MX2008003825A - Drill cuttings storage and conveying - Google Patents

Abstract

A drill cuttings storage and conveying system (10) comprises a pressure vessel (12) for containing drill cuttings and having a plurality of drill cuttings outlets. The outlets are in selective communication with a drill cuttings conveyor (14) for carrying drill cuttings from the vessel.

Description

STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION FOR DRILLING VIRUTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a system for storing and transporting drilling routes and other materials, particularly pasta or heavy sludge. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Drilling chips are a byproduct of deep hole drilling, such as those required for the oil and gas exploration and production industry to access the hydrocarbon reserves. The drilling chips that are separated from the drilling or sludge fluid generally transport the chips to the surface and are subsequently stored in the drilling location. At intervals, the chips are collected and transported for treatment and disposal. Conventionally, in offshore drilling operations, drilling chips are stored in portable tanks or debris containers. Containers for full debris are moved by a crane between the derrick and a supply boat that is used to transport the chips to the coast for treatment and disposal. However, operators may prefer to avoid the large number of crane movements required to move any volume of drilling chips, the operation has health and safety implications and is vulnerable to interruption due to adverse weather conditions. Other methods for storing and transporting drilling chips have been proposed, as described in WO 00/76889. This document describes the use of a pressure tank that includes a conical hopper part. The conical angle of the hopper part is selected to be less than a critical value required to make the mass flow, which is described as the material descends as a mass in a uniform manner towards the outlet mouth. the material in movement. When compressed gas is applied to the drilling chips in the tank, the material flows out of the tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention there is provided a system for storing and transporting drilling chips comprising: A pressurized tank for storing drilling chips and comprising a plurality of drilling chips; Y A drilling chip conveyor in communication with the outlets to transport drilling chips from the tank. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for storing and transporting drilling chips, the method comprising: Drilling through drilling chips into a pressurized tank having a plurality of outlet nozzles; Pressurize the tank; Open a selected outlet so that a volume of drilling chips passes from the tank to a conveyor; and Transport the drilling chips from the outlet. Providing the pressure tank with a plurality of outlets offers a number of advantages, one is that a blockage in an outlet does not prevent the material from being taken out of the tank; it is still possible to remove a significant part of the drilling chips from the tank through one or more other outlet ports. Removing the mass of material stored through the other outlets can facilitate the removal of the blockage without manual intervention. Also, when the tank has, for example, six outlets, the system will still work relatively efficiently when an outlet is blocked, so that an operation can be postponed to clear the blockage until the work in the system is not delay or interrupt other operations. The provision of multiple outlets also facilitates the removal of drilling chips from the tank in a manner that reduces, minimizes or prevents the formation of "rat holes," which is the formation of ducts in the chips leading to the mouths. of departure, in such a way that the material surrounding the duct does not tend to move towards the outlet mouth and remains in the tank, and it is only possible to remove this material from the tank with manual intervention. Preferably, each outlet mouth is provided at the bottom of a guiding part to direct the chips towards the outlet mouth. The guiding part may have a conical, frusto-conical, pyramidal or polygonal shape. Preferably, the guide portions are hexagonal. One or more conveyors can be provided, and in a preferred embodiment two conveyor conduits are provided for communication with the outlets, said conduits can be subsequently combined. Preferably, each conveyor conduit communicates with a plurality of outlet ports. The conveyors may have any suitable shape and may include indic tubes or pipes. The pipes can be of any suitable diameter, for example 1 00 mm, 1 25 mm or 1 50 mm. The pipe may be rigid or flexible, and may include a combination of rigid and flexible sections. The length of the conveyor can vary depending on the application and will commonly be between 1 0 m and 250 m. The outlets can be aligned in such a way that two or more outlets can communicate with a single substantially straight conveyor duct that passes directly below the aligned outlets. This avoids or minimizes the requirement to provide bends in the conveyor, facilitating the movement of the chips along the conveyor. Of course the conveyor can include bends and can include vertical ups and downs. Preferably, the conveyor operates pneumatically, much preferably preferably using compressed air to move the chips along the conveyor. The capacity of the system may depend on the supply of compressed air available at the site.

Commonly, the system will work with a system that provides 700 to 1000 cfm at between 6 and 8 bar (relative). Preferably, the outlet ports are provided in a base member and at a volume below which the base member is adapted to be pressurized, to assist the base member to resist the fluid pressure force created within the tank portion for storage. the chips. Preferably, the base member extends through a lower part of the tank and defines a chamber inside the pressure tank. A pressure balancing duct can provide communication between the bottom side of the base member and the part of the tank for storing chips. Preferably, the base member of the tank includes a plurality of agitator fluid outlet nozzles, such that the fluid, commonly air, can be directed to the chips adjacent to the base member to agitate and break the chips and facilitate the exit of the fluid. the chips through the outlets. The outlets may be provided with valves to selectively open and close the outlets. Each outlet mouth may be provided with a corresponding valve, or a group of two or more valves may be provided with a corresponding valve. The valves can take any appropriate shape, and can be slide valves. Preferably, one outlet mouth is opened at a time, and the outlet mouth can be opened and closed in sequence, for example it can be opened for 5 to 15 seconds and then closed for 5 to 30 seconds. This form of operation produces discrete volumes or ingots of chips that pass through the outlet to the conveyor. This facilitates the movement of the chips along the conveyor, and of course will have utility in tanks with a single outlet, and tanks that can be pressurized or not. The opening and closing sequence of the outlets can be controlled by any appropriate means, but is commonly achieved by the use of valves controlled by a timer at the outlets. In other modalities, more sophisticated controls can be provided. Additionally, where the capacity of the conveyor is sufficient, it is possible to open two or more outlets at the same time. Alternatively, or in addition, air can be supplied to a group of selected agitation fluid outlet nozzles, associated with a selected outlet mouth to facilitate the flow of the chips from the outlet mouth. In other embodiments, a group of open outlets can be communicated with a conveyor, and the air flow through the conveyor can be controlled in communication with the outlets to create ingots of material.

Preferably, the system includes a compressor that can supply pressurized air to pressurize the tank on the chips, supply air to the agitation fluid outlet, and supply air to the conveyor. The air supplied to the agitation fluid outlets will have a higher pressure than the air used to pressurize the tank, which in turn is higher than the air pressure supplied to the conveyor. The volume of the air mass from the compressor is preferably directed towards the conveyor. The air flow from the manifold to the various elements of the system can be balanced using any suitable means, commonly orifice plates. The pressure tank can have a cylindrical shape. The main axis of the cylinder can be vertical or horizontal. A vertical cylinder facilitates the provision of a system with less useful space, which is practical in applications where floor space is restricted. A horizontal cylinder facilitates the provision of a more stable system, of lower height, and therefore is useful in systems that are adapted to be transported, for example, by road, rail or by sea. Pressure tanks such as those adapted to be mounted on trailers for road or rail transport, can be provided without conveyors, compressors and the like, which can only be provided in transfer tanks and the like. The pressure tank can be adapted for shipping or transport, for example the pressure tank can be mounted within an appropriate frame, such as an ISO frame. This facilitates the boarding and handling of the system as an assembled or partially assembled unit. Thus, the manufacturing and assembly of the system can be carried out in a convenient location, the assembled system can be shipped as a unit, and the system service can be carried out quickly and easily on site. The pressure tank can be adapted for shipping or transport while it is full with drilling chips. A plurality of pressurized tanks can be provided in a tank for maritime use for the bulk transport of the drilling chips. The system can be adapted to be mounted on or on the platform or to be supported by an existing barge, or one or more systems can be incorporated into a barge. The system can be activated and operated completely by fl uid, for example all valves and switches can be pneumatic. This facilitates the operation of the system in areas where flammable gases may be present. The use of pneumatic activation also facilitates local repair and maintenance. The system can be adapted to be managed and controlled from a local control panel. The pressure tank can be mounted, in use, on a load cell or other mass measuring device. By monitoring the load cell it is possible in this way to identify the mass of the chips inside the tank by pressure both quickly and easily. The volume of the pressure tank can be selected to suit particular circumstances, and the system can be scaled up or down easily. A pressure tank intended for use in an offshore installation may have a cubic capacity of 1 6 m, while a pressure tank mounted on a barge may have a volume of 40 m, a pressurized tank intended for use in Batch transfer will commonly have a volume between 1 00 and 1 000 liters. Aspects of the present invention relate additionally to a pressure tank, and to a conveyor, as described in the foregoing, provided independently. Additionally, several of the foregoing preferred and alternative features may also have utility independently of the aspects of the invention identified above. For example, it is possible to use agitation fluid outlets in tanks with a single outlet, and also the method of intermittently opening outlets to supply the chips to the conveyor. While the system and method are described in the foregoing with reference to the storage and transportation of drilling chips, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention has utility in relation to other materials, and in particular with other coarse materials, heavy paste. or mud type. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an elevation of a chip storage and transport system of drilling according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view of Figure 1 showing the base member of the pressure tank of the system of Figure 1; Figures 3 and 4 are elevations of the base of the pressurized tank of the system of Figure 1 showing selected hidden detail; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the agitation arrangement of the system of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a storage and transport system for drilling chips according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which has four pressure tanks mounted in frames I SO; Figure 7 is a schematic view in the plane of the system of Figure 6, mounted on a drilling platform and with the system connected to an additional system according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a barge; Fig. 8 is a process flow diagram for one of the pressurized tanks of Fig. 6; Fig. 9 is a process flow diagram for the four pressurized tanks of Fig. 6; Figure 10 is a front elevation of a control panel that is part of the system of Figure 6; and Figures 1 1 to 1 4 show different shapes of pressurized tank according to alternative embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1 to 5 of the drawings illustrate a system (10) for storing and transporting drilling chips according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system (1 0) includes a pressure tank (1 2) to store the chips and a conveyor (1 4) to transport the chips from the tank (1 2), The system (1 0) can be provided in a column of drilling to store drilling chips produced in the course of drilling operations, and then to transport the drilling chips to a supply boat to transport the cuttings to another location for treatment and disposal or for reinjection.

Tank (1 2) has a base member (1 6) that defines an inverted cone (1 8) surrounded by six output cones (20) at 60 ° between centers. Each outlet cone (20) includes an outlet opening (22), which is normally closed by a corresponding slide valve (23). The outlet cones (20) are placed in two groups of three, with the outlet openings (22) of each group aligned with a corresponding conveyor conduit (24, 26), which extends below the openings (22). The conduits (24, 26) are subsequently combined into a single conduit (28). Several ducts are connected to the upper end of the tank, including a filling line (30) that extends into the top of the tank (1 2) and is used to fill the tank with chips. A vent line (38) is provided to allow ventilation air to flow from the tank (1 2), and a compressed air line (56) allows the upper volume of the tank to be connected to a compressor, as appropriate. I will describe To facilitate the support of the base member (1 6), a pressure balancing line (40) extends from the top of the tank (1 2) to a volume (39) below the base (1 6), whose Volume (39) is inside the pressure tank. This avoids the need for the base member (1 6) to resist the pressure that is used to push the chips from the tank (1 2), however, the member must of course be robust enough to support the mass of chips stored in the tank. The base member (1 6) is formed by sections of welded metal sheet, and each outlet cone (20) includes six trapezoidal wall sections (42). However, the wall sections (42) are of different shapes and therefore the cones (20) are irregularly hexagonal in shape, and some of the wall sections (42) are much more inclined than others. The different shapes of the wall sections (42) also result in each outlet opening (22) being offset to one side of the cone (20), and orienting the central outlet cone (20) in each group to 1 80 With respect to the other cones in the group, the outlet openings (22) can be aligned with the respective conveyor conduit (24, 26). From each opening (22), a tube section with heavy wall (46) leads through the volume (39) and the wall of the pressure tank, through the slidable valve (23) and a section of curved tube (48). ), in the corresponding conveyor conduit (24, 26). The tube (46) and the conduits (24, 26) are of the same diameter, which is larger than the diameter of the conduit (24, 26) upstream and downstream of the section where the tubes (46) and the conduits (24, 26) converge. An air compressor (50) provides a supply of transport air by means of valves and appropriate orifice plates to the upstream end of the conduits (24, 26), and also to an injection port in the conduit (28) . The compressor (50) also supplies air to the upper end of the tank (1 2), by means of the compressed air line (56). Additionally, as shown in greater detail in Figure 5, the compressor (50) supplies air to a chip agitator assembly (60) comprising a main ring (62) and six discharges (64) equipped with pilot valves (66). . The discharges (64) each include a manifold (68) which distributes the air from the discharge (64) in the hoses (70) leading to the drilled holes (72) in the sections of the wall of the outlet cone (42). The holes (72) can be provided with non-return valves to prevent the chips from passing into the hoses (70). An additional discharge (74) from the main ring (62) supplies air by means of a manifold (76) and hoses (78) to the drilled holes (80) in the inverted central cone (1 8). While the airflow of the holes (72, 80) does not make the chips more fluid, the air flows cut the body of the chips, fragmenting the mass of chips, which would otherwise be unitary, which facilitates the relative movement between the chips in different areas of the tank and thus facilitates the movement of the chips towards the outlets (22). In use, the tank (1 2) will be filled with the drilling chips as they are produced by the drilling operation. From time to time the tank (1 2) will be emptied, following the procedure described later. Initially, the tank (12) is open to the atmosphere by the ventilation line (38) while the air is supplied from the compressor (50) to all the holes (72, 80) of the agitator. This breaks and shakes the chips that have been deposited in the tank on top of the base member (1 6). After a suitable degree of agitation, the valve of the ventilation line is closed in such a way that the pressure inside the tank (1 2) then increases, for example, to 6 bar (the air is supplied to the agitator assembly (60). ) at 7 bar). Five of the valves (66) are then closed, so that the stirring air is now supplied to one of the outlet cones (20) and the inverted cone (1 8). Also, the compressed air line (56) is opened, so that compressed air is supplied directly, at 6 bar, to the top of the tank (1 2), above the chips.

Air is also supplied to the conveyor conduit (24, 26), at 5 bar, which will receive the chips from the outlet cone (20) to which agitation air is still being supplied. The sliding valve (23) of this cone (20) is then opened for 5 to 10 seconds, such that a volume or ingot of chips passes through the tube and into the conduit (24, 26). Of course gravity helps move the chips down, however, the nature of the routes is normally such that it is no less true that gravity alone could push the chips from the tank (1 2). ] Thus, the agitation air and the pressure force acting in the downward direction on the surface of the chip body from the top of the tank (1 2) help, respectively, to make the chips move more easily since push the chips from the tank (1 2). Also, the provision of six output cones (20) allows the walls of the cones to be relatively inclined; Providing comparable sloping walls in a single outlet tank could be impractical. When the chip ingot passes through the conduit (24, 26), the compressed air will push the ingot through the conduits (24, 26, 28) towards the desired destination, which can be a similar system mounted on a supply canister . After being closed for 5 to 10 seconds, the valve (23) opens again to allow another ingot to pass through the conduits (24, 26, 28), and the cycle of opening and closing the valve (23) can continue for several minutes, before moving to another cone (20), and the cycle is repeated for this cone (20), and then for each cone (20) in turn. This cycle is effective to remove all the chips from the tank (12), the level of chips in the tank (12) tends to decrease almost uniformly, while avoiding the formation of rat holes. Also, the release of the discrete ingots facilitates the movement of the chips through the conveyor (1 4), and the tests have shown that the chips can be transported without difficulty through a vertical loop of 40 meters or through a horizontal loop of 1 00 meters. The programming of the opening sequence of the valve can be varied depending on the nature of the chips; shorter opening times will be used for heavier or less mobile chips. For use in open sea environments, the tank (1 2) will commonly be mounted in a frame of tank dimensions with the ISO standard. According to this, the tank has a maximum dimension of 6.1 meters (20 feet). By virtue of the multiple outlet configuration, a tank having a cubic capacity of up to approximately 22.5 m can be placed within a frame with these dimensions, contrary to the cubic capacity of 1 5 m of an existing single cone tank. Reference is now made to Figure 6 of the drawings, which is a perspective view of a storage and transport system for drilling chips (110) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system is intended for offshore application and incorporates four pressure tanks (112) mounted on corresponding ISO frames (113). The operation and use of each pressure tank (112) and the installation work of valves and pipes is substantially the same as the system (10) described above, however, the systems are configured in such a way that the pressure tanks and the selected pipe and valve are mounted within the perimeter of a corresponding frame (113), ready to be coupled with the external pipe for the transport of chips and the control and pneumatic supply hoses. An example of the location and connection of the system (110) when provided on a drilling platform, is illustrated in Figure 7 of the drawings. The system (110) is located at one edge of the platform (115) and is coupled by a filling hose (130a) to a chip conveyor arrangement (117) used to transfer chips from the chip agitators (119) to a pressurized tank (112) selected. As will be described, the pressure tanks (112) are periodically emptied by transporting the chips to a similar system (215), mounted on a barge. Reference is now also made to Figure 8 of the drawings, which is a process flow diagram for one of the pressurized tanks (112), and also to Figure 9, a process flow diagram for the four tanks at pressure (112), and Figure 9, a front elevation of the control panel (121) forming part of the system (110), a control panel is associated with each pressurized tank (112). All switches and controls operated from the control panel, in this example, are pneumatic. In other embodiments, only one control panel can be provided, to be moved between and connected to a pressure tank as required. The filling of a pressure tank (112) from the chip conveyor (117) is achieved as follows. Each tank (112) is mounted on a corresponding load cell (W1), the output reading of the load cell is provided directly below the operator control panel (121). The tank (112) will be empty or partially empty initially, and the meter of the respective load cell will show, for example, 5000 kg. The tank (112) is at atmospheric pressure, so that the pressure gauge (PG3) will read 0 bar (unless otherwise indicated, the pressures are "relative"). The valves (V6) and (V7) are then opened by setting the switch (CP07) on the control panel (121) to "Start of filling". The tank (112) can receive ventilation through the ventilation line (138) and a flexible hose attached to a safe area, such as an empty drilling chip container, and the filling line (130) is connected to the filling hose (130a) from the chip conveyor (117). As indicated above, valves (V6) and (V7) are fully open, however, all other manual valves and automatic valves are in the normally closed position. The chip conveyor (1 1 7) can then work to transfer chips to the tank (1 1 2). During the filling operation, the system operator monitors the reading of the load cell (Wl). When the Wl reading reaches 25000 kg, indicating that the tank is full, the system operator will send a signal to the chip conveyor operator to stop the filling operation, or operate the appropriate diverter valve (DVI-3) (figure 9) to direct the chips to another tank. If the chips are going to be directed to another tank, the conveyor of vi routes stops transporting chips for a time, for example 30 seconds, and during this time it blows air only through the filling hose (1 30a) in order to clear the line, before changing the position of the diverter valve to direct the chips to the next tank to be filled. Once this change is made, the switch (CP07) on the control panel is set to "Stop filling", so that the valves (V6) and (V7) close. The drilling chips can be stored inside the tank (1 1 2) for the time required until they are unloaded in a barge, or until the chips are required for a process of reinjection of chips (CRI). Now the tank emptying procedure will be described, this procedure is similar in general to a tank mounted on a platform that is being emptied into another tank on the barge next to the platform or to provide a CRI procedure on the platform, or to a tank mounted on a barge that is being emptied into a tank on another platform or ground treatment plant. At the beginning of the emptying procedure, the valves (V6) and (V7) are closed, the manual valves (V3), (V4) and (V5) are fully open, while all the automatic valves (AV) are in the configuration normally closed. The compressed air line that provides the air supply for the transport of the chips is connected to the system, as are the instruments of the control panel (1 21). The compressor is then operated to operate at its full pressure, as indicated on the pressure gauge (PG 1). The hose or tube of transport or discharge is connected to the tank and all the pipes and transport hoses are installed correctly to safely transport the drilling chips to the point of reception, in this case, one of the mounted tanks on a barge The operator selects "Ai re to the base" "On" with the switch (CP08) on the control panel. This opens the automatic valves (AV 1 0 - 1 6) to inject air into the base of the tank, stimulating the cutting and breaking of the stored drilling chips. This operation continues for approximately 3 minutes.

The air flow in the pressure tank increases the internal tank pressure, as indicated in the pressure gauges (PG3) and (PG4). To increase the pressurization speed, the operator can select "Pressure increase in the tank" (CP 14) on the control panel. This opens the automatic valve (AV 9), to add air directly to the top of the tank and provides faster pressurization of the tank. Once the tank reaches the required pressure of 6 bar, the operator cancels the selection of "Air to the base" and "Pressure increase in the tank", setting the corresponding switches (CP08, CP1 4) in "Off and" Stop "respectively The operator then selects" Line A "using the discharge line selector (CP01) on the control panel This opens the transport air valve (AV7), provides air flow through the discharge line, which communicates with discharge valves (AV1) - 3. Line A for transport / discharge is now ready to receive drilling chips from the tank Using the adjustable timers (CP06, CP05) on the panel The operator then sets the "Open Time" (CP06) in 5 to 10 seconds and the "Time closed" (CP05) in 20 seconds The "Discharge Counter" (CP 1 3) is set at 30 counts. The operator then turns the selector button of the discharge valve (CP03) to (AV1). "Start" button (CP1 1) is then pressed, which triggers the valve cycle (AV1) for 30 counts. While the valve (AV1) is performing the cycle, the valve (AV1 0) remains open, so that air is passed in the base directly on the valve (AV1), breaking the chips directly on the open valve and maintaining the pressure in the tank. The valve (AV1) will open during the selected period, for example 5 seconds, and during this time an ingot of drilling chips will pass through the open valve (AV1) in the discharge line A. The valve (AV1) ) is then closed during the selected period, for example 20 seconds. While the valve (AV1) remains closed, the billet ingot is pushed through the discharge line, towards the tank in the barge. The programming of the valve will be established in such a way as to provide sufficient time for an ingot of predetermined length to pass through the open valve and the resulting ingot to be transported through the discharge line to the reception tank on the barge . It is preferred that the ingot substantially maintains its shape as it passes through the discharge line, but also that the ingot is not so large as to hinder transportation. Through tests, or from previous knowledge or experience, the operator can determine the optimal length of the ingot. Also, since the passage of an ingot through the discharge line is marked by a drop in transport air pressure in the PG2 meter, the time for an ingot to pass through the transport line may be determined by the operator in advance. This test can be done by initially setting the discharge counter (CP 1 3) to "1" and creating and then downloading an ingot through the line. Thus, during the first cycle of the valve (AV1), 30 ingots of individual drilling chips will be removed from the tank through the valve (AV1) and transported to the barge. While the valve (AV1) is performing the cycle, the "Downloading" light (CP1 2) is illuminated. At the end of the cycle the light goes out (CP1 2) and the discharge counter (CP 1 3) is reset. The other valves, (AV2) and (AV3), in the selected discharge line, are selected in turn, by pressing the "Start" button (CP 1 1), initiating the cycle for each valve. The operator then selects the download of "Line B" with the selector download line selector (CP01), and sets the "Discharge Valve Selection" (CP03) to (AV4). This has the effect of closing the valve (AV7) and opening the valve (AV8), redirecting the transport air through the discharge line B. When the operator presses the "Start" button (CP 1 1), the valve (AV4) begins the cycle for 30 counts, which process is then repeated for the valves (AV5) and (AV6). During the discharge sequence the operator monitors a number of conditions. If during transport the transport pressure, as shown in the pressure meter PG2 ("Transport pressure" meter (CP02) in the control panel), reaches a predetermined high point, for example, 6 bar, this it may indicate a blockage or overload of the download line. In this case, the "Stop" button (CP04) must be pressed, which closes any open valves (AV1 - 6). Once the transport pressure falls, for example, to 3.5 bar, this indicates that the blockage has been eliminated (ie, that any ingots of chips in the discharge line have reached the target tank), after which the discharge sequence can restart at the last discharge valve, which is opened by pressing the "Start" button (CP 1 1). If during the previous discharge sequence the tank pressure (shown on the display PG3, PG4 or "Tank pressure" (CP 1 0) on the control panel) drops, for example, to 4 bar, the operator selects "Increase of pressure in the tank "using the switch (CP 1 4). This opens the valve (AV9), which allows the tank to raise the pressure relatively quickly, for example, up to 6 bar, after which the pressure switch in the tank (CP 1 4) can be set to "Stop" . During the discharge sequence, the load cell indicator (Wl) provides an indication of the tank weight, and thus indicates the level of the chips in the tank. When the reading of the indicator (Wl) drops for example up to 2000 kg, this is the level at which only the six hexagonal hoppers or cones (1 20) at the base of the tank contain drill shavings. At this stage it will take approximately 40 seconds to empty each individual hopper section. As one of the hexagonal hopper sections is emptied, there will be an increase of compressed air from the tank through the respective discharge valve (AV 1 - 6). This will increase the volume of air along the discharge line and will produce a rapid decrease in pressure in the container being emptied, which will be evident from the readings of the pressure gauges (PG3), ( PG4) and (CP1 0). When this occurs, the "Stop" button (CP04) is pressed and the next discharge valve is selected. This is repeated for all discharge valves (AV 1 - 6), after which the transport / discharge air supply is maintained for a time, for example 3 minutes, until the transport pressure, as indicated in the pressure gauges (PG2) and (CP02) fall below 1 bar, which indicates that the discharge line is free of chips. As an alternative to this final emptying sequence, it may be acceptable to leave, for example, for example, 2000 kg of drilling chips in the tank, like a plug, to prevent the increase of air as described above. After the tank has been emptied, the operator makes sure that all the discharge valves (AV 1 - 6) are closed, and that all the agitation air supply valves (AV 1 0 - 1 6) are closed. The air discharge valves (AV7) and (AV8) are closed, as is the V3 valve. The tank is now available to be read again. Reference is now made to Figures 11 to 14 of the drawings, which show different forms of pressurized tank, according to alternative embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 1 is an elevation of a pressure tank (21 2) mounted on an ISO frame (21 3) and is substantially similar to the pressure tank (1 1 2) described above. Nevertheless, instead of providing each outlet opening (222) with a corresponding slide valve (223), in this mode the outlet openings (222) are permanently open, with a discharge control valve (223) that is only provided in association with each corresponding conveyor or discharge conduit (224) (only one is illustrated in Figure 11). In the emptying of this container (21 2), the size of ingot that is discharged each time is controlled by programming the opening of the discharge discharge valves (223). Also, by supplying selective air to the shaking openings of the chips associated with a cone or hopper (220) in particular, it is possible to introduce the flow through a selected opening (222).

The main advantage of this arrangement is that it has the number of slide valves that have to be provided and maintained. Reference is now made to Figure 1 2 of the drawings, which illustrates a smaller pressure tank (31 2) according to another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the illustrated tank (31 2) has a capacity of 600 liters, and is directed to the batch transfer of drilling chips. This tank 31 2 can simply be filled through an upper filling port (330) controlled by a valve provided with a slide valve (331). Then you can transport the tank (31 2) full, and then empty it in a similar way to the tanks described above. Other containers useful for the batch transfer of drilling chips could have a capacity between 1 00 and 1 000 liters. Finally, reference is made to Figures 1 3 and 1 4 of the drawings, which illustrate a pressurized tank (41 2) which is adapted to rest in a horizontal orientation. This tank (41 2) can be used where the size of the space occupied by the tank is of minor importance, or where it is desired to provide a tank of lower height. Additionally, the horizontal orientation of the tank (41 2) also provides greater stability, facilitating transport, particularly by road or rail. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present invention described above are merely examples and that various modifications and improvements can be made to them without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (53)

1. CLAIMING IS
2. 1 . A system for storing and transporting drilling chips comprising: a pressurized tank for storing drilling chips and comprising a plurality of drilling chips; and a drilling chip conveyor in communication with the outlets for transporting drilling chips from the tank. The system of claim 1, further characterized in that each outlet mouth is provided at the bottom of a guide portion for directing chips to the outlet mouth.
3. 3. The system of claim 2, further characterized in that the guide portions have a conical shape.
4. 4. The system of claim 3, further characterized in that the guiding parts have a hexagonal shape.
5. The system of any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that a conveyor conduit is provided for communication with the outlet ports.
6. The system of any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that at least two conveyors are provided for communication with the outlets.
7. The system of claim 6, further characterized in that each conveyor communicates with a plurality of outlets.
8. 8. The system of claim 7, further characterized in that the outlets are aligned in such a way that two or more outlets communicate with a single substantially straight conveyor duct, which passes directly below the aligned outlets.
9. The system of any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the conveyor operates pneumatically.
10. The system of claim 9, further characterized in that the system uses compressed air to move the chips along the conveyor. eleven .
11. The system of any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the outlets are provided in a base member, and a volume below the base member is adapted to be pressurized.
12. The system of claim 1, further characterized in that the base member extends through a bottom of the tank and defines a chip receiving chamber within the pressurized tank.
13. The system of claim 1 2, further characterized in that a pressure balancing conduit provides communication between the lower side of the base member and the chip receiving chamber. 4.
14. The system of any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the tank includes a base member comprising a plurality of agitator fluid outlets.
15. The system of claim 14, further characterized in that a set of agitation fluid outlet nozzles is associated with an outlet nozzle.
16. The system of claim 1, further characterized in that the fluid supply for each set of agitation fluid outlet nozzles is individually controllable.
17. The system of any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the outlets are provided with discharge valves for selectively opening and closing the outlets.
18. The system of claim 1 7, further characterized in that each outlet mouth is provided with a corresponding discharge valve.
19. The system of claim 1 7, further characterized in that a group of two or more valves is provided with a corresponding relief valve.
20. 20. The system of claim 1, 1, 8 or 1 9, further characterized in that the valves are slide valves. twenty-one .
21. The system of any of claims 1 to 20, further characterized in that the valves are controllable to release discrete volumes of chips towards the conveyor.
22. 22. The system of claim 21, further characterized in that the valves are controlled by a timer.
23. 23. The system of any of the foregoing claims, further characterized in that the system includes a compressor.
24. The system of any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the system is adapted to allow the supply of pressurized air for at least one of: pressurizing the tank on the chips, supplying air to the agitation fluid outlet nozzles, and supply air to the conveyor.
25. 25. The system of claim 24, further characterized in that the supply of air to different elements of the system is balanced.
26. 26. The system of claim 25, further characterized in that the supply of air to different elements of the system is balanced by orifice plates.
27. 27. The system of any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the pressurized tank is generally indill cyl.
28. The system of any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that a main axis of the pressurized tank is vertical.
29. 29. The system of any of claims 1 to 27, further characterized in that a main axis of the pressurized tank is horizontal.
30. 30. The system of any of the foregoing claims, further characterized in that the pressure tank is adapted for shipping.
31. 31 The system of any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the pressure tank is mounted within a frame.
32. 32. The system of any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the pressure tank is adapted for shipping while being filled with drilling chips.
33. 33. The system of any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the system is fully driven and operated by fluid.
34. 34. The system of any of the foregoing claims, further characterized in that the system is adapted to be operated and controlled from a control panel.
35. 35. The system of any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the pressure tank is mounted in a mass measurement device.
36. 36. A drilling chip storage system comprising a pressurized tank for storing drill chips and including a plurality of outlet dies for drilling chips.
37. 37. A method for storing and transporting drilling chips, the method comprising: Drilling through drilling chips into a pressure tank having a plurality of outlet nozzles;

    Pressurize the tank; Open a selected outlet so that a volume of drilling chips passes from the tank to a conveyor; and Transport the drilling chips from the outlet.
38. 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising cyclically activating the opening of the outlets.
39. 39. The method of claim 37 or 38, further comprising using compressed air to convey the chips from the outlet.
40. 40. The method of claim 37, 38 or 39, further comprising pressurizing a volume on the drilling chips.
41. 41 The method of any of claims 37 to 40, further comprising providing the outlets in a base member and pressurizing a volume below the base member.
42. 42. The method of claim 41, further comprising balancing the pressure between a lower part of the tank below the base member and a part of the tank that receives the chips on top of the base member.
43. 43. The method of any of claims 37 to

    42, which further comprises supplying stirring fluid to the chips adjacent to the base member containing the chips.
44. 44. The method of claim 43, further comprising supplying stirring fluid to chips adjacent to the selected outlet nozzle.
45. 45. The method of any of claims 37 to 44, further comprising selectively opening and closing the outlets.
46. 46. The method of claim 45, further comprising selectively opening and closing individual outlets.
47. 47. The method of claim 45, further comprising selectively opening and closing groups of outlets.
48. 48. The method of any one of claims 37 to 47, further comprising opening and closing an outlet mouth or group of selected outlet nozzles in a predetermined programmed sequence to produce ingots of discrete chips, these ingots are then passed through the conveyor.
49. 49. The method of any of claims 37 to 48, further comprising supplying stirring fluid to a selected group of agitation fluid outlet nozzles associated with a selected outlet to facilitate flow of the chips from the selected outlet nozzle. .
50. 50. The method of any of claims 37 to 49, further comprising controlling the flow of air through a conveyor in communication with open outlets to create chip ingots.
51. 51 The method of any of claims 37 to 50, further comprising providing compressed air to at least one of: the tank above the chips, the agitation fluid outlet, and a conveyor in communication with the outlet ports.
52. 52. The method of claim 51, further characterized in that the air supplied to the agitation fluid outlet has a higher pressure than the air used to pressurize the tank, which in turn is higher than the air pressure. supplied to the conveyor.
53. 53. The method of any of claims 37 to 52, further comprising balancing the air flow to the elements of the system using orifice plates.

    SUMMARY

    A storage and transport system for drilling chips (10) comprising a pressure vessel (12) for containing drilling chips and having a plurality of outlet nozzles for the drilling chips. The outlets are in selective communication with a conveyor for drilling chips (1 4), to transport the drilling chips from the container.