Solidification Material Applicator for Drill Solids
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for handling waste materials, particularly particulate drill solids, often require costly and inefficient treatment to reduce their wetness before disposal, as the solids returning from drilling operations are typically wet and pose challenges in cost-effective disposal due to regulatory guidelines.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a solidification material applicator that applies materials like DRY-FIX, kiln dust, or Portland cement to mechanically or chemically encapsulate residual liquids in the solids, reducing their wetness through a solids processing system involving a separator, intake and discharge augers, and a solidification material applicator, which mixes and conveys the solids to disposal containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional treatment methods are used to reduce wetness of drill solids, then disposal compliance is achieved, but treatment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of wet drill solids by adding solidification materials (such as cement, lime, or other binding agents) that alter the moisture content and structural properties of the solids. This transformation converts wet, difficult-to-dispose solids into a more stable, monolithic form that meets regulatory disposal requirements while reducing treatment costs compared to conventional methods.
2Reliability
If solidification material is applied to wet solids, then wetness is reduced, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated solids processing system that includes a separator for dividing solids from drilling fluid, a solids mover for conveying the separated solids, and a solidification material applicator for adding binding agents. This merged system reduces processing complexity by coordinating these functions in one unified apparatus rather than requiring separate, complex treatment facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The solidification material applicator is designed to automatically apply the appropriate amount of solidification material to the wet solids as they are conveyed through the processing system. The system self-regulates the treatment process, reducing the need for manual intervention and complex control mechanisms while effectively reducing the wetness of the drill solids.
3Loss of time
If wet solids are disposed of directly, then disposal time is reduced, but regulatory compliance fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies solidification material to wet drill solids during the conveyance process, performing the treatment action in advance of final disposal. This preliminary treatment transforms the solids into a compliant, stable form before they reach the disposal point, ensuring regulatory compliance is met without requiring additional time for post-disposal treatment or processing.
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
Effectively reduces the wetness of drill solids by encapsulating residual liquids, making them more manageable and cost-efficient to dispose of, while ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines by transforming the wet solids into a more stable, monolithic form.
Implementation Method 1
applying a solidification material to the solids in the discharge auger... mechanically or chemically encapsulate residual liquids in the solids, reducing their wetness
Implementation Method 2
a separator configured to generate a flow of solids from a discharge... The solids separated from the returning fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A system for processing solids may include a solids mover configured to receive the solids from the separator and convey the solids to at least one disposal container and a solidification material applicator configured to apply a solidification material to the solids in the solids mover. A related method includes conveying the solids from the separator to at least one disposal container using a solids mover and applying the solidification material to the solids in the solids mover using a solidification material applicator.