Drilling Fluid Reclaimer Screen Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
In horizontal directional drilling systems, spent drilling fluid, or 'used mud', becomes unsuitable for reuse due to the presence of corrosive particulate matter, necessitating frequent fluid replacement and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A reclaimer system comprising a screen assembly, desilter cones, a vibrator, and a leveling assembly, which processes spent mud to separate particulate matter from drilling fluid, allowing for the recycling of drilling fluid for reuse in excavation operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If spent drilling fluid is reused without processing, then operational costs are reduced, but the fluid becomes contaminated with corrosive particulate matter that damages equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The reclaimer system extracts and removes particulate matter from spent drilling fluid through a screen assembly and desilter cones, separating the harmful solids from the reusable fluid to enable fluid recovery and reuse
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and composition of the spent fluid by filtering out particulate matter, transforming contaminated fluid into clean, reusable drilling fluid through mechanical separation processes
2Reliability
If drilling fluid is frequently replaced due to contamination, then equipment reliability is maintained, but operational costs and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding contaminated drilling fluid, the reclaimer system recovers the fluid by removing particulate matter through screening and desilting processes, enabling continuous reuse and reducing fluid consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The reclaimer enables continuous operation by continuously processing and reclaiming drilling fluid, maintaining fluid quality without interruption to drilling operations and eliminating the need for fluid replacement
3Productivity
If a reclaimer system is installed to process spent mud, then fluid recovery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reclaimer system is divided into separate functional modules including a screen assembly for coarse filtration and desilter cones for fine separation, allowing each component to perform its specific function efficiently and independently
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 system effectively recovers and reuses drilling fluid, reducing the amount of fluid required for excavation operations, thereby decreasing operational costs and environmental impact by efficiently removing particulate matter from spent mud.
Implementation Method 1
a first vibrator operatively attached to the screen assembly
Implementation Method 2
a screen assembly, a conduit for transporting excavation fluid from the excavation site to the screen assembly
Data Source
AI summary
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.