Drilling Mud Remediation via Vacuum Separation and Induction Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling mud remediation methods face challenges in efficiently separating cuttings from drilling fluid, minimizing handling and shearing of cuttings, reducing fluid loss, and effectively treating cuttings for disposal, particularly in removing oils and achieving uniform pelletization.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vacuum liquid solid separator with a seamless filter belt, a pelletizer, and an induction furnace, where the separator applies a uniform slurry layer to the filter belt using an applicator, and the pelletizer compacts cuttings while removing residual liquids, followed by the induction furnace vaporizing remaining liquids to render the cuttings safe for disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cuttings are removed from drilling mud using conventional methods, then cuttings separation is achieved, but cuttings undergo excessive handling and shearing which degrades them into finer particles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by removing cuttings from drilling mud at the surface before they can be pumped back downhole. The conveyor belt system transports cuttings away from the drilling fluid without requiring them to be pumped, thus preventing the shearing that occurs during pumping cycles and avoiding the creation of finer cuttings particles
2Productivity
If drilling mud is pumped through equipment to remove cuttings, then cuttings separation is achieved, but drilling fluid is lost through equipment damage and spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts cuttings from drilling mud at the surface using a conveyor belt system that separates solids from fluid without requiring the mud to be pumped through equipment. This extraction method prevents drilling fluid loss that would otherwise occur through equipment damage, spillage, and the need to discard contaminated fluid
3Productivity
If cuttings are compacted into pellets, then disposal readiness is improved, but uniform pelletization is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical pelletizing systems with a simpler compaction mechanism that presses cuttings into pellet shape. This substitution achieves sufficient pellet uniformity for disposal purposes without the complexity and precision requirements of traditional mechanical pelletizing equipment
4Object-affected harmful factors
If oils are removed from cuttings before disposal, then environmental safety is improved, but additional processing steps increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the oil removal function with the pelletization process. As cuttings are compacted into pellets on the conveyor system, oils are simultaneously removed through the compaction and heating process, eliminating the need for separate oil removal equipment and reducing overall system complexity
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
This system effectively removes cuttings from drilling fluid with minimal handling and shearing, reduces fluid loss, and produces uniformly pelletized cuttings with minimal residual liquids, making them suitable for safe disposal both onshore and offshore.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum liquid solid separator separates the drilling fluid from the cuttings
Implementation Method 2
an induction furnace, which vaporizes the residual liquid
Implementation Method 3
the induction furnace vaporizes the residual liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling mud remediation and drilling cutting treatment device and method. There are three main components: a vacuum liquid solid separator; a pelletizer; and an induction furnace. The liquid solid separator has a seamless filter belt configured to carry a mixture of liquids and solids over a vacuum. A slurry comprised of drilling mud and cuttings is deposited on the filter belt. An applicator ensures that the slurry is deposited evenly across the entire filter belt at a uniform thickness. The vacuum removes most of the liquids for further treatment and reuse. The solids are transferred to a pelletizer which compacts them into relatively uniform pellets while removing much residual liquid. The pelletized cuttings are then passed through an induction furnace, which removes any residual liquids, renderings the cuttings safe for disposal.