CA2596413A1 - Method and apparatus for removing cuttings from drilling fluids - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for removing cuttings from drilling fluids Download PDFInfo
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- CA2596413A1 CA2596413A1 CA002596413A CA2596413A CA2596413A1 CA 2596413 A1 CA2596413 A1 CA 2596413A1 CA 002596413 A CA002596413 A CA 002596413A CA 2596413 A CA2596413 A CA 2596413A CA 2596413 A1 CA2596413 A1 CA 2596413A1
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- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 151
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 86
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 22
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 title description 6
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 90
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 52
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000008394 flocculating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000013043 chemical agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000003311 flocculating effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000014509 gene expression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
- E21B21/06—Arrangements for treating drilling fluids outside the borehole
- E21B21/063—Arrangements for treating drilling fluids outside the borehole by separating components
- E21B21/065—Separating solids from drilling fluids
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Auxiliary Devices For Machine Tools (AREA)
- Centrifugal Separators (AREA)
Abstract
A method and apparatus for recycling drilling fluids used in the drilling of wells is provided. The apparatus can comprise a tank having a plurality of compartments. Drilling fluid containing solids pumped into a receiving compartment of the tank is directed towards a flow-reversing barrier to cause heavier solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. Fluid filling the receiving compartment flows downstream into an adjacent compartment by passing through a flow-restricting baffle to cause more solids to settle. As fluid flows from compartment to compartment, it passes through successive flow-restricting baffles to cause further solids to settle. Once fluid reaches a collecting compartment, the fluid can be used again in drilling operations. A
conveyor extending along the bottom of the tank moves settled solids out through an outlet in the collecting compartment. The settled solids can then be passed through a centrifuge to recover residual fluids.
conveyor extending along the bottom of the tank moves settled solids out through an outlet in the collecting compartment. The settled solids can then be passed through a centrifuge to recover residual fluids.
Description
"METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING CUTTINGS FROM
DRILLING FLUIDS"
INVENTOR
Darin Merle Harding TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for recycling drilling fluids used in the drilling of wells.
BACKGROUND
The drilling of wells in the recovery of oil and gas typically comprises a rig drilling the well with a hollow drill string. As the well is being drilled, drilling fluids are pumped down the bore of the string. The drilling fluid passes through openings in the drill bit and returns to the surface through the annulus surrounding the string, carrying the cuttings produced by the drill bit. The drilling fluid can then recycled to remove the cuttings so that it can be used again.
Traditional methods of recycling drilling fluid can include the use of a centrifuge to separate the liquid from the cuttings. In large drilling operations, it is necessary to use either a very large centrifuge or to use a multitude of centrifuges to keep up with the volume of drilling fluid used in the drilling operations. In either case, the costs of operating such a drilling fluid recycling system can be substantial.
It is known to use a settling tank in combination with a centrifuge in a fluid recycling system or apparatus.
{E5357020.DOC;1 }
DRILLING FLUIDS"
INVENTOR
Darin Merle Harding TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for recycling drilling fluids used in the drilling of wells.
BACKGROUND
The drilling of wells in the recovery of oil and gas typically comprises a rig drilling the well with a hollow drill string. As the well is being drilled, drilling fluids are pumped down the bore of the string. The drilling fluid passes through openings in the drill bit and returns to the surface through the annulus surrounding the string, carrying the cuttings produced by the drill bit. The drilling fluid can then recycled to remove the cuttings so that it can be used again.
Traditional methods of recycling drilling fluid can include the use of a centrifuge to separate the liquid from the cuttings. In large drilling operations, it is necessary to use either a very large centrifuge or to use a multitude of centrifuges to keep up with the volume of drilling fluid used in the drilling operations. In either case, the costs of operating such a drilling fluid recycling system can be substantial.
It is known to use a settling tank in combination with a centrifuge in a fluid recycling system or apparatus.
{E5357020.DOC;1 }
The settling tank can be used in a preliminary step to settle the cuttings from the fluid where drilling fluids are pumped into a receiving end of the tank.
The cuttings are, initially, in suspension in the fluid and are often referred to as "solids". Flocculating agents can be introduced into the tank to assist in the settling of solids. The tank can have a plurality of transverse walls or baffles that form a plurality of compartments within the tank. Each wall can have an opening to permit the flow of fluid from an upstream compartment to a downstream compartment. The openings can be positioned on the walls in such a manner that the fluid follows a sinuous path as it flows from the receiving end to the collecting end of the tank. As fluid flows from compartment to compartment, solids in the fluid settle to the bottom of the tank.
Once fluid reaches a collecting end of the tank, the fluid can be withdrawn from the tank to be used in the drilling operation. The settled solids are conveyed towards the receiving end of the tank using an auger. A slurry of settled solids and fluid can be withdrawn from the tank and pumped through a centrifuge. Fluid recovered from the centrifuge is re-introduced into the tank at the receiving end.
While using the combination of settling tank and centrifuge is an improvement in comparison to using a centrifuge by itself, in practice, this circuit is often unable to keep up with the throughput of drilling fluid required in drilling a well. It is often necessary to temporarily halt drilling of the well until the settling tank and centrifuge can catch up and recover enough drilling fluid to commence drilling operations again.
{E5357020.DOC;1 }
The cuttings are, initially, in suspension in the fluid and are often referred to as "solids". Flocculating agents can be introduced into the tank to assist in the settling of solids. The tank can have a plurality of transverse walls or baffles that form a plurality of compartments within the tank. Each wall can have an opening to permit the flow of fluid from an upstream compartment to a downstream compartment. The openings can be positioned on the walls in such a manner that the fluid follows a sinuous path as it flows from the receiving end to the collecting end of the tank. As fluid flows from compartment to compartment, solids in the fluid settle to the bottom of the tank.
Once fluid reaches a collecting end of the tank, the fluid can be withdrawn from the tank to be used in the drilling operation. The settled solids are conveyed towards the receiving end of the tank using an auger. A slurry of settled solids and fluid can be withdrawn from the tank and pumped through a centrifuge. Fluid recovered from the centrifuge is re-introduced into the tank at the receiving end.
While using the combination of settling tank and centrifuge is an improvement in comparison to using a centrifuge by itself, in practice, this circuit is often unable to keep up with the throughput of drilling fluid required in drilling a well. It is often necessary to temporarily halt drilling of the well until the settling tank and centrifuge can catch up and recover enough drilling fluid to commence drilling operations again.
{E5357020.DOC;1 }
It is, therefore, desirable to provide a method and apparatus that addresses the shortcomings of the prior art and is better capable of recycling drilling fluid in sufficient quantity for typical drilling operations.
SUMMARY
A method and apparatus for recycling drilling fluids used in the drilling of wells is provided. The apparatus can comprise a settling tank whose interior space can be sub-divided into a plurality of compartments.
Transverse walls can be located within the tank, spaced approximately equidistant apart along the length of the tank to define the compartments of the tank. At one end of the tank, there can be a receiving compartment. At the other end, there can be a collecting compartment. A flow-reversing barrier can be located in the receiving compartment. The barrier can comprise a vertical rectangular back panel with two vertical rectangular side panels extending perpendicular from the back panel to form a U-shaped structure. A
bottom rectangular plate can extend from the back panel partway along the bottom edges of the side panels to partially enclose the bottom of the barrier.
In each of the transverse walls, there can be an opening in the upper end of the wall that enables fluid to flow from an upstream compartment into an adjacent downstream compartment. A flow-restricting baffle can be mounted on the downstream side of each transverse wall, aligned with the opening. The baffle can comprise a vertical rectangular back plate with two vertical rectangular side walls that extend perpendicular from the back plate to form a U-shaped structure. The baffle can attach to the wall on either side of the opening. The top edges of the plate and side walls can be substantially {E5357020. DOC;1 }
SUMMARY
A method and apparatus for recycling drilling fluids used in the drilling of wells is provided. The apparatus can comprise a settling tank whose interior space can be sub-divided into a plurality of compartments.
Transverse walls can be located within the tank, spaced approximately equidistant apart along the length of the tank to define the compartments of the tank. At one end of the tank, there can be a receiving compartment. At the other end, there can be a collecting compartment. A flow-reversing barrier can be located in the receiving compartment. The barrier can comprise a vertical rectangular back panel with two vertical rectangular side panels extending perpendicular from the back panel to form a U-shaped structure. A
bottom rectangular plate can extend from the back panel partway along the bottom edges of the side panels to partially enclose the bottom of the barrier.
In each of the transverse walls, there can be an opening in the upper end of the wall that enables fluid to flow from an upstream compartment into an adjacent downstream compartment. A flow-restricting baffle can be mounted on the downstream side of each transverse wall, aligned with the opening. The baffle can comprise a vertical rectangular back plate with two vertical rectangular side walls that extend perpendicular from the back plate to form a U-shaped structure. The baffle can attach to the wall on either side of the opening. The top edges of the plate and side walls can be substantially {E5357020. DOC;1 }
aligned with the top of the transverse wall whereas the bottom edge of the plate can extend lower into the compartment than the side walls. Each baffle side wall can have a plurality of openings or slots.
The bottom wall of the tank can form at least one trough that runs lengthwise along the tank, passing through each of the compartments. There can be a conveyor in each trough for moving solids towards the collecting compartment. In one embodiment, there can be four compartments and two troughs running along the bottom of the tank, each trough comprising a conveyor in the form of an auger.
The method of using the apparatus can comprise pumping drilling fluid containing solids into the receiving compartment and directing the fluid towards the flow-reversing barrier. As the fluid strikes the barrier, the fluid can stop and reverses its flow in order to flow around the side panels of the barrier. This can cause heavier solids within the fluid settle to the bottom of the tank.
As fluid fills the receiving compartment, the level of the fluid can rise to the opening in the transverse wall separating the receiving compartment from the adjacent downstream compartment. Fluid flowing through the opening encounters the flow-restricting baffle where it can pass through the slots in the side walls and the bottom opening of the baffle. This can cause further solids in the fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank.
As fluid flows from compartment to compartment, it can pass through subsequent baffles in each transverse wall opening until the fluid reaches the collecting compartment. By the time the fluid reaches the collecting {E5357020. DOC;1 }
compartment, substantially all of the solids in the fluid will have settled to the bottom of the tank. Fluid can then be removed from the collecting department to be used again in the drilling operations.
The settled solids can be moved towards the collecting compartment 5 by an auger in each trough. The augers can expel a slurry of solids and fluid through outlets on the end wall of the tank. The slurry can then be pumped through a centrifuge. The residual fluid in the slurry can be removed by the centrifuge and introduced back into the receiving compartment.
A flocculating chemical agent can also be used to assist in settling solids from the drilling fluid. In a representative embodiment of the apparatus, drilling fluid can be skimmed from the collecting compartment and mixed with a flocculating chemical. The mixture can then be pumped into the receiving compartment to mix with the received drilling fluid.
Broadly stated, an apparatus for removing solids from drilling fluid is provided, the apparatus comprising a settling tank having barrier means for reversing the flow of a stream of drilling fluid containing solids to cause at least some of the solids to settle to the bottom of the tank.
Broadly stated, an apparatus for removing solids from drilling fluid is provided, the apparatus comprising a settling tank having at least one transverse wall defining an aperture having a flow-restricting baffle to cause at least some solids in the drilling fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank as the fluid passes through the aperture and baffle.
Broadly stated, a flow-reversing barrier for removing solids from drilling fluids in a receiving chamber of a settling tank is provided, the barrier {E5357020. DOC;1 }
The bottom wall of the tank can form at least one trough that runs lengthwise along the tank, passing through each of the compartments. There can be a conveyor in each trough for moving solids towards the collecting compartment. In one embodiment, there can be four compartments and two troughs running along the bottom of the tank, each trough comprising a conveyor in the form of an auger.
The method of using the apparatus can comprise pumping drilling fluid containing solids into the receiving compartment and directing the fluid towards the flow-reversing barrier. As the fluid strikes the barrier, the fluid can stop and reverses its flow in order to flow around the side panels of the barrier. This can cause heavier solids within the fluid settle to the bottom of the tank.
As fluid fills the receiving compartment, the level of the fluid can rise to the opening in the transverse wall separating the receiving compartment from the adjacent downstream compartment. Fluid flowing through the opening encounters the flow-restricting baffle where it can pass through the slots in the side walls and the bottom opening of the baffle. This can cause further solids in the fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank.
As fluid flows from compartment to compartment, it can pass through subsequent baffles in each transverse wall opening until the fluid reaches the collecting compartment. By the time the fluid reaches the collecting {E5357020. DOC;1 }
compartment, substantially all of the solids in the fluid will have settled to the bottom of the tank. Fluid can then be removed from the collecting department to be used again in the drilling operations.
The settled solids can be moved towards the collecting compartment 5 by an auger in each trough. The augers can expel a slurry of solids and fluid through outlets on the end wall of the tank. The slurry can then be pumped through a centrifuge. The residual fluid in the slurry can be removed by the centrifuge and introduced back into the receiving compartment.
A flocculating chemical agent can also be used to assist in settling solids from the drilling fluid. In a representative embodiment of the apparatus, drilling fluid can be skimmed from the collecting compartment and mixed with a flocculating chemical. The mixture can then be pumped into the receiving compartment to mix with the received drilling fluid.
Broadly stated, an apparatus for removing solids from drilling fluid is provided, the apparatus comprising a settling tank having barrier means for reversing the flow of a stream of drilling fluid containing solids to cause at least some of the solids to settle to the bottom of the tank.
Broadly stated, an apparatus for removing solids from drilling fluid is provided, the apparatus comprising a settling tank having at least one transverse wall defining an aperture having a flow-restricting baffle to cause at least some solids in the drilling fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank as the fluid passes through the aperture and baffle.
Broadly stated, a flow-reversing barrier for removing solids from drilling fluids in a receiving chamber of a settling tank is provided, the barrier {E5357020. DOC;1 }
reversing the flow of fluids into the receiving chamber to cause at least some of the solids to settle to the bottom of the tank.
Broadly stated, a flow-restricting baffle for removing solids from drilling fluids as they flow through apertures in transverse walls in a settling tank is provided, the baffle restricting the flow of the fluid to cause at least some of the solids to settle to the bottom of the tank.
Broadly stated, a kit for a settling tank for removing solids from drilling fluids is provided, the kit comprising one or more components of the group consisting of a flow-reversing barrier for mounting in a receiving chamber of a settling tank and a flow-restricting baffle for attaching to the downstream side of an aperture on a transverse wall in the settling tank.
Broadly stated, a method for recycling drilling fluid containing solids is provided that comprises directing a stream of drilling fluid containing solids into a flow-reversing barrier located in a receiving chamber in a settling tank to reverse the direction of the stream and cause at least some of the solids to settle to the bottom of the tank.
Broadly stated, a method for recycling drilling fluid containing solids is provided that comprises allowing a stream of drilling fluid to pass through apertures in transverse walls in a settling tank, the apertures having flow-restricting baffles to restrict the flow of the stream and cause at least some of the solids to settle to the bottom of the tank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view depicting a settling tank.
Figure 2 is a top plan view depicting the settling tank of Figure 1.
{E5357020.DOC;1}
Broadly stated, a flow-restricting baffle for removing solids from drilling fluids as they flow through apertures in transverse walls in a settling tank is provided, the baffle restricting the flow of the fluid to cause at least some of the solids to settle to the bottom of the tank.
Broadly stated, a kit for a settling tank for removing solids from drilling fluids is provided, the kit comprising one or more components of the group consisting of a flow-reversing barrier for mounting in a receiving chamber of a settling tank and a flow-restricting baffle for attaching to the downstream side of an aperture on a transverse wall in the settling tank.
Broadly stated, a method for recycling drilling fluid containing solids is provided that comprises directing a stream of drilling fluid containing solids into a flow-reversing barrier located in a receiving chamber in a settling tank to reverse the direction of the stream and cause at least some of the solids to settle to the bottom of the tank.
Broadly stated, a method for recycling drilling fluid containing solids is provided that comprises allowing a stream of drilling fluid to pass through apertures in transverse walls in a settling tank, the apertures having flow-restricting baffles to restrict the flow of the stream and cause at least some of the solids to settle to the bottom of the tank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view depicting a settling tank.
Figure 2 is a top plan view depicting the settling tank of Figure 1.
{E5357020.DOC;1}
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional end view depicting section III-III of the settling tank of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a perspective view depicting the flow-reversing barrier of the settling tank of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a front elevational view depicting the flow-reversing barrier of Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a top plan view depicting the flow-reversing barrier of Figure 4.
Figure 7 is a side elevational view depicting the flow-reversing barrier of Figure 4.
Figure 8 is a perspective view depicting the flow-restricting baffle of the settling tank of Figure 1.
Figure 9 is a front elevational view depicting the flow-restricting baffle of Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a top plan view depicting the flow-restricting baffle of Figure 8.
Figure 11 is a side elevational view depicting the flow-restricting baffle of Figure 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
A method and apparatus for recycling drilling fluids used in the drilling of wells is provided. Illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is an embodiment of the apparatus. Apparatus 10 can include settling tank 12 which can comprise end walls 8 and 9, side walls 13 and bottom 19. In a representative embodiment, the dimensions of tank 12 can be 50 feet long by 5 feet high by 10 feet wide.
{E5357020. DOC;1 }
Figure 4 is a perspective view depicting the flow-reversing barrier of the settling tank of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a front elevational view depicting the flow-reversing barrier of Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a top plan view depicting the flow-reversing barrier of Figure 4.
Figure 7 is a side elevational view depicting the flow-reversing barrier of Figure 4.
Figure 8 is a perspective view depicting the flow-restricting baffle of the settling tank of Figure 1.
Figure 9 is a front elevational view depicting the flow-restricting baffle of Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a top plan view depicting the flow-restricting baffle of Figure 8.
Figure 11 is a side elevational view depicting the flow-restricting baffle of Figure 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
A method and apparatus for recycling drilling fluids used in the drilling of wells is provided. Illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is an embodiment of the apparatus. Apparatus 10 can include settling tank 12 which can comprise end walls 8 and 9, side walls 13 and bottom 19. In a representative embodiment, the dimensions of tank 12 can be 50 feet long by 5 feet high by 10 feet wide.
{E5357020. DOC;1 }
In this embodiment, tank 12 can have three transverse walls 15 to form four compartments that are approximately 3,172 gallons in volume each for a total capacity of 12,688 gallons in tank 12. One compartment defined by one transverse wall 15 is receiving compartment 14 located adjacent to end wall 8 of tank 12. Another compartment defined by a transverse wall 15 is collecting compartment 14 located adjacent to end wall 9 of tank 12. A third transverse wall 15 can define two intermediate compartments 18 between receiving compartment 14 and collecting compartment 16. Pump 34 can be located in collecting compartment 16 to withdraw fluid that has passed through tank 12 for re-use in drilling operations.
Bottom wall 19 of tank 12 in combination with inverted V-shaped rib 62 can form troughs 38 and 60 that run lengthwise along tank 12 from end wall 8 to end wall 9. In troughs 38 and 60, respectively, augers 30 and 31 can be used as material conveyors to move settled solids towards outlets 32 located on end wall 9. In a representative embodiment, augers 30 and 31 can be 10 inches in diameter and can have a pitch of 10 inches. In operation, augers 30 and 31 can turn at approximately 9 revolutions per minute and can be driven by drive mechanism 28. In one embodiment, drive mechanism 28 can comprise an electric motor in the 2 to 3 horsepower range coupled to a gearbox (not shown). The output of the gearbox can be coupled to one auger via a belt and pulley system (not shown) although other coupling means can be used as obvious to those skilled in the art. To synchronize the two augers to turn at the same rate, each auger can have a chain sprocket and can be coupled to one another via a drive chain (not shown). It is obvious to one {E5357020.DOC;1 }
Bottom wall 19 of tank 12 in combination with inverted V-shaped rib 62 can form troughs 38 and 60 that run lengthwise along tank 12 from end wall 8 to end wall 9. In troughs 38 and 60, respectively, augers 30 and 31 can be used as material conveyors to move settled solids towards outlets 32 located on end wall 9. In a representative embodiment, augers 30 and 31 can be 10 inches in diameter and can have a pitch of 10 inches. In operation, augers 30 and 31 can turn at approximately 9 revolutions per minute and can be driven by drive mechanism 28. In one embodiment, drive mechanism 28 can comprise an electric motor in the 2 to 3 horsepower range coupled to a gearbox (not shown). The output of the gearbox can be coupled to one auger via a belt and pulley system (not shown) although other coupling means can be used as obvious to those skilled in the art. To synchronize the two augers to turn at the same rate, each auger can have a chain sprocket and can be coupled to one another via a drive chain (not shown). It is obvious to one {E5357020.DOC;1 }
skilled in the art that drive mechanism 28 can also comprise an internal combustion engine or hydraulic drive system as the motive means to turn the augers. It is also obvious that the gear ratio of the gearbox and the pulley sizes are dependent on the type of motive means used in order to obtain the desired turning rate of the augers.
In one embodiment, flow-reversing barrier 20 can be mounted substantially in the centre of receiving compartment 14 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In another embodiment, barrier 20 can be constructed from sheet steel. Referring to Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7, barrier 20 can have, in a representative embodiment, vertical main back panel 46 having dimensions of approximately 34 inches high by 36 inches wide, and two vertical side panels 42 perpendicular to back panel 46, each side panel 42 being approximately 34 inches high by 24 inches wide thereby forming a U-shaped structure.
Barrier 20 can also comprise bottom plate 44 located between side panels 42 and can have dimensions of approximately 36 inches wide extending 12 inches from back panel 46 along the bottom edge of side panels 42. The top of barrier 20 can be supported by support bar 40 that runs transverse across the top of tank 12. In one embodiment, bottom plate 44 can sit on top of rib 62. In another embodiment, barrier 20 can further be supported by struts 41 that extend diagonally upward from rib 62 to the bottom edge of back panel 46. This can result with the top of barrier 20 being approximately flush with the top of tank 12.
Within tank 12, transverse walls 15 can define and separate receiving compartment 14, intermediate compartments 18 and collecting compartment {E5357020.DOC;1 }
16 within tank 12. On each transverse wall 15, there can be opening 23 located near or at the top of transverse wall 15. In a representative embodiment, opening 23 can be approximately 12 inches high by 18 inches wide. In further embodiments, a flow-restricting baffle 22 can be mounted on 5 the downstream side of each transverse 15 wall, aligned with opening 23 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Referring to Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11, baffle 22 is shown. In a representative embodiment, baffle 22 can be constructed from sheet steel and can have a vertical back plate 52 approximately 28 inches high by 18 inches wide and two vertical side walls 50 perpendicular to back 10 plate 52, each side wall 50 being approximately 24 inches high by 8 inches wide to form a U-shaped structure. Each side wall 50 of baffle 22 can have a plurality of horizontal openings 54, each approximately 6 inches wide by 2 inches high, stacked vertically on side wall 50. In representative embodiment, there can be four or five openings 54 on each side wall 50.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, apparatus 10 can also include mixing tank 36 attached to end wall 9 of tank 12. Contained in mixing tank 36 is mixer 37. Mixer 37 can be mechanically coupled to auger 30 contained in trough 38 such that mixer 37 operates when auger 30 is driven by drive mechanism 28. Mixer 37 can be used to prepare a flocculating chemical agent that assists in settling solids from the drilling fluid. In the apparatus as illustrated, drilling fluid can be skimmed from collecting compartment 16 and mixed with the chemical agent in mixer 37. The resultant chemical mixture can be pumped into receiving compartment 14 to mix with the received drilling fluid and assist in the settling of solids contained the drilling fluid. In another {E5357020. DOC;1 }
In one embodiment, flow-reversing barrier 20 can be mounted substantially in the centre of receiving compartment 14 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In another embodiment, barrier 20 can be constructed from sheet steel. Referring to Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7, barrier 20 can have, in a representative embodiment, vertical main back panel 46 having dimensions of approximately 34 inches high by 36 inches wide, and two vertical side panels 42 perpendicular to back panel 46, each side panel 42 being approximately 34 inches high by 24 inches wide thereby forming a U-shaped structure.
Barrier 20 can also comprise bottom plate 44 located between side panels 42 and can have dimensions of approximately 36 inches wide extending 12 inches from back panel 46 along the bottom edge of side panels 42. The top of barrier 20 can be supported by support bar 40 that runs transverse across the top of tank 12. In one embodiment, bottom plate 44 can sit on top of rib 62. In another embodiment, barrier 20 can further be supported by struts 41 that extend diagonally upward from rib 62 to the bottom edge of back panel 46. This can result with the top of barrier 20 being approximately flush with the top of tank 12.
Within tank 12, transverse walls 15 can define and separate receiving compartment 14, intermediate compartments 18 and collecting compartment {E5357020.DOC;1 }
16 within tank 12. On each transverse wall 15, there can be opening 23 located near or at the top of transverse wall 15. In a representative embodiment, opening 23 can be approximately 12 inches high by 18 inches wide. In further embodiments, a flow-restricting baffle 22 can be mounted on 5 the downstream side of each transverse 15 wall, aligned with opening 23 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Referring to Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11, baffle 22 is shown. In a representative embodiment, baffle 22 can be constructed from sheet steel and can have a vertical back plate 52 approximately 28 inches high by 18 inches wide and two vertical side walls 50 perpendicular to back 10 plate 52, each side wall 50 being approximately 24 inches high by 8 inches wide to form a U-shaped structure. Each side wall 50 of baffle 22 can have a plurality of horizontal openings 54, each approximately 6 inches wide by 2 inches high, stacked vertically on side wall 50. In representative embodiment, there can be four or five openings 54 on each side wall 50.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, apparatus 10 can also include mixing tank 36 attached to end wall 9 of tank 12. Contained in mixing tank 36 is mixer 37. Mixer 37 can be mechanically coupled to auger 30 contained in trough 38 such that mixer 37 operates when auger 30 is driven by drive mechanism 28. Mixer 37 can be used to prepare a flocculating chemical agent that assists in settling solids from the drilling fluid. In the apparatus as illustrated, drilling fluid can be skimmed from collecting compartment 16 and mixed with the chemical agent in mixer 37. The resultant chemical mixture can be pumped into receiving compartment 14 to mix with the received drilling fluid and assist in the settling of solids contained the drilling fluid. In another {E5357020. DOC;1 }
embodiment, apparatus 10 can further include walkway 64 mounted on side wall 13 to permit an operator to inspect the fluid as passes through tank 12.
In one embodiment, drilling fluid containing solids can be pumped from holding tank 24 into receiving compartment 14 and directed towards flow-reversing barrier 20 via inlet 26. The flow of fluid is stopped by barrier 20 and reverses to flow around side panels 42. This can cause heavier solids to settle to troughs 38 and 60 of tank 12. As the fluid level rises in receiving compartment 14, the fluid can overflow into the adjacent downstream intermediate compartment 18 through opening 23 in transverse wall 15 that separates the two compartments.
In another embodiment, fluid flowing through opening 23 can encounter flow-restricting baffle 22 where the fluid can strike back plate 52 and deflect downwards to bottom 19 of tank 12. Fluid can also pass through slots 54 in side walls 50 of baffle 22. The flow of fluid through baffle 22 can cause further solids in the fluid to settle to the bottom of tank 12. Fluid flows from compartment to compartment by passing through successive baffles 22 in each transverse wall 15 until the fluid reaches collecting compartment 16.
Fluid can then be withdrawn from collecting compartment 16 by pump 34 to be used again in the drilling operations.
The solids that have settled to the bottom 19 of tank 12 can be conveyed by augers 30 and 31 along troughs 38 and 60, respectively towards collecting compartment 16. Augers 30 and 31 expel a slurry of solids and fluid through outlets 32 on end wall 9 of tank 12. In one embodiment, outlets 32 are coupled to pipes 33, which can be 10 inches in diameter. Pipes 33 can {E5357020.DOC;1 }
In one embodiment, drilling fluid containing solids can be pumped from holding tank 24 into receiving compartment 14 and directed towards flow-reversing barrier 20 via inlet 26. The flow of fluid is stopped by barrier 20 and reverses to flow around side panels 42. This can cause heavier solids to settle to troughs 38 and 60 of tank 12. As the fluid level rises in receiving compartment 14, the fluid can overflow into the adjacent downstream intermediate compartment 18 through opening 23 in transverse wall 15 that separates the two compartments.
In another embodiment, fluid flowing through opening 23 can encounter flow-restricting baffle 22 where the fluid can strike back plate 52 and deflect downwards to bottom 19 of tank 12. Fluid can also pass through slots 54 in side walls 50 of baffle 22. The flow of fluid through baffle 22 can cause further solids in the fluid to settle to the bottom of tank 12. Fluid flows from compartment to compartment by passing through successive baffles 22 in each transverse wall 15 until the fluid reaches collecting compartment 16.
Fluid can then be withdrawn from collecting compartment 16 by pump 34 to be used again in the drilling operations.
The solids that have settled to the bottom 19 of tank 12 can be conveyed by augers 30 and 31 along troughs 38 and 60, respectively towards collecting compartment 16. Augers 30 and 31 expel a slurry of solids and fluid through outlets 32 on end wall 9 of tank 12. In one embodiment, outlets 32 are coupled to pipes 33, which can be 10 inches in diameter. Pipes 33 can {E5357020.DOC;1 }
extend to intersect with plenum 56, also made of 10 inch diameter pipe.
Plenum 56 can have end covers 57 that are removable that allow for clean-out of plenum 56. Plenum 56 receives the slurry discharged from outlets 32 and directs the slurry to discharge ports 58. In a representative embodiment, ports 58 can be 4 inches in diameter and be connected via tubes, pipes or hoses (not shown) to a pump (not shown) to transfer the slurry to a centrifuge (not shown). The centrifuge can then be used to separate the residual fluid from the solids in the slurry as well known to those skilled in the art. Fluid recovered from the centrifuge can then be re-introduced into the tank at the receiving compartment to remove further residual solids or it may be re-used directly in the drilling operations. In another embodiment, apparatus 10 can further comprise a centrifuge that can be used in combination with tank 12 to recycle drilling fluids.
In a representative embodiment, apparatus 10 can accommodate a flow rate of drilling fluid in the range of 0 to 500 gallons per minute. It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the size of tank 12 and the volume of each compartment is a function of the volume of drilling fluid to be recycled and the amount of solids that need to be removed from the fluids to facilitate their reuse. The size and dimensions of tank 12 can be scaled larger or smaller, accordingly, to suit the requirements of the drilling operation.
While a representative embodiment of apparatus 10 can incorporate three transverse walls 15 in tank 12 to form four compartments, fewer or more transverse walls 15 can be installed in settling tank 12 to accommodate the volume of drilling fluid required for the drilling operations.
{E5357020. DOC;1 }
Plenum 56 can have end covers 57 that are removable that allow for clean-out of plenum 56. Plenum 56 receives the slurry discharged from outlets 32 and directs the slurry to discharge ports 58. In a representative embodiment, ports 58 can be 4 inches in diameter and be connected via tubes, pipes or hoses (not shown) to a pump (not shown) to transfer the slurry to a centrifuge (not shown). The centrifuge can then be used to separate the residual fluid from the solids in the slurry as well known to those skilled in the art. Fluid recovered from the centrifuge can then be re-introduced into the tank at the receiving compartment to remove further residual solids or it may be re-used directly in the drilling operations. In another embodiment, apparatus 10 can further comprise a centrifuge that can be used in combination with tank 12 to recycle drilling fluids.
In a representative embodiment, apparatus 10 can accommodate a flow rate of drilling fluid in the range of 0 to 500 gallons per minute. It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the size of tank 12 and the volume of each compartment is a function of the volume of drilling fluid to be recycled and the amount of solids that need to be removed from the fluids to facilitate their reuse. The size and dimensions of tank 12 can be scaled larger or smaller, accordingly, to suit the requirements of the drilling operation.
While a representative embodiment of apparatus 10 can incorporate three transverse walls 15 in tank 12 to form four compartments, fewer or more transverse walls 15 can be installed in settling tank 12 to accommodate the volume of drilling fluid required for the drilling operations.
{E5357020. DOC;1 }
In other embodiments of apparatus 10, settling tank 12 can comprise either one or the other of flow-reversing barrier 20 and flow-restricting baffles 22. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that barrier 20 can be used with any settling tank that receives a stream of drilling fluid containing solids so as to cause at least some of the solids in the stream to settle to the bottom of such a tank. It is also obvious to those skilled in the art that baffles 22 can be used with any settling tank for removing solids from drilling fluids where the tank comprises compartments defined by transverse walls and where the transverse walls comprise apertures that allow the fluids to flow from compartment to compartment whereby baffle 22 is attached to the downstream side of such an aperture so as to cause at least some of the solids to settle to the bottom of the tank as fluids flow through baffle 22.
In other embodiments, the method described herein can be limited to using only flow-reversing barrier 20 in tank 12 or to using only flow-restricting baffles in tank 12 in addition to using both of barrier 20 and baffles 22 in tank 12.
In further embodiments, a kit can be provided for a settling tank used to remove solids from drilling fluids, the kit comprising one or more components selected from the group consisting of at least one flow-reversing barrier 20 and at least one flow-restricting baffle 22.
Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there {E5357020. DOC;1 }
In other embodiments, the method described herein can be limited to using only flow-reversing barrier 20 in tank 12 or to using only flow-restricting baffles in tank 12 in addition to using both of barrier 20 and baffles 22 in tank 12.
In further embodiments, a kit can be provided for a settling tank used to remove solids from drilling fluids, the kit comprising one or more components selected from the group consisting of at least one flow-reversing barrier 20 and at least one flow-restricting baffle 22.
Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there {E5357020. DOC;1 }
is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims that follow.
{E5357020. DOC;1 }
{E5357020. DOC;1 }
Claims (34)
1. An apparatus for removing solids from drilling fluid, comprising:
a) a settling tank having first and second end walls, two side walls extending between the end walls and a bottom comprising at least one v-shaped trough running lengthwise between the end walls, the trough adapted to collect solids settled from the fluid, the tank forming a receiving compartment adjacent to the first end wall, a collecting compartment adjacent to the second end wall, and an outlet;
b) barrier means for reversing the flow of a stream of drilling fluid containing solids received in the receiving compartment, said barrier means disposed in the receiving compartment and adapted to cause said stream to reverse direction and flow around said barrier means thereby causing at least some of the solids contained in the fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank;
c) a wall transversely mounted in the tank between the side walls, the transverse wall separating the receiving and collecting compartments, the wall defining an aperture for allowing the fluid to pass through as the fluid flows in a first direction from the receiving compartment to the collecting compartment; and d) a material conveyor for moving the settled solids at the bottom of the tank towards the outlet.
a) a settling tank having first and second end walls, two side walls extending between the end walls and a bottom comprising at least one v-shaped trough running lengthwise between the end walls, the trough adapted to collect solids settled from the fluid, the tank forming a receiving compartment adjacent to the first end wall, a collecting compartment adjacent to the second end wall, and an outlet;
b) barrier means for reversing the flow of a stream of drilling fluid containing solids received in the receiving compartment, said barrier means disposed in the receiving compartment and adapted to cause said stream to reverse direction and flow around said barrier means thereby causing at least some of the solids contained in the fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank;
c) a wall transversely mounted in the tank between the side walls, the transverse wall separating the receiving and collecting compartments, the wall defining an aperture for allowing the fluid to pass through as the fluid flows in a first direction from the receiving compartment to the collecting compartment; and d) a material conveyor for moving the settled solids at the bottom of the tank towards the outlet.
2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said barrier means is disposed substantially central in the receiving compartment.
3. The apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 2 wherein said barrier means comprises:
a) a substantially vertical back panel;
b) two side panels extending from the side edges of the back panel towards the first end wall; and c) a bottom plate extending from the bottom edge of the back panel towards the first end wall, the bottom plate extending between the side panels.
a) a substantially vertical back panel;
b) two side panels extending from the side edges of the back panel towards the first end wall; and c) a bottom plate extending from the bottom edge of the back panel towards the first end wall, the bottom plate extending between the side panels.
4. The apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising at least one additional wall transversely mounted between the side walls thereby defining an at least one intermediate chamber between the receiving and collecting compartments, the at least one additional wall defining an aperture for allowing the fluid to pass through as the fluid flows in the first direction.
5. The apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the material conveyor is an auger running lengthwise along the bottom of the trough, the auger driven by a drive mechanism, the auger capable of moving settled solids towards the outlet.
6. The apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said outlet is located on said second end wall.
7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein the bottom of the tank comprises two substantially parallel v-shaped troughs running lengthwise along the tank from the first end wall to the second end wall, the second end wall having two outlets, each outlet aligned with a trough, each trough having an auger driven by the drive mechanism, each auger capable of moving settled solids towards the second end wall and through an outlet.
8. An apparatus for removing solids from drilling fluid, comprising:
a) a settling tank having first and second end walls, two side walls extending between the end walls and a bottom enclosing the area defined by the bottom edges of the end walls and the side walls, the tank forming a receiving compartment adjacent to the first end wall, a collecting compartment adjacent to the second end wall, and an outlet;
b) a wall transversely mounted in the tank between the side walls, the wall separating the receiving and collecting compartments, the wall defining an aperture having a flow-restricting baffle, the baffle extending perpendicular from the wall towards the collecting compartment, the baffle capable of causing at least some of the remaining solids contained in the fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank as fluid flows in a first direction from the receiving compartment to the collecting compartment and passes through the aperture and baffle; and c) a material conveyor for moving the settled solids at the bottom of the tank towards the outlet.
a) a settling tank having first and second end walls, two side walls extending between the end walls and a bottom enclosing the area defined by the bottom edges of the end walls and the side walls, the tank forming a receiving compartment adjacent to the first end wall, a collecting compartment adjacent to the second end wall, and an outlet;
b) a wall transversely mounted in the tank between the side walls, the wall separating the receiving and collecting compartments, the wall defining an aperture having a flow-restricting baffle, the baffle extending perpendicular from the wall towards the collecting compartment, the baffle capable of causing at least some of the remaining solids contained in the fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank as fluid flows in a first direction from the receiving compartment to the collecting compartment and passes through the aperture and baffle; and c) a material conveyor for moving the settled solids at the bottom of the tank towards the outlet.
9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8 further comprising at least one additional wall transversely mounted between the side walls thereby defining an at least one intermediate compartment between the receiving and collecting compartments, the at least one additional wall defining an aperture having a flow-restricting baffle, the baffle extending from the at least one additional wall towards the collecting compartment, the baffle capable of causing at least some of the remaining solids in the fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank as the fluid flows in the first direction through the aperture and baffle.
10. The apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 8 to 9 wherein the baffle comprises a rectangular back plate parallel to the wall, the back plate spaced apart from the wall by two rectangular side walls extending perpendicular from the side edges of the back plate towards the wall and attached thereupon, each side wall defining a plurality of slot-shaped openings.
11. The apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the bottom of the tank comprises a v-shaped trough running lengthwise along the tank from the first end wall to the second end wall, the trough adapted to collect solids settled from the fluid, the trough aligned with the outlet.
12. The apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein the material conveyor is an auger running lengthwise along the bottom of the trough, the auger driven by a drive mechanism, the auger capable of moving settled solids towards the outlet.
13. The apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein said outlet is located on said second end wall.
14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein the bottom of the tank comprises two parallel v-shaped troughs running lengthwise along the tank from the first end wall to the second end wall, the second end wall having two outlets, each outlet aligned with a trough, each trough having an auger driven by the drive mechanism, each auger capable of moving settled solids towards the second end wall and through an outlet.
15. The apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 14 further comprising a centrifuge.
16. A flow-reversing barrier for removing solids from drilling fluids in a settling tank having first and second end walls, two side walls extending therebetween and a bottom, said tank forming a receiving compartment for receiving a stream of drilling fluid containing solids adjacent to the first end wall and a collecting compartment adjacent to the second end wall, the barrier comprising:
a) a substantially vertical back panel;
b) a pair of side panels extending from the side edges of the back panel;
c) a bottom plate extending from the bottom edge of the back panel, the bottom plate extending between the side panels; and d) means for mounting said barrier in a receiving compartment of a settling tank whereby said barrier is positioned to receive said stream between said side panels towards said back panel thereby causing said stream to reverse direction and flow around said barrier thereby causing at least some of the solids to settle to the bottom of the tank.
a) a substantially vertical back panel;
b) a pair of side panels extending from the side edges of the back panel;
c) a bottom plate extending from the bottom edge of the back panel, the bottom plate extending between the side panels; and d) means for mounting said barrier in a receiving compartment of a settling tank whereby said barrier is positioned to receive said stream between said side panels towards said back panel thereby causing said stream to reverse direction and flow around said barrier thereby causing at least some of the solids to settle to the bottom of the tank.
17. The barrier as set forth in claim 16 wherein said mounting means are adapted to position said barrier substantially central in the receiving compartment.
18. A flow restricting baffle for removing solids from drilling fluids in a settling tank, said tank having at least one wall transversely mounted between side walls of the said tank, the wall separating a receiving compartment from a collecting compartment, the wall having an aperture to allow drilling fluid to pass through as the fluid flows in a first direction from the receiving compartment to the collecting compartment, the baffle comprising:
a) a substantially vertical back plate; and b) a pair of spaced-apart side walls extending from the side edges of the back plate, said side walls adapted to be attached to the transversely mounted wall of said settling tank and straddle said aperture, said baffle adapted of causing at least some of the solids contained in the drilling fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank as the fluid flows in the first direction through said aperture.
a) a substantially vertical back plate; and b) a pair of spaced-apart side walls extending from the side edges of the back plate, said side walls adapted to be attached to the transversely mounted wall of said settling tank and straddle said aperture, said baffle adapted of causing at least some of the solids contained in the drilling fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank as the fluid flows in the first direction through said aperture.
19. The baffle as set forth in claim 18 wherein said side walls are adapted to attach to the side of said transverse wall facing the collecting compartment.
20. The baffle as set forth in any one of claims 18 to 19 wherein said walls further comprise a plurality of slot-shaped openings.
21 21. A kit for a settling tank for removing solids from drilling fluids having first and second end walls, two side walls extending therebetween and a bottom, the tank forming a receiving compartment for receiving a stream of drilling fluid containing solids adjacent to the first end wall and a collecting compartment adjacent to the second end wall, the tank having at least one wall transversely mounted between the side walls separating the receiving and collecting compartments, the transverse wall defining an aperture for allowing drilling fluid to pass through as the drilling fluid flows in a first direction from the receiving compartment to the collecting compartment, the kit comprising of one or more components selected from the group consisting of:
a) a flow-reversing barrier comprising:
i) a substantially vertical back panel, ii) a pair of side panels extending from the side edges of the back panel, iii) a bottom plate extending from the bottom edge of the back panel, the bottom plate extending between the side panels, and iv) means for mounting said barrier in the receiving compartment such that said barrier is positioned to receive said stream directed between said side panels towards said back panel thereby causing said stream to reverse direction and flow around said barrier whereby at
a) a flow-reversing barrier comprising:
i) a substantially vertical back panel, ii) a pair of side panels extending from the side edges of the back panel, iii) a bottom plate extending from the bottom edge of the back panel, the bottom plate extending between the side panels, and iv) means for mounting said barrier in the receiving compartment such that said barrier is positioned to receive said stream directed between said side panels towards said back panel thereby causing said stream to reverse direction and flow around said barrier whereby at
22 least some of the solids contained in the drilling fluid settle to the bottom of the tank; and b) a flow-restricting baffle comprising:
i) a substantially vertical back plate, and ii) a pair of spaced-apart walls extending from the side edges of the back plate, said side walls adapted to be attached to the transversely mounted wall straddling said aperture, said baffle adapted to cause at least some of the solids contained in the drilling fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank as the fluid flows in the first direction through said aperture.
22. The kit as set forth in claim 21 wherein said mounting means of the flow-reversing barrier are adapted to position said barrier substantially central in the receiving compartment.
i) a substantially vertical back plate, and ii) a pair of spaced-apart walls extending from the side edges of the back plate, said side walls adapted to be attached to the transversely mounted wall straddling said aperture, said baffle adapted to cause at least some of the solids contained in the drilling fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank as the fluid flows in the first direction through said aperture.
22. The kit as set forth in claim 21 wherein said mounting means of the flow-reversing barrier are adapted to position said barrier substantially central in the receiving compartment.
23. The kit as set forth in any one of claims 21 to 22 wherein the side walls of the flow-restricting baffle are adapted to be attached to the side of the transverse wall facing the collecting compartment.
24. The kit as set forth in any one of claims 21 to 23 wherein the side walls of the flow-restricting baffle further comprise a plurality of slot-shaped openings.
25. A method for recycling drilling fluid containing solids, comprising:
a) directing a stream of drilling fluid containing solids into a flow-reversing barrier located in a receiving compartment of a settling tank, the settling tank further comprising a collecting compartment, the collecting compartment separated from the receiving compartment by a transverse wall, the wall defining an aperture, the flow-reversing barrier capable of causing the stream to reverse direction and flow around the barrier thereby causing at least some of the solids contained in the fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank;
b) allowing the stream of fluid to fill the receiving compartment and pass through the aperture of the transverse wall as the fluid flows in a first direction from the receiving compartment to the collecting compartment;
c) allowing the fluid to flow in the first direction and fill the collecting compartment;
d) extracting fluid from the collecting compartment for re-use in drilling operations;
e) moving the settled solids on the bottom of the tank towards an outlet; and f) removing a mixture of fluid and solids from the outlet.
a) directing a stream of drilling fluid containing solids into a flow-reversing barrier located in a receiving compartment of a settling tank, the settling tank further comprising a collecting compartment, the collecting compartment separated from the receiving compartment by a transverse wall, the wall defining an aperture, the flow-reversing barrier capable of causing the stream to reverse direction and flow around the barrier thereby causing at least some of the solids contained in the fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank;
b) allowing the stream of fluid to fill the receiving compartment and pass through the aperture of the transverse wall as the fluid flows in a first direction from the receiving compartment to the collecting compartment;
c) allowing the fluid to flow in the first direction and fill the collecting compartment;
d) extracting fluid from the collecting compartment for re-use in drilling operations;
e) moving the settled solids on the bottom of the tank towards an outlet; and f) removing a mixture of fluid and solids from the outlet.
26. The method as set forth in claim 25 further comprising the step of flowing the fluid in the first direction through an aperture of at least one additional transverse wall, the at least one additional transverse wall located between the receiving compartment and the collecting compartment in the tank and defining at least one intermediate compartment.
27. The method as set forth in any one of claims 25 to 26 further comprising the step of introducing an effective amount of a flocculating agent into the receiving compartment as the stream of drilling fluid containing solids is directed towards the flow-reversing barrier.
28. The method as set forth in any one of claims 25 to 27 further comprising the step of passing the mixture of fluid and solids removed from the outlet through a centrifuge.
29. The method as set forth in any one of claims 25 to 28 wherein the outlet is located on the second end wall and the settled solids are moved in the first direction towards the outlet.
30. A method for recycling drilling fluid containing solids, comprising:
a) directing a stream of drilling fluid containing solids into a receiving compartment of a settling tank, the settling tank further comprising a collecting compartment, the collecting compartment separated from the receiving compartment by a transverse wall, the wall defining an aperture with a flow-restricting baffle attached thereto;
b) allowing the stream of fluid to fill the receiving compartment and pass through the aperture and flow-restricting baffle of the transverse wall as the fluid flows in a first direction from the receiving compartment to the collecting compartment, the flow-restricting baffle capable of causing at least some of the solids contained in the fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank as the fluid flows through the aperture and baffle;
c) allowing the fluid to flow in the first direction and fill the collecting compartment;
d) extracting fluid from the collecting compartment for re-use in drilling operations;
e) moving the settled solids on the bottom of the tank towards an outlet; and f) removing a mixture of fluid and solids from the outlet.
a) directing a stream of drilling fluid containing solids into a receiving compartment of a settling tank, the settling tank further comprising a collecting compartment, the collecting compartment separated from the receiving compartment by a transverse wall, the wall defining an aperture with a flow-restricting baffle attached thereto;
b) allowing the stream of fluid to fill the receiving compartment and pass through the aperture and flow-restricting baffle of the transverse wall as the fluid flows in a first direction from the receiving compartment to the collecting compartment, the flow-restricting baffle capable of causing at least some of the solids contained in the fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank as the fluid flows through the aperture and baffle;
c) allowing the fluid to flow in the first direction and fill the collecting compartment;
d) extracting fluid from the collecting compartment for re-use in drilling operations;
e) moving the settled solids on the bottom of the tank towards an outlet; and f) removing a mixture of fluid and solids from the outlet.
31. The method as set forth in claim 30 further comprising the step of flowing the fluid in the first direction through an aperture with a flow-restricting baffle of at least one additional transverse wall, the at least one additional transverse wall located between the receiving compartment and the collecting compartment in the tank and defining at least one intermediate compartment, the flow-restricting baffle capable of causing at least some of the remaining solids contained in the fluid to settle to the bottom of the tank as the fluid flows through the aperture and baffle.
32. The method as set forth in any one of claims 30 to 31 further comprising the step of introducing an effective amount of a flocculating agent into the receiving compartment as the stream of drilling fluid containing solids is directed into said receiving compartment.
33. The method as set forth in any one of claims 30 to 32 further comprising the step of passing the mixture of fluid and solids removed from the outlet through a centrifuge.
34. The method as set forth in any one of claims 30 to 33 wherein the outlet is located on the second end wall and the settled solids are moved in the first direction towards the outlet.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2385739 CA2385739C (en) | 2002-05-09 | 2002-05-09 | Method and apparatus for removing cuttings from drilling fluids |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2385739 Division CA2385739C (en) | 2002-05-09 | 2002-05-09 | Method and apparatus for removing cuttings from drilling fluids |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2596413A1 true CA2596413A1 (en) | 2003-11-09 |
Family
ID=29425925
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2385739 Expired - Fee Related CA2385739C (en) | 2002-05-09 | 2002-05-09 | Method and apparatus for removing cuttings from drilling fluids |
| CA002596413A Abandoned CA2596413A1 (en) | 2002-05-09 | 2002-05-09 | Method and apparatus for removing cuttings from drilling fluids |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2385739 Expired - Fee Related CA2385739C (en) | 2002-05-09 | 2002-05-09 | Method and apparatus for removing cuttings from drilling fluids |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (2) | CA2385739C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112983318A (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2021-06-18 | 中国石油天然气股份有限公司 | Treatment device and treatment method for drilling waste |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2608798A1 (en) | 2007-04-16 | 2008-10-16 | Ambrose Ralph | Method and appartus for removing suspended solids from aqueous fluids |
-
2002
- 2002-05-09 CA CA 2385739 patent/CA2385739C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-05-09 CA CA002596413A patent/CA2596413A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112983318A (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2021-06-18 | 中国石油天然气股份有限公司 | Treatment device and treatment method for drilling waste |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2385739A1 (en) | 2003-11-09 |
| CA2385739C (en) | 2008-01-15 |
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