Recycling Viscous Drilling Fluids via Centrifuge Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling fluids separated from wellbore cuttings become too viscous due to fine particles, making it difficult for centrifuges to effectively remove particles, which hampers the recycling process.
Innovation Solution
A system involving a centrifuge with a rotating cone and basket configuration, along with a tank and pumps, is used to separate and recycle drilling fluids by introducing additional liquid to reduce viscosity and facilitate particle removal, utilizing multiple centrifuges in a sequential process to achieve efficient separation and recycling of drilling fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the separated liquid containing fine particles is introduced into a centrifuge, then particle removal may be achieved, but the liquid is too viscous for the centrifuge to remove the desired amount of particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing additional liquid to the viscous separated liquid before it enters the centrifuge. This pre-treatment step reduces the viscosity of the liquid, enabling the centrifuge to effectively remove particles. The system includes a liquid introduction mechanism that adds liquid to the separated liquid in a mixing chamber, creating a less viscous mixture that can be properly processed by the centrifuge.
2Productivity
If additional liquid is introduced to reduce viscosity, then centrifuge performance improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The mixing chamber combines the separated liquid and additional liquid introduction functions. The centrifuge system integrates the separation function with the liquid introduction mechanism, creating a coordinated system where the liquid addition and centrifugal separation work together as a unified process to improve overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary liquid that acts as a mediator between the viscous separated liquid and the centrifuge processing. This intermediary liquid reduces the viscosity of the separated liquid, facilitating its passage through the centrifuge and improving particle removal efficiency without requiring major modifications to the centrifuge itself.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple centrifuges are used in sequential process, then separation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the separation process into multiple stages using sequential centrifuges. Each centrifuge handles a specific portion of the separation task, with the first centrifuge performing initial separation and the second centrifuge performing further separation on the overflow. This segmented approach improves overall separation efficiency by breaking down the complex separation task into manageable stages.
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
The system effectively reduces the viscosity of drilling fluids, allowing for the efficient separation and recycling of particles, thereby improving the overall drilling fluid recycling process.
Implementation Method 1
This liquid can be introduced into a centrifuge; however, the liquid may be too viscous for the centrifuge to remove the desired amount of particles from the liquid
Implementation Method 2
Once the cuttings and drilling fluid reaches the surface, the cuttings and the fluid may be introduced to a shaker, which may remove a portion of the liquid (e.g., drilling fluid, water, hydrocarbons) from the cuttings
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods recycle liquid(s) by introducing at least a portion of a first liquid from a first centrifuge into a tank. At least a portion of a second liquid is introduced from a second centrifuge into the tank. The first liquid and the second liquid are mixed together in the tank to produce a mixed liquid. At least a portion of the mixed liquid is introduced from the tank into the second centrifuge. Particles from the mixed liquid are separated using the second centrifuge, thereby producing the at least a portion of the second liquid that is introduced from the second centrifuge into the tank.