US3693733A - Method and apparatus for avoiding water pollution at an offshore drilling site - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for avoiding water pollution at an offshore drilling site Download PDFInfo
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- US3693733A US3693733A US121644A US3693733DA US3693733A US 3693733 A US3693733 A US 3693733A US 121644 A US121644 A US 121644A US 3693733D A US3693733D A US 3693733DA US 3693733 A US3693733 A US 3693733A
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- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 83
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 40
- 238000003911 water pollution Methods 0.000 title description 3
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 71
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 56
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000000306 component Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000013535 sea water Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000003643 water by type Substances 0.000 description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-PWCQTSIFSA-N Tritiated water Chemical compound [3H]O[3H] XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-PWCQTSIFSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000010779 crude oil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009969 flowable effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009991 scouring Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 diesel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002845 discoloration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001050 lubricating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002195 soluble material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- E21B21/066—Separating solids from drilling fluids with further treatment of the solids, e.g. for disposal
-
- 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
- E21B21/001—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor specially adapted for underwater drilling
Definitions
- ABSTRACT Method and apparatus for treating well drilling cuttings that normally result from the boring of an oil or gas well in an offshore body of water.
- the treating process includes the sequential separation and washing of the drilling cuttings to free them of water contaminating components. The washing is achieved through a detergent circulatory system in which particulated cuttings are removed from the mud. The cuttings are then washed to remove possible water contaminating components therefrom. Thereafter, the drilling cuttings are rinsed and returned to the body of water, free of both water polluting elements and the detergent washing agent.
- a pressurized stream of liquified drilling mud is introduced down the drill string as the latter rotates.
- the drilling mud functions both as a lubricant and as a vehicle whereby to facilitate the cutting and removal of materials comprising the substratum.
- This rather heavy effluent stream carried from the well bore usually includes drilling mud, drilling cuttings, sea water and possibly oily constituents picked up from the substratum.
- the drilling mud passes upwardly through the annulus defined by the rotating drill string and the bore hole, it acts as a vehicle for sand, clay, stone and other loosened solids which constitute the substratum.
- the drilling mud comprises essentially a water based, flowable composition of adequate weight and chemical quality to facilitate operation under a particular set of circumstances.
- the mud is frequentlyv compounded with a lubricant material such as diesel, crude oil, or other non-water soluble petroleum base constituent, whereby to facilitate the muds lubricating characteristics.
- a lubricant material such as diesel, crude oil, or other non-water soluble petroleum base constituent, whereby to facilitate the muds lubricating characteristics.
- the instant process is applicable toward the removal of petroleum base, water contaminating or polluting matter that would ordinarily adhere to the drilling cuttingsand tend to float to the waters surface when the cuttings are discharged overboard.
- the present method and apparatus therefor comprises in brief the following.
- Ancillary to a well drilling operation drilling cuttings are sequentially carried, together with drilling mud, through a first shaker.
- This device comprises in essence a screen separator of such a mesh that a major component of the fluid mud will pass through the screen.
- the substantially mud free cuttings are then passed through a cleaning cycle where they are washed by contact with a liquid detergent.
- the cuttings, together with used detergent, are again separated at a second shaker.
- the detergent passes through the shaker screen and is recycled for subsequent reuse.
- the substantially oil free cuttings are discharged from the shaker to a collector where they are subjected to a final bath comprising relatively clean water, which in the present instance can be sea water.
- the clean, and detergent free cuttings are then deposited beneath the waters surface where they gravitate to the ocean floor.
- the accompanying drawing comprises a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus and flow path utilized in thepractice of the present process.
- the well bore cuttings treated according to the disclosed process are carried from a well bore 4 during the drilling operation so long as the drilling mud flows.
- drill string 6 is rotatably driven to urge the drill bit 7 downward, liquefied mud is forced under pressure through the drill string 6 to exit at the lower drill bit 7.
- the mud thereby lubricates the downhole operation, and in passing upwardly through the annulus 5 between drill string 6 and the well bore wall, carries with it various forms of drilling cuttings as heretofore mentioned.
- the composition of the mud is usually compounded to the particular drilling situation and condition. More specifically, the weight and the chemical makeup of the mud are initially determined and subsequently altered as needed and as the drilling progresses.
- the mud flow is urged under pressure from well bore 5, upwardly to the drilling deck of the offshore platform, and dischargedas an effluent stream by way of line 9, into a tank 8 that is ancillary to shaker 10. From tank 8 the mud mixture overflows onto the perforated face 11 of shaker l0.
- Shaker 10 as shown, comprises a vibratory or stationary type separator having a tilted screen working surface 11 upon which the mud mixture overflows from tank 8.
- the mesh of the screen utilized on shaker face 11 is variable, being contingent on the characteristics of the substratum being drilled and the type of drilling cuttings being carried by the mud flow.
- the liquefiedmud vehicle will by and v large traverse the screen openings and is received in an underpositioned pan 12.
- the latter is communicated by a conduit 13, with a mud storage tank 15.
- a collector l4 communicated with shaker face 11 receives the stream of drilling cuttings which in essence comprises a conglomerate of solid matter as well as some liquid. This flowable mass further embodies the previously mentioned non-water soluble, oily base constituents which normally cling to the cuttings.
- a wash chamber 16 is communicated with the collector l4 discharge outlet to receive a stream of unprocessed drilling cuttings. Wash or spray chamber 16 includes a compartment adapted to receive the downwardly passingdrilling cuttings, with means in the compartment to retain the cuttings sufficiently long to be brought into contact with the liquid detergent.
- a spray chamber further includes a spray nozzle system 17 disposed thereabout and appropriately arranged to deliver detergent streams against the cuttings.
- Spray nozzle system 17 is communicated with a pressurized liquid detergent source represented by reservoir 18.
- the cuttings as an alternative can be immersed in a bath rather than being sprayed.
- Open ended downcomer conduit 44 is disposed in the body of water, normally depending from the offshore drilling platform. Said conduit 44 cuttings from spray chamber 16,whereby to physically expose the cuttings to the cleaning and separating action.
- the detergent liquid can include any of a number of commercial solutions-as for example, a bio-degradable phosphate-free detergent.
- I 1 I Conduit 19 is connected at the discharge .end thereof to a second separator 21.
- the latter as in the instance of shaker 10, is a vibratory unit having, a screen-type face 22 across which the detergent and cuttings flow is directed.
- the mesh size or openings of said screen face 22 are usually smaller than the mesh of screen face 11, and of a sufficient size to pass the liquid detergent therethrough and into shaker reservoir 23.
- the remaining cuttings stream, substantially free of detergent and other liquid, falls from screen top 22 and into a discharge chamber-24.
- Said chamber 24 includes a receptacle to receive and retain the flow of cleaned cuttings for further cleaning.
- Said receptacle 24 inthe instant arrangement is communicated with sea water drawn from the immediate area by conduit 26 and pump 27, or from an-alternate source of water. After further cleaning by contact with sea water, the cleaned cuttings are discharged into a downcomer 44.
- Said member comprises in its simplest form an elongated tubular conduit that extends downwardly beneath the waters surface terminating short of the sea floor. Cuttings deposited at the upper end thereby are directed toward the floor where they tend to settle without the concern of prompting a water polluting situation on the surface.
- Skimmer tank 28 embodies a first compartment 31 into which the detergent is fed and into which additional detergent can be added if such addition is required for reconstituting said material.
- a second compartment 32 is communicated with the first compartment across a transverse panel 33.
- Compartment 32 is provided with an outlet to receive detergent in valved line 34, which in turn is communicated with the suction of detergent pump 36.
- the discharge of said pump 36 is communicated with one or more hydrocyclone units 37 and 38 or similar fluid separating units, by way of line 41.
- the function of said units 37 and 38 is to provide a final separation of detergent from any remaining materials in the flow stream.
- Hydrocyclone units 37 and 38 functionto centrifuge detergent from any remaining mild; water, and/or other fluidized or particulated components.
- the separated and cleaned fine solids pass upwardly into manifold 42 preferably is positioned with its lower open end spaced from the floor at the offshore location, or provided "inthe alternate with openings formed about said lower end.
- the conduit or caisson upper end is open to the atmosphere and disposed in alignment with the discharge opening of cuttings collector 24.
- the method serves to maintain a non-polluting condition at the offshore production or drilling site and also permits maximum recovery of both drilling mud and washing detergent for the subsequent reuse of both items.
- drilling cuttings are washed freeof said detergent solution in a stream of a non-water polluting liquid.
- drilling cuttings are washed free of said detergent solution by contact with a water stream.
- drilling cuttings are washed free of said detergent solution in water drawn from the surrounding body of" water.
- said step of separating drilling mud from said effluent stream is achieved by passing said effluent stream across a perforated surface characterized by openings of insufficient size to pass said particulated drilling cuttings therethrough.
- said recycled detergent and drilling mud components includes said non-water soluble constituent displaced from said drilling cuttings.
- Method for drilling a well bore into the substratum at an offshore location beneath a body of water which comprises the steps of;
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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)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
Abstract
Method and apparatus for treating well drilling cuttings that normally result from the boring of an oil or gas well in an offshore body of water. The treating process includes the sequential separation and washing of the drilling cuttings to free them of water contaminating components. The washing is achieved through a detergent circulatory system in which particulated cuttings are removed from the mud. The cuttings are then washed to remove possible water contaminating components therefrom. Thereafter, the drilling cuttings are rinsed and returned to the body of water, free of both water polluting elements and the detergent washing agent.
Description
United States Patent Teague [451 Sept. 26, 1972 A [72] Inventor:
[54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AVOIDING WATER POLLUTION AT AN OFFSHORE DRILLING SITE Loy P. Teague, Morgan City, La.
[73] Assignee: Texaco Inc., New York, NY.
[22] Filed: March 8, I971 [21] Appl. No.: 121,644
[52] US. Cl. ..l75/6 6, 175/5, 175/206 [51] Int. Cl. ..E2lb 21/00 [58] Field of Search ..I75/66, 206, 205, 88, 72, 64, 175/65, 68, 69, 70, 71, 207
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,999,147 4/1935 Ambrose et al. ..l75/66 2,941,783 6/1960 Stinson ..l75/206 3,375,886 4/1968 Goodwin et a1. ..175/66 MUD, WATER, AND
DRILL CUTTINGS 3,433,312 3/1969 Burdyn., .Q ..175/66 Primary Examiner-Marvin A. Champion Assistant ExaminerRichard E. Favreau Attorney-Thomas H. Whaley and Carl G. Ries A [57] ABSTRACT Method and apparatus for treating well drilling cuttings that normally result from the boring of an oil or gas well in an offshore body of water. The treating process includes the sequential separation and washing of the drilling cuttings to free them of water contaminating components. The washing is achieved through a detergent circulatory system in which particulated cuttings are removed from the mud. The cuttings are then washed to remove possible water contaminating components therefrom. Thereafter, the drilling cuttings are rinsed and returned to the body of water, free of both water polluting elements and the detergent washing agent.
11 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure SEA P'A'TE'NTEDsEm I972 3.693; 733
l'l MW I M] Ill MUD, WATER, AND DRILL CUTTINGS METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AVOIDING WATER POLLUTION AT AN OFFSHORE DRILLING SITE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a normal well drilling operation at an offshore site, a pressurized stream of liquified drilling mud is introduced down the drill string as the latter rotates. The drilling mud functions both as a lubricant and as a vehicle whereby to facilitate the cutting and removal of materials comprising the substratum. This rather heavy effluent stream carried from the well bore usually includes drilling mud, drilling cuttings, sea water and possibly oily constituents picked up from the substratum. As the drilling mud passes upwardly through the annulus defined by the rotating drill string and the bore hole, it acts as a vehicle for sand, clay, stone and other loosened solids which constitute the substratum.
These latter mentioned materials after being separated from the mud, as a matter of practicality, are normally returned to the water where they sink to the ocean floor. However, the cuttings are often coated with oily materials such as crude oil from the well bore, or other non-water soluble constituents which make up the drilling mud mixture. v
The discharge into-the surrounding water of such non-water soluble materials, can lead to a water polluting condition. Even the discharge of minor cutting amounts will tend to cause a visible discoloration at the waters surface.
Usually the drilling mud comprises essentially a water based, flowable composition of adequate weight and chemical quality to facilitate operation under a particular set of circumstances. However, the mud is frequentlyv compounded with a lubricant material such as diesel, crude oil, or other non-water soluble petroleum base constituent, whereby to facilitate the muds lubricating characteristics. In either event, the instant process is applicable toward the removal of petroleum base, water contaminating or polluting matter that would ordinarily adhere to the drilling cuttingsand tend to float to the waters surface when the cuttings are discharged overboard.
Toward overcoming the above noted problems, and toward avoiding the possible pollution of the offshore environment, the present method and apparatus therefor comprises in brief the following. Ancillary to a well drilling operation, drilling cuttings are sequentially carried, together with drilling mud, through a first shaker. This device comprises in essence a screen separator of such a mesh that a major component of the fluid mud will pass through the screen. The more solid drilling cuttings remain on, and are carried to the screen discharge. The substantially mud free cuttings are then passed through a cleaning cycle where they are washed by contact with a liquid detergent.
The cuttings, together with used detergent, are again separated at a second shaker. The detergent passes through the shaker screen and is recycled for subsequent reuse. The substantially oil free cuttings are discharged from the shaker to a collector where they are subjected to a final bath comprising relatively clean water, which in the present instance can be sea water. The clean, and detergent free cuttings are then deposited beneath the waters surface where they gravitate to the ocean floor.
The accompanying drawing comprises a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus and flow path utilized in thepractice of the present process.
Normally, the well bore cuttings treated according to the disclosed process, are carried from a well bore 4 during the drilling operation so long as the drilling mud flows. Thus, as drill string 6 is rotatably driven to urge the drill bit 7 downward, liquefied mud is forced under pressure through the drill string 6 to exit at the lower drill bit 7. The mud thereby lubricates the downhole operation, and in passing upwardly through the annulus 5 between drill string 6 and the well bore wall, carries with it various forms of drilling cuttings as heretofore mentioned.
Further in regard to the drilling mud, as is generally known, the composition of the mud is usually compounded to the particular drilling situation and condition. More specifically, the weight and the chemical makeup of the mud are initially determined and subsequently altered as needed and as the drilling progresses.
While not presently shown in great detail, the mud flow is urged under pressure from well bore 5, upwardly to the drilling deck of the offshore platform, and dischargedas an effluent stream by way of line 9, into a tank 8 that is ancillary to shaker 10. From tank 8 the mud mixture overflows onto the perforated face 11 of shaker l0.
Shaker 10 as shown, comprises a vibratory or stationary type separator having a tilted screen working surface 11 upon which the mud mixture overflows from tank 8. The mesh of the screen utilized on shaker face 11 is variable, being contingent on the characteristics of the substratum being drilled and the type of drilling cuttings being carried by the mud flow.
In shaker 10, the liquefiedmud vehicle will by and v large traverse the screen openings and is received in an underpositioned pan 12. The latter is communicated by a conduit 13, with a mud storage tank 15. The
remainder of the mixture deposited on shaker face 11,
and which does not pass through the screen, will comprise essentially an aggregate of solids being of sufficient size to remain at the screen surface. Solid matter, through the screens vibratory action or through gravity flow, advances along the screen face to be discharged at the lower side thereof.
A collector l4 communicated with shaker face 11 receives the stream of drilling cuttings which in essence comprises a conglomerate of solid matter as well as some liquid. This flowable mass further embodies the previously mentioned non-water soluble, oily base constituents which normally cling to the cuttings. A wash chamber 16 is communicated with the collector l4 discharge outlet to receive a stream of unprocessed drilling cuttings. Wash or spray chamber 16 includes a compartment adapted to receive the downwardly passingdrilling cuttings, with means in the compartment to retain the cuttings sufficiently long to be brought into contact with the liquid detergent.
Said wash chamber 16, in the presently disclosed arrangement, a spray chamber, further includes a spray nozzle system 17 disposed thereabout and appropriately arranged to deliver detergent streams against the cuttings. Spray nozzle system 17 is communicated with a pressurized liquid detergent source represented by reservoir 18.
Toward cleaning or scouring the cuttings of oily matter, the cuttings as an alternative can be immersed in a bath rather than being sprayed. The apparatus used.
and are'carried by line 43 into conduit 44. The detergent material, essentially free now of solids, discharges into wash chamber 16 to again contact the incoming mud and cuttings flow.
Open ended downcomer conduit 44, as noted herein is disposed in the body of water, normally depending from the offshore drilling platform. Said conduit 44 cuttings from spray chamber 16,whereby to physically expose the cuttings to the cleaning and separating action.
For the present use, and toward achieving the necessary scouring and cleaning function, the detergent liquid can include any of a number of commercial solutions-as for example, a bio-degradable phosphate-free detergent. I 1 I Conduit 19 is connected at the discharge .end thereof to a second separator 21. The latter, as in the instance of shaker 10, is a vibratory unit having, a screen-type face 22 across which the detergent and cuttings flow is directed. The mesh size or openings of said screen face 22 are usually smaller than the mesh of screen face 11, and of a sufficient size to pass the liquid detergent therethrough and into shaker reservoir 23. The remaining cuttings stream, substantially free of detergent and other liquid, falls from screen top 22 and into a discharge chamber-24.
Said chamber 24 includes a receptacle to receive and retain the flow of cleaned cuttings for further cleaning. Said receptacle 24 inthe instant arrangement is communicated with sea water drawn from the immediate area by conduit 26 and pump 27, or from an-alternate source of water. After further cleaning by contact with sea water, the cleaned cuttings are discharged into a downcomer 44. Said member comprises in its simplest form an elongated tubular conduit that extends downwardly beneath the waters surface terminating short of the sea floor. Cuttings deposited at the upper end thereby are directed toward the floor where they tend to settle without the concern of prompting a water polluting situation on the surface.
Solution, including detergent separated from the drilling cuttings within separator 21, is received in reservoir 23. The latter includes an outlet communicated with the inlet of skimmer'tank 28 by a valved connecting line 29. Skimmer tank 28 embodies a first compartment 31 into which the detergent is fed and into which additional detergent can be added if such addition is required for reconstituting said material.
A second compartment 32 is communicated with the first compartment across a transverse panel 33. Compartment 32 is provided with an outlet to receive detergent in valved line 34, which in turn is communicated with the suction of detergent pump 36. The discharge of said pump 36 is communicated with one or more hydrocyclone units 37 and 38 or similar fluid separating units, by way of line 41. The function of said units 37 and 38 is to provide a final separation of detergent from any remaining materials in the flow stream.
Use of the presently disclosed method for treating drilling cuttings results in a cleaner operation as well as a more economical one. The method serves to maintain a non-polluting condition at the offshore production or drilling site and also permits maximum recovery of both drilling mud and washing detergent for the subsequent reuse of both items.
Obviously many modifications and variations of the I invention,- as hereinafter set forth, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore, only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.
I claim:
1. Process for treating a fluidized effluent stream resulting from the drilling of an offshore location well bore beneath a body of water, said effluent stream comprising particulated drilling cuttings from said well bore, a drilling mud, and at least one non-water soluble petroleum base constituent characterized by a lesser density than the water at said offshore location, which process includes the steps of;
a. washing the effluent stream in a liquid detergent solution to displace said at least one non-water soluble constituent from said particulateddrilling cuttings,
b. discharging said particulated drilling cuttings into said body of water, substantially free of said nonwater soluble petroleum base constituent, and
c. recycling said detergent and drilling mud com ponents for reuse in the process.- 2. In the process as defined in claim 1 including the step of; washing detergent solution from said drilling cuttings prior to discharging the latter into said body of water.
3. In the process as defined in claim .2 wherein; the
drilling cuttings are washed freeof said detergent solution in a stream of a non-water polluting liquid.
4. In the process as defined in claim 2 wherein; the
drilling cuttings are washed free of said detergent solution by contact with a water stream.
*5. In the process as defined in claim 1 wherein; the
drilling cuttings are washed free of said detergent solution in water drawn from the surrounding body of" water.
6. In the process asdefined in claim 1 including;the
7. In the process as defined in claim 1 including; the step of separating drilling mud from said effluent stream prior to the washing of the latter, whereby to provide an effluent stream comprising essentially unwashed particulated drilling cuttings.
8. In the process as defined in claim 7 wherein; said step of separating drilling mud from said effluent stream is achieved by passing said effluent stream across a perforated surface characterized by openings of insufficient size to pass said particulated drilling cuttings therethrough.
S. In the process as defined in claim 1 wherein; said recycled detergent and drilling mud components, includes said non-water soluble constituent displaced from said drilling cuttings.
10. In the process as defined in claim 9 wherein; said recycled detergent and drilling mud components are separated into discrete segments thereof prior to recycling of said respective components.
11. Method for drilling a well bore into the substratum at an offshore location beneath a body of water, which comprises the steps of;
a. lowering a suspended rotating drill string into said substratum to form said well bore,
b. urging a pressurized flow of drilling mud downwardly through said rotating drill string whereby the pressurized fluid will pass upwardly along the annulus formed intermediate said drill string and the adjacent walls of said bore, said upward flow of drilling mud flow comprising particulated drilling cuttings from said bore and at least one non-water soluble petroleum base material,
c. washing the non-water soluble constituents from the particulated drilling cuttings with a detergent solution, and discharging said washed particulated drilling cuttings into said body of water and d. recycling said mud and detergent solution.
Claims (11)
1. Process for treating a fluidized effluent stream resulting from the drilling of an offshore location well bore beneath a body of water, said effluent stream comprising particulated drilling cuttings from said well bore, a drilling mud, and at least one non-water soluble petroleum base constituent characterized by a lesser density than the water at said offshore location, which process includes the steps of; a. washing the effluent stream in a liquid detergent solution to displace said at least one non-water soluble constituent from said particulated drilling cuttings, b. discharging said particulated drilling cuttings into said body of water, substantially free of said non-water soluble petroleum base constituent, and c. recycling said detergent and drilling mud components for reuse in the process.
2. In the process as defined in claim 1 including the step of; washing detergent solution from said drilling cuttings prior to discharging the latter into said body of water.
3. In the process as defined in claim 2 wherein; the drilling cuttings are washed free of said detergent solution in a stream of a non-water polluting liquid.
4. In the process as defined in claim 2 wherein; the drilling cuttings are washed free of said detergent solution by contact with a water stream.
5. In the process as defined in claim 1 wherein; the drilling cuttings are washed free of said detergent solution in water drawn from the surrounding body of water.
6. In the process as defined in claim 1 including; the step of separating substantially all of the drilling mud constituent from said effluent stream prior to washing the latter in a liquid detergent.
7. In the process as defined in claim 1 including; the step of separating drilling mud from said effluent stream prior to the washing of the latter, whereby to provide an effluent stream comprising essentially unwashed particulated drilling cuttings.
8. In the process as defined in claim 7 wherein; said step of separating drilling mud from said effluent stream is achieved by passing said effluent stream across a perforated surface characterized by openings of insufficient size to pass said particulated drilling cuttings therethrough.
9. In the process as defined in claim 1 wherein; said recycled detergent and drilling mud components, includes said non-water soluble constituent displaced from said drilling cuttings.
10. In the process as defined in claim 9 wherein; said recycled detergent and drilling mud components are separated into discrete segments thereof prior to recycling of said respective components.
11. Method for drilling a well bore into the substratum at an offshore location beneath a body of water, which comprises the steps of; a. lowering a suspended rotating drill string into said substratum to form said well bore, b. urging a pressurized flow of drilling mud downwardly through said rotating drill string whereby the pressurized fluid will pass upwardly along the annulus formed intermediate said drill string and the adjacent walls of said bore, said upward flow of drilling mud flow comprising particulated drilling cuttings from said bore and at least one non-water soluble petroleum base material, c. washing the non-water soluble constituents from the particulated drilling cuttings with a detergent solution, and discharging said washed particulated drilling cuttings into said body of water, and d. recycling said mud and detergent solution.
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Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12164471A | 1971-03-08 | 1971-03-08 |
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US121644A Expired - Lifetime US3693733A (en) | 1971-03-08 | 1971-03-08 | Method and apparatus for avoiding water pollution at an offshore drilling site |
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Cited By (36)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3860019A (en) * | 1972-07-27 | 1975-01-14 | Texaco Inc | Apparatus for avoiding water pollution at an offshore drilling site |
US4040866A (en) * | 1973-10-05 | 1977-08-09 | N L Industries, Inc. | Laundering of oil base mud cuttings |
US4242146A (en) * | 1979-01-08 | 1980-12-30 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Method for treating oil-contaminated drill cuttings |
US4255269A (en) * | 1979-05-24 | 1981-03-10 | Bernardus Timmer | Method and apparatus for adapting the composition of a drilling fluid for use in making a hole in the earth by rotary drilling |
US4366063A (en) * | 1981-06-17 | 1982-12-28 | Romec Environmental Research & Development, Inc. | Process and apparatus for recovering usable water and other materials from oil field mud/waste pits |
US4392892A (en) * | 1978-10-06 | 1983-07-12 | Wintershall Aktiengesellschaft | Process for separating hydrocarbons from particulate solids |
DE3213268A1 (en) * | 1982-04-08 | 1983-10-20 | Flottweg-Werk Dr. Georg Bruckmayer GmbH & Co. KG, 8313 Vilsbiburg | Method of washing coarser particles of bored material |
DE3213279A1 (en) * | 1982-04-08 | 1983-10-20 | Flottweg-Werk Dr. Georg Bruckmayer GmbH & Co. KG, 8313 Vilsbiburg | Method of washing coarser particles of drilled material |
US4439069A (en) * | 1981-12-11 | 1984-03-27 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings at an offshore location |
US4480702A (en) * | 1981-12-11 | 1984-11-06 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Method and apparatus for drilling oil well and treating drilling mud |
US4548525A (en) * | 1982-12-13 | 1985-10-22 | Atlantic Richfield Company | Method and apparatus for pre-dilution of drilling mud slurry and the like |
US4595422A (en) * | 1984-05-11 | 1986-06-17 | Cds Development, Inc. | Drill cutting disposal system |
US4645608A (en) * | 1984-10-10 | 1987-02-24 | Sun Drilling Products, Corp. | Method of treating oil contaminated cuttings |
US4725362A (en) * | 1985-11-18 | 1988-02-16 | Dugat John W | Treatment techniques for drill fluids, cuttings and other oil field wastes |
US4836302A (en) * | 1986-12-03 | 1989-06-06 | Heilhecker Joe K | Apparatus and method for removing and recovering oil and/or other oil-based drilling mud additives from drill cuttings |
WO1990009507A1 (en) * | 1989-02-07 | 1990-08-23 | Gulf Canada Resources Limited | Oil removal from hydrocarbon contaminated cuttings |
US5005655A (en) * | 1986-12-03 | 1991-04-09 | Conoco Inc. | Partially halogenated ethane solvent removal of oleophylic materials from mineral particles |
US5053082A (en) * | 1990-02-28 | 1991-10-01 | Conoco Inc. | Process and apparatus for cleaning particulate solids |
US5080721A (en) * | 1990-02-28 | 1992-01-14 | Conoco Inc. | Process for cleaning particulate solids |
US5090498A (en) * | 1989-11-10 | 1992-02-25 | M-I Drilling Fluids Company | Water wash/oil wash cyclonic column tank separation system |
US5107874A (en) * | 1990-02-28 | 1992-04-28 | Conoco Inc. | Apparatus for cleaning particulate solids |
US5199997A (en) * | 1991-06-13 | 1993-04-06 | Clnzall Corporation | Treatment of hydrocarbon-contaminated particulate materials |
WO1994023180A1 (en) * | 1993-03-26 | 1994-10-13 | Western Atlas International, Inc. | Method and apparatus for determining depth of drill cuttings |
US5545801A (en) * | 1994-03-17 | 1996-08-13 | Bio-Logical Solutions Usa, Inc. | Wand inductor for remediation of contaminated soil |
US5964304A (en) * | 1998-05-08 | 1999-10-12 | Morrison, Jr.; Sidney Johnson | Method and apparatus for drill cuttings transfer |
US6039128A (en) * | 1996-07-26 | 2000-03-21 | Hydro Drilling International S.P.A. | Method and system for obtaining core samples during the well-drilling phase by making use of a coring fluid |
US6224534B1 (en) * | 1998-10-23 | 2001-05-01 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Treatments for cuttings from offshore rigs |
EP1165199A2 (en) | 1999-03-12 | 2002-01-02 | The Court of Napier University | A method for the extraction of oil by microemulsification |
WO2003104607A1 (en) * | 2002-06-11 | 2003-12-18 | Mckenzie Innovation | Apparatus and method for cleaning drill cuttings |
US20040031623A1 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2004-02-19 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | System and method for recovering return fluid from subsea wellbores |
US20050252685A1 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2005-11-17 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Floatable drill cuttings bag and method and system for use in cuttings disposal |
US20080042378A1 (en) * | 2004-06-02 | 2008-02-21 | Toni Dick | Load Carrier |
US7373996B1 (en) * | 2002-12-17 | 2008-05-20 | Centrifugal Services, Inc. | Method and system for separation of drilling/production fluids and drilled earthen solids |
US20090014213A1 (en) * | 2006-03-20 | 2009-01-15 | Per Olav Haughom | Separation Device for Material from a Power Tong on a Drilling Rig Situated on the Sea Bed |
WO2010029091A1 (en) * | 2008-09-12 | 2010-03-18 | Akzo Nobel N.V. | A method of cleaning oil contaminated solid particulates |
CN105545234A (en) * | 2016-01-22 | 2016-05-04 | 中原特种车辆有限公司 | While-drilling treatment device for waste drilling mud |
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Cited By (40)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3860019A (en) * | 1972-07-27 | 1975-01-14 | Texaco Inc | Apparatus for avoiding water pollution at an offshore drilling site |
US4040866A (en) * | 1973-10-05 | 1977-08-09 | N L Industries, Inc. | Laundering of oil base mud cuttings |
US4392892A (en) * | 1978-10-06 | 1983-07-12 | Wintershall Aktiengesellschaft | Process for separating hydrocarbons from particulate solids |
US4242146A (en) * | 1979-01-08 | 1980-12-30 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Method for treating oil-contaminated drill cuttings |
US4255269A (en) * | 1979-05-24 | 1981-03-10 | Bernardus Timmer | Method and apparatus for adapting the composition of a drilling fluid for use in making a hole in the earth by rotary drilling |
US4366063A (en) * | 1981-06-17 | 1982-12-28 | Romec Environmental Research & Development, Inc. | Process and apparatus for recovering usable water and other materials from oil field mud/waste pits |
US4439069A (en) * | 1981-12-11 | 1984-03-27 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings at an offshore location |
US4480702A (en) * | 1981-12-11 | 1984-11-06 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Method and apparatus for drilling oil well and treating drilling mud |
DE3213279A1 (en) * | 1982-04-08 | 1983-10-20 | Flottweg-Werk Dr. Georg Bruckmayer GmbH & Co. KG, 8313 Vilsbiburg | Method of washing coarser particles of drilled material |
DE3213268A1 (en) * | 1982-04-08 | 1983-10-20 | Flottweg-Werk Dr. Georg Bruckmayer GmbH & Co. KG, 8313 Vilsbiburg | Method of washing coarser particles of bored material |
US4548525A (en) * | 1982-12-13 | 1985-10-22 | Atlantic Richfield Company | Method and apparatus for pre-dilution of drilling mud slurry and the like |
US4595422A (en) * | 1984-05-11 | 1986-06-17 | Cds Development, Inc. | Drill cutting disposal system |
US4645608A (en) * | 1984-10-10 | 1987-02-24 | Sun Drilling Products, Corp. | Method of treating oil contaminated cuttings |
US4725362A (en) * | 1985-11-18 | 1988-02-16 | Dugat John W | Treatment techniques for drill fluids, cuttings and other oil field wastes |
US4836302A (en) * | 1986-12-03 | 1989-06-06 | Heilhecker Joe K | Apparatus and method for removing and recovering oil and/or other oil-based drilling mud additives from drill cuttings |
US5005655A (en) * | 1986-12-03 | 1991-04-09 | Conoco Inc. | Partially halogenated ethane solvent removal of oleophylic materials from mineral particles |
WO1990009507A1 (en) * | 1989-02-07 | 1990-08-23 | Gulf Canada Resources Limited | Oil removal from hydrocarbon contaminated cuttings |
US5090498A (en) * | 1989-11-10 | 1992-02-25 | M-I Drilling Fluids Company | Water wash/oil wash cyclonic column tank separation system |
US5107874A (en) * | 1990-02-28 | 1992-04-28 | Conoco Inc. | Apparatus for cleaning particulate solids |
US5080721A (en) * | 1990-02-28 | 1992-01-14 | Conoco Inc. | Process for cleaning particulate solids |
US5053082A (en) * | 1990-02-28 | 1991-10-01 | Conoco Inc. | Process and apparatus for cleaning particulate solids |
US5199997A (en) * | 1991-06-13 | 1993-04-06 | Clnzall Corporation | Treatment of hydrocarbon-contaminated particulate materials |
WO1994023180A1 (en) * | 1993-03-26 | 1994-10-13 | Western Atlas International, Inc. | Method and apparatus for determining depth of drill cuttings |
US5545801A (en) * | 1994-03-17 | 1996-08-13 | Bio-Logical Solutions Usa, Inc. | Wand inductor for remediation of contaminated soil |
US6039128A (en) * | 1996-07-26 | 2000-03-21 | Hydro Drilling International S.P.A. | Method and system for obtaining core samples during the well-drilling phase by making use of a coring fluid |
US5964304A (en) * | 1998-05-08 | 1999-10-12 | Morrison, Jr.; Sidney Johnson | Method and apparatus for drill cuttings transfer |
US6224534B1 (en) * | 1998-10-23 | 2001-05-01 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Treatments for cuttings from offshore rigs |
EP1165199A2 (en) | 1999-03-12 | 2002-01-02 | The Court of Napier University | A method for the extraction of oil by microemulsification |
US20040031623A1 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2004-02-19 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | System and method for recovering return fluid from subsea wellbores |
US7185705B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2007-03-06 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | System and method for recovering return fluid from subsea wellbores |
AU2003228317B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2007-08-23 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | System and method for recovering return fluid from subsea wellbores |
WO2003104607A1 (en) * | 2002-06-11 | 2003-12-18 | Mckenzie Innovation | Apparatus and method for cleaning drill cuttings |
US7373996B1 (en) * | 2002-12-17 | 2008-05-20 | Centrifugal Services, Inc. | Method and system for separation of drilling/production fluids and drilled earthen solids |
US20050252685A1 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2005-11-17 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Floatable drill cuttings bag and method and system for use in cuttings disposal |
US7261164B2 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2007-08-28 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Floatable drill cuttings bag and method and system for use in cuttings disposal |
US20080042378A1 (en) * | 2004-06-02 | 2008-02-21 | Toni Dick | Load Carrier |
US20090014213A1 (en) * | 2006-03-20 | 2009-01-15 | Per Olav Haughom | Separation Device for Material from a Power Tong on a Drilling Rig Situated on the Sea Bed |
WO2010029091A1 (en) * | 2008-09-12 | 2010-03-18 | Akzo Nobel N.V. | A method of cleaning oil contaminated solid particulates |
US20110168208A1 (en) * | 2008-09-12 | 2011-07-14 | Akzo Nobel N.V. | Method of cleaning oil contaminated solid particulates |
CN105545234A (en) * | 2016-01-22 | 2016-05-04 | 中原特种车辆有限公司 | While-drilling treatment device for waste drilling mud |
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