Vibratory Separator with Pressure Differential for Drilling Fluid Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current separation technologies, such as shakers and vibrating screens, face inefficiencies in separating drilling fluids from cuttings, leading to residual fluid on cuttings and reduced fluid reuse, particularly in the oil and gas industry.
Innovation Solution
A pressure differential system is integrated with a vibratory separator, utilizing a pressure differential generating device connected to the separator's screens to enhance fluid separation by creating a pressure difference across the screen, drawing additional fluid through and reducing fluid volume on discharged cuttings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a vibratory separator with screens is used to separate drilling fluid from cuttings, then the separation process is simplified and solids are removed, but residual fluid remains on the cuttings reducing fluid reuse efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic pressure differential by introducing a pressure differential generating device that creates positive pressure on one side of the screen and negative pressure (vacuum) on the other side. This pneumatic approach forces drilling fluid through the screen while capturing it on the negative pressure side, significantly reducing residual fluid on cuttings and improving fluid recovery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter across the screen by introducing controlled positive and negative pressure zones. By adjusting the pressure differential magnitude and distribution, the system optimizes fluid extraction while maintaining effective solid-liquid separation, thereby reducing drilling fluid loss and improving recovery.
2Productivity
If conventional shaker screens are used for separation, then the device structure is simple and easy to operate, but the separation efficiency is limited and fluid removal is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single separator system: mechanical vibration for solid-liquid separation, pneumatic pressure differential for enhanced fluid extraction, and vacuum collection for fluid recovery. This multi-functional approach significantly improves separation efficiency while the integrated design keeps the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
By incorporating pneumatic pressure differential generation and vacuum collection systems, the patent enhances the conventional shaker's fluid removal capability. The pneumatic components are integrated with the existing screen structure, improving separation efficiency without requiring complete structural redesign.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple layers of screen cloth are used to improve separation, then filtration precision increases, but fluid flow resistance increases and separation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic pressure to force fluid through multiple screen layers and uses vacuum to pull fluid through the screens. This dual pressure approach overcomes the flow resistance created by multiple filtration layers, maintaining both high filtration precision and adequate separation speed by providing the driving force needed to push fluid through the dense screen structure.
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 increases the efficiency of fluid recovery and reduces the volume of fluid on cuttings, allowing for more effective reuse of drilling fluid and drier cuttings, thereby improving processing efficiency and reducing disposal challenges.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure differential system is integrated with a vibratory separator, utilizing a pressure differential generating device connected to the separator's screens to enhance fluid separation by creating a pressure difference across the screen
Implementation Method 2
The frame of the vibrating screen is suspended and/or mounted on a support and vibrates by a vibrating mechanism to create a flow of trapped solids on top surfaces of the screen for removal
Data Source
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AI summary
A separator having a pressure differential generating system is disclosed. The pressure differential generating system generates a pressure differential with respect to a screen of the separator. Fluid is supplied to the pressure differential generating device to generate the pressure differential across a screen of the separator. The separator can be utilized to separate drill cuttings from drilling fluid to increase an amount of drilling fluid recovered as a result of the pressure differential.