implementation Method 3
The base layer provides mechanical strength to the liner mat
Implementation Method 4
PHA is hydrophobic and can remove at least a portion of heavy metal ions (such as lead ions and cadmium ions) from drilling fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A liner mat for waste pit management and drilling fluid recycling at well sites is described. The liner mat includes an adsorbent layer and a base layer. The adsorbent layer includes chitosan and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The base layer includes polylactic acid (PLA). In some cases, the base layer includes hydroxyapatite (HAp). The adsorbent layer contacts the drilling fluid. The adsorbent layer can mitigate microbial growth and adsorbs at least a portion of pollutants from the drilling fluid. The base layer provides structural support and resistance against mechanical stress and tearing.