Screening Conduit for Drilling Mud Stream Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing drilled solids from drilling mud, such as shale shakers, hydrocyclones, and centrifuges, face inefficiencies in solids separation, particularly in offshore environments where space is limited, due to high power consumption, complex operation, and variable separation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that divide the drilling mud feed into two streams using a screening conduit, allowing for efficient separation of solids by size, reducing the need for large equipment and improving throughput by concentrating solids in a smaller volume of fluid, which can then be processed by high-efficiency shale shakers or other separation equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shale shakers are used to separate solids from drilling mud, then solids separation is achieved, but equipment size and weight are large, consuming significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the drilling mud feed into two separate streams: a first stream containing liquid and solids below a selected size limit that passes through the screening conduit, and a second stream containing liquid and solids above the selected size limit that is directed to further processing. This segmentation allows each stream to be processed independently with appropriately sized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-stage screening process to a two-stage process with different separation dimensions. The first stage uses a screening conduit to separate by particle size, while the second stage processes the concentrated stream. This dimensional change in the separation approach reduces the overall equipment footprint.
2Reliability
If conventional shale shakers are used for solids separation, then separation is performed, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the feed stream and separates solids by size in the first stage, concentrating larger solids in a smaller volume of fluid in the second stream. This pre-concentration reduces the workload on the second-stage shale shaker, thereby reducing its power consumption while maintaining separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The screening conduit performs a preliminary separation action by dividing the feed into two streams and concentrating solids in the second stream before it reaches the shale shaker. This preliminary concentration reduces the amount of material the shale shaker must process, decreasing energy requirements.
3Reliability
If conventional screening methods are used, then solids are separated, but device complexity increases with multiple equipment components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the screening conduit function with the shale shaker system into an integrated two-stage process. The screening conduit acts as a pre-treatment device that feeds directly into the shale shaker, combining multiple functions (size-based separation and concentration) into a unified system that reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The screening conduit serves multiple functions: it separates solids by size, concentrates larger solids in a smaller fluid volume, and prepares the second stream for efficient processing by the shale shaker. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate equipment components needed.
4Productivity
If conventional screening systems are used in offshore environments, then solids separation is achieved, but processing capacity is limited due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the processing into two stages: first-stage size-based separation in the screening conduit that removes a portion of solids, and second-stage processing of a concentrated stream. This segmentation increases processing capacity by handling different size fractions separately, allowing high-capacity operation in limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The screening conduit performs preliminary separation and concentration, reducing the volume of material that requires further processing. This preliminary action increases the effective processing capacity of the subsequent shale shaker without requiring additional space, as the second stream contains solids concentrated in a smaller fluid volume.
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 approach enhances the processing capacity of screening systems, reduces equipment size and weight, and simplifies operation while maintaining high separation efficiency, making it suitable for space-constrained offshore drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
dividing the feed, by screening, into a first, cleaned stream comprising liquid and solids of below a selected particle size and a second, concentrated, stream comprising liquid and solids above a selected particle size
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (25) for use in screening a liquid and solids mixture feed (2) comprises a conduit (18), including a screening portion (22) that is formed and arranged to divide a liquid and solids mixture feed flowing through the conduit. The feed (2) is divided into a first, cleaned stream (C1) comprising liquid and solid particles of below a selected size limit, and a second, concentrated, stream (24) comprising liquid, and particles above the selected size limit. The apparatus (25) may be a stand alone module, part of a system with other solids and liquids separating equipment or an integral part of a solids and liquid separator such as a shale shaker. Methods of using the apparatus (25) are also described.