Vessel for Conditioning Dry Drill Cuttings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for processing dry drilling cuttings generated when using gaseous drilling fluids, as they do not effectively separate and manage these cuttings, especially in compliance with environmental regulations and space reduction requirements.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-rated collection vessel with specially designed 'quench' nozzles and fluid supply rings is used to separate dry drilling cuttings into a liquid slurry and gas, allowing for the return of solids into the drilling fluid process system and diversion of air/gas to a flare/containment box, utilizing water as a preferred quenching fluid with optimal flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If dry drilling cuttings are discharged to an earthen pit for collection, then the cuttings are contained and managed, but environmental regulations preclude this method in some areas and it increases the required location size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the drilling cuttings from dry to wet by introducing water or drilling fluid through quench nozzles. This parameter change transforms the cuttings into a slurry that can be processed through existing wet drilling fluid systems, thereby achieving environmental compliance without requiring separate dry waste disposal facilities or increasing location size
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces water or drilling fluid as an intermediary substance that mediates between the dry cuttings and the existing wet processing system. This intermediary enables the cuttings to be integrated into the conventional drilling fluid circulation system, eliminating the need for separate dry waste management infrastructure
2Productivity
If gaseous drilling fluid is used for drilling, then the drilling operation can proceed, but the returning air/gas/drilled cuttings mixture requires complex separation and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the dry cuttings separation process with the existing wet drilling fluid processing system. By converting dry cuttings to slurry form, the system combines both functions into a single integrated flow path, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high drilling productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the drilling fluid processing system universal by enabling it to handle both traditional wet cuttings and dry cuttings converted to slurry. The same separation equipment, pipelines, and disposal systems can process both types of cuttings, eliminating the need for separate dedicated dry cuttings handling infrastructure
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 separates and manages dry drilling cuttings, enabling their reuse in the drilling fluid process while complying with environmental regulations and reducing site footprint, even at high drilling penetration rates.
Implementation Method 1
Each fluid supply ring has a number of injection nozzles spaced around the inside circumference of the vessel between its upper end and its lower end to wet the earthen drilling cuttings
Implementation Method 2
to wet the earthen drilling cuttings so that gravity aids the separation into the liquid slurry and the gas
Data Source
AI summary
Dry earthen material from an oil/gas well drilling rig is injected into an elongated vessel with a number of rings of nozzles that are arranged in conjunction with a number of water and/or chemical spray nozzles and a baffling system to knock the air/gas out of the cuttings and vent it. A relatively thick muddy waste is produced which may be easily disposed of.