WO2007123410A1 - A fluid treatment system and method and use of same - Google Patents

A fluid treatment system and method and use of same Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007123410A1
WO2007123410A1 PCT/NO2007/000134 NO2007000134W WO2007123410A1 WO 2007123410 A1 WO2007123410 A1 WO 2007123410A1 NO 2007000134 W NO2007000134 W NO 2007000134W WO 2007123410 A1 WO2007123410 A1 WO 2007123410A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
underpressure
fractions
inlet portion
liquid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2007/000134
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jan Kristian Vasshus
Trond Melhus
Original Assignee
Cubility As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cubility As filed Critical Cubility As
Priority to EP07747595.2A priority Critical patent/EP2027359B1/en
Priority to CA2650052A priority patent/CA2650052C/en
Priority to US12/297,740 priority patent/US8394270B2/en
Priority to EA200870468A priority patent/EA014456B1/en
Priority to BRPI0712833-9A priority patent/BRPI0712833A2/en
Priority to DK07747595.2T priority patent/DK2027359T3/en
Priority to CN2007800147502A priority patent/CN101432500B/en
Publication of WO2007123410A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007123410A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D33/00—Filters with filtering elements which move during the filtering operation
    • B01D33/04—Filters with filtering elements which move during the filtering operation with filtering bands or the like supported on cylinders which are impervious for filtering
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07B—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS BY SIEVING, SCREENING, SIFTING OR BY USING GAS CURRENTS; SEPARATING BY OTHER DRY METHODS APPLICABLE TO BULK MATERIAL, e.g. LOOSE ARTICLES FIT TO BE HANDLED LIKE BULK MATERIAL
    • B07B1/00—Sieving, screening, sifting, or sorting solid materials using networks, gratings, grids, or the like
    • B07B1/10—Screens in the form of endless moving bands
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07B—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS BY SIEVING, SCREENING, SIFTING OR BY USING GAS CURRENTS; SEPARATING BY OTHER DRY METHODS APPLICABLE TO BULK MATERIAL, e.g. LOOSE ARTICLES FIT TO BE HANDLED LIKE BULK MATERIAL
    • B07B15/00—Combinations of apparatus for separating solids from solids by dry methods applicable to bulk material, e.g. loose articles fit to be handled like bulk material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2201/00—Details relating to filtering apparatus
    • B01D2201/20—Pressure-related systems for filters
    • B01D2201/204—Systems for applying vacuum to filters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07B—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS BY SIEVING, SCREENING, SIFTING OR BY USING GAS CURRENTS; SEPARATING BY OTHER DRY METHODS APPLICABLE TO BULK MATERIAL, e.g. LOOSE ARTICLES FIT TO BE HANDLED LIKE BULK MATERIAL
    • B07B2230/00—Specific aspects relating to the whole B07B subclass
    • B07B2230/01—Wet separation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fluid treatment system. More particularly, it relates to a system for the separation of the solid particles of a fluid over a predetermined size from the liquid of the fluid and possible gas which is liberated from the fluid.
  • the fluid may be, for example, but not limited to, a drilling fluid containing drilling mud and drilled particles, so-called cuttings, and also liquid and gas .
  • Norwegian patent application NO20053230 whose inventors are the same as those of the present invention, is described a screening and fluid separation apparatus solving said problem of gas evaporation from a screening apparatus among other things.
  • Norwegian patent application NO20053230 is incorporated in the present disclosure by reference in its entirety.
  • the invention according to NO20053230 will only lead away the gasses that are liberated in the screening apparatus itself.
  • gases that are liberated from the fluid at other points in the process with open zones could not be collected and led away in a controlled manner.
  • the invention has for its object to remedy or reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art.
  • the present invention is constituted by a system for the treatment of a fluid comprising at least two of the fluid fractions solid particles, liquid and/or gas, the system being defined by at least one inlet portion and two or more outlet portions, and the system being arranged to separate solid particles over a predetermined size from the liquid by means of at least one screening apparatus and then carry the separated solid particles, liquid and at least a portion of said gas, out of the system, the system for treating fluid being substantially fluid-tight between said at least one inlet portion and outlet portions, and being provided with at least one underpressure-generating device which is arranged to provide an underpressure in the system between said at least one inlet portion and the outlet portions, the screening apparatus being arranged to separate the fluid into fractions substantially including solids, liquid and/or gas, the fractions of the fluid being kept separate as the fractions are brought out of the system.
  • the liquid may contain particles which are smaller than said predetermined size, so that they can pass through the screening device.
  • the screening apparatus is of the kind which is disclosed in Norwegian patent application NO 20053230, that is to say the screening apparatus preferably includes an endless rotating screening element, a suction device, which is in fluid communication with the underpressure-generating device, being arranged towards a portion of the underside of the screening element.
  • the system is provided with at least one container which is arranged to maintain the separation between solids and liquid.
  • the system is provided with at least two containers, one for solids and one for liquid.
  • Said at least one, but preferably at least two containers could function both as a storage unit and as a buffer tank before the fluid fractions solids and liquid are passed on for further treatment, either into said preferably two containers or by the fractions being transferred into other suitable transport devices.
  • the containers are connected to the underpressure of the system.
  • the underpressure-generating device is arranged in such a way that a fluid flow of, for example but not limited to, air is generated, which could move the fluid through at least portions of the system for treating fluid.
  • the underpressure-generating device preferably includes a vacuum pump known per se.
  • Figure 1 shows a principle drawing of a fluid treatment system for drilling fluid according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows, on a larger scale, a perspective view of a first screening apparatus included in the system shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 shows, on a larger scale, a perspective view of a second screening apparatus included in the system shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 shows a principle drawing of a fluid treatment system for cleaning bottom sediments in a sea.
  • the reference numeral 1 indicates a fluid treatment system for the separation of the solids, liquid and gas fractions of a fluid.
  • the fluid treatment system 1 will be referred to, in what follows, as the system 1.
  • figure 1 is shown a principle drawing of a system 1 for treating a drilling fluid in the petroleum industry, the system 1, covered by this patent application, being shown as defined by means of a dashed line.
  • the system 1 covered by this patent application, being shown as defined by means of a dashed line.
  • a skilled person will immediately understand that the individual elements which are shown in the principle drawing are not to scale.
  • the system 1 includes an inlet portion 3 and three outlet portions 5, 7 and 9 for separated solids, liquid and gas, respectively.
  • the inlet portion 3 is connected to the so-called mud return nipple or "bell nipple" on a riser 50.
  • An underpressure-generating device in the form of a vacuum pump 11 and an associated vacuum tank 13 is connected to a pipe system 15 connecting the vacuum tank 13 to the interior of two containers 17, 19; respectively, a transport container 17 which is arranged to be disconnected and transported out of the system 1, and an intermediate storage container 19 which is arranged to be connected to a conveying system 52.
  • the conveying system 52 is constituted by a pipe system for closed transfer of the contents of the container 19 to a ship 54.
  • the ship 54 is shown to be provided with a suction device in the form of a vacuum pump 56 with an associated vacuum tank 58 for sucking the contents of the intermediate storage container 19 aboard the ship 54.
  • a suction device in the form of a vacuum pump 56 with an associated vacuum tank 58 for sucking the contents of the intermediate storage container 19 aboard the ship 54.
  • other devices known per se for the transfer from the intermediate storage container 19 into the ship 54 could be used.
  • the pipe 21 is arranged to lead solid particles which have been separated from the drilling fluid to a first screening device 23 and a second screening device 25.
  • the pipe 21 is referred to, in what follows, as the "solids line” 21.
  • the first screening device 23 is arranged, among other things, to separate coarse particles carried in the drilling fluid, and will, for simplicity, be referred to, in what follows, as the "coarse separator 23".
  • the coarse separator 23 is described in further detail when reference is made to figure 2.
  • the second screening device 25 is a screening device of the kind which is covered by Norwegian patent application NO20053230 and which includes an endless, rotating screening element or screen cloth, in which a suction device, which is in fluid communication with the underpressure-generating device 11, 13, is arranged towards a portion of the underside of the screening element.
  • the second screening device 25 is arranged to separate return liquid from the solid particles of the drilling fluid which are retained on said rotating screen cloth.
  • the second screening device is called a "fine screen” 25 and is described in some more detail with reference to figure 3.
  • the coarse separator 23 is connected to and in fluid communication with the fine screen 25 via a flow line 24, so that the portion of the drilling fluid passing a screen 237 of the coarse separator 23 is carried to an inlet portion 251 of the fine screen 25.
  • the distribution of solid particles which are carried from the coarse separator 23 and fine screen 25 via the solids line 21 to the transport container 17 and intermediate storage container 19 is controlled by means of a distributing device, not shown.
  • the return liquid which is separated in the fine screen 25 from the drilling fluid by means of at least a suction device 257 ' is carried by the underpressure into the vacuum tank 13 via a line 27.
  • the line 27 is called the "return liquid line” 27.
  • the return liquid separated from the drilling fluid is pumped in a controlled manner and by means of pump devices (not shown) known per se out of the system 1 into a container 29 for active drilling liquid.
  • pump devices not shown
  • the active drilling liquid is pumped in a manner known per se from the container 29 into the well via an injection line 33.
  • the gas which is liberated from the fluid is pumped, together with air which is drawn into the system 1 at the coarse separator 23, by means of the underpressure-generating device 11, 13 via a breather line 16 into the open air. It will be understood that the gas could, alternatively, be collected in a suitable container (not shown) for further treatment, possibly cleaned before vented to the atmosphere.
  • FIG 2 is shown a perspective view of the coarse separator 23 shown in principle in figure 1, but on a larger scale and in further detail. For clarity, portions of the coarse separator 23 are shown transparent. However, it will be understood that the coarse separator 23 is encased. Drilling fluid is carried from the mud return nipple of the riser 50 in through an inlet 231 which is placed in a housing 233.
  • the housing 233 is fixedly disposed on a screening device 235 which includes an endless screen cloth 237 which is suspended between and arranged to rotate about three deflection rollers (only one shown) .
  • Drilling mud which is led into the coarse separator 23 is separated by coarse particles which do not pass the screen cloth 237 being conveyed thereon and falling into a comminutor 238 for coarse particles or coarse cuttings.
  • the comminutor 238 is driven by a motor 239.
  • the cuttings are crushed into smaller fractions.
  • From the comminutor 238 the cuttings are carried in a closed system from a comminutor outlet portion 238' into the solids line 21 and via the distribution station, not shown, further into the transport container 17 and/or intermediate storage container 19.
  • the portion of the drilling mud passing the screen cloth 237 is carried via a screen outlet portion 237' into the flow line 24 and further into an inlet portion 251 (see figure 3) of the fine screen 25.
  • the coarse separator 25 is at an internal underpressure which is influenced by the underpressure-generating device 11, 13 and a control valve, not shown, for the supply of air. Said control valve is placed in a portion of the coarse separator 25.
  • the air flow which is generated by means of said control valve and underpressure-generating device 11, 13 will effect transfer of the drilling mud.
  • the air flow could act as a coolant for the drilling mud, which could, in turn, contribute to reduced evaporation of toxic fractions .
  • FIG 3 is shown a perspective view of the fine screen 25 shown in principle in figure 1, but on a larger scale and in more detail.
  • the fine screen 25 is shown partly transparent.
  • the fine screen 25 is encased.
  • a detailed description of the fine screen 25 can be found in Norwegian patent application NO20053230. Drilling mud passing the screen cloth 237 in the coarse separator 23 mentioned above is carried via a flow line 24 into an inlet portion 251 which is placed in a housing 253.
  • the housing 253 is fixedly disposed on a screening device 255 which includes an endless screen cloth 257 which is suspended between and arranged to rotate about four deflection rollers 256 (two shown) .
  • suction nozzles 257' Under a portion of the screen cloth 257 are placed two spaced-apart suction nozzles 257' .
  • the suction nozzles 257' are in fluid communication with the underpressure-generating device 11, 13.
  • the suction nozzle 257' sucks liquid, and also particles passing through the openings of the screen cloth 257, bringing it via the return liquid line 27 into the vacuum tank 13 as described above.
  • the fine screen 25 is further provided with an acoustic sound source, for example an ultrasonic source, still further effecting separation of liquid from the solid matter.
  • an acoustic sound source for example an ultrasonic source, still further effecting separation of liquid from the solid matter.
  • FIG 4 is shown a flow chart of a fluid treatment system according to the present invention used in treating a fluid which is sucked up from the bottom of a sea, for example a basin.
  • the process substantially corresponds to the process in which drilling fluid is separated into the fractions solids, drilling liquid and gas as shown in figure 1 and described above, but in which the fluid treatment system has only two outlets, one through the return line 33 and one (not shown) through the transport or intermediate storage container 17, 19. Fluid which is to be cleaned is pumped into the system by means of a pump 50 '.
  • the present invention could also be very useful in cleaning contaminated mass on land, for example oil-contaminated sand.
  • To the contaminated mass chemicals could then be added, facilitating the dissolving of the contamination, whereby the constituents of the fluid, such as solids (sand) , liquid (chemicals and oil) and gas (from chemicals and oil) can be collected in a controlled manner and possibly be subjected to further treatment .
  • An example of another field of use of the present invention is the separation of manure, in which this may be separated into the fractions solid matter, liquid and gas.
  • the solid matter could be used as biomass for the production of biogas or for the production of pellets for soil improvement.
  • the liquid, possibly together with the gas, will be well suited for injection into the ground, which has turned out to be an efficient form of fertilization.
  • An underpressure system on which the present invention is based could result, in terms of design, in equipment with fewer safety factors and thereby smaller/lighter equipment than corresponding equipment designed for pressure, as the consequences of a possible collapse in an underpressure system are smaller than those of a corresponding collapse in pressure-loaded equipment.
  • the present invention represents a way of treating a fluid, in which there is full control of the fractions of the fluid, which represents very big advantages relative to the prior art with respect to both health and environmental aspects during the cleaning process itself.
  • the invention opens to new possibilities for cleaning fluid containing solids, liquid and possible gas.

Abstract

A system (1) for the treatment of a fluid comprising at least two of the fractions solid particles, liquid and/or gas is described, the system (1) being defined by at least one inlet portion (3) and two or more outlet portions (5, 7, 9), and the system (1) being arranged to separate solid particles over a predetermined size from the liquid by means of at least one screening apparatus (23, 25) and then carry said fractions out of the system (1), the system (1) for the treatment of fluid being substantially fluid-tight between said at' least one inlet portion (3) and the outlet portions (5, 7, 9) and being provided with at least one underpressure-generating device (11, 13) which is arranged to provide an underpressure in the system (1) between said at least one inlet portion (3) and the outlet portions (5, 7, 9), the at least one screening apparatus (23, 25) being arranged to separate the fluid into fractions substantially including solids, liquid and/or gas, the fractions of the fluid being kept separate as the fractions are carried out of the system (1). Also described is a method of using the system (1).

Description

A FLUID TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD AND USE OF SAME
The present invention relates to a fluid treatment system. More particularly, it relates to a system for the separation of the solid particles of a fluid over a predetermined size from the liquid of the fluid and possible gas which is liberated from the fluid. The fluid may be, for example, but not limited to, a drilling fluid containing drilling mud and drilled particles, so-called cuttings, and also liquid and gas .
The separation of solid particles from fluid flows, carried out by passing a fluid through a filter or screen device with perforations of such a size that the solid particles are retained on the screen surface instead of passing through it, is a well-known technique. This is known from, among other things, well drilling in the petroleum production industry, in which so-called shale shaker apparatuses or "shakers" are used to separate cuttings from the drilling fluid, so that valuable drilling liquid can be recirculated down the well. However, in the treatment of fluid, as by screening for example, evaporation of gases unfavourable to health and environment could occur, which could additionally represent a safety risk. No known solutions have been found which could in a practical way encase a shale shaker apparatus without the whole apparatus being built into a separate room. However, this does not solve the problem of personnel, operating and maintaining the equipment during operation, being exposed to said gases. Thus, protective equipment will have to be used even if a shale shaker apparatus is built in in accordance with the prior art.
In Norwegian patent application NO20053230, whose inventors are the same as those of the present invention, is described a screening and fluid separation apparatus solving said problem of gas evaporation from a screening apparatus among other things. Norwegian patent application NO20053230 is incorporated in the present disclosure by reference in its entirety. However, the invention according to NO20053230 will only lead away the gasses that are liberated in the screening apparatus itself. Thus, gases that are liberated from the fluid at other points in the process with open zones could not be collected and led away in a controlled manner. In the offshore industry, among others, but also in other industries in which fluid cleaning is relevant, like for example in the spreading of manure in agriculture, there is an express wish for being able to protect personnel and environment from health-injurious gases which could be emitted from fluid under treatment. So far, this whish has not been possible to fulfil without the use of protective equipment.
The invention has for its object to remedy or reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art.
The object is achieved through features which are indicated in the description below and in the claims that follow.
In a first aspect the present invention is constituted by a system for the treatment of a fluid comprising at least two of the fluid fractions solid particles, liquid and/or gas, the system being defined by at least one inlet portion and two or more outlet portions, and the system being arranged to separate solid particles over a predetermined size from the liquid by means of at least one screening apparatus and then carry the separated solid particles, liquid and at least a portion of said gas, out of the system, the system for treating fluid being substantially fluid-tight between said at least one inlet portion and outlet portions, and being provided with at least one underpressure-generating device which is arranged to provide an underpressure in the system between said at least one inlet portion and the outlet portions, the screening apparatus being arranged to separate the fluid into fractions substantially including solids, liquid and/or gas, the fractions of the fluid being kept separate as the fractions are brought out of the system.
It will be understood that the liquid may contain particles which are smaller than said predetermined size, so that they can pass through the screening device.
It is an advantage if the screening apparatus is of the kind which is disclosed in Norwegian patent application NO 20053230, that is to say the screening apparatus preferably includes an endless rotating screening element, a suction device, which is in fluid communication with the underpressure-generating device, being arranged towards a portion of the underside of the screening element. To collect the separated particles and the liquid for further processing outside the system, it is an advantage if the system is provided with at least one container which is arranged to maintain the separation between solids and liquid. In a preferred embodiment the system is provided with at least two containers, one for solids and one for liquid. Said at least one, but preferably at least two containers could function both as a storage unit and as a buffer tank before the fluid fractions solids and liquid are passed on for further treatment, either into said preferably two containers or by the fractions being transferred into other suitable transport devices. Preferably, while in the system, the containers are connected to the underpressure of the system.
In a preferred embodiment the underpressure-generating device is arranged in such a way that a fluid flow of, for example but not limited to, air is generated, which could move the fluid through at least portions of the system for treating fluid. The underpressure-generating device preferably includes a vacuum pump known per se.
In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of separating a fluid including at least two of the fractions solid particles, liquid and/or gas, in a system which is provided with at least one inlet portion and two or more outlet portions, the system being arranged to separate solid particles over a predetermined size from the liquid by means of at least one screening apparatus and subsequently carry the particles separated from the fluid, liquid and at least a portion of said gas out of the system, the method for treating the fluid comprising the following steps: arranging a substantially fluid-tight system between said at least one inlet portion and the outlet portions; providing an underpressure between said at least one inlet portion and the outlet portions by means of at least one underpressure-generating device; leading the fluid in through said at least one inlet portion, through the at least one screening apparatus, in which the fluid is separated into fractions essentially including at least two of the fractions solids, liquid and/or gas; and maintaining the separation of the fractions of the fluid out of the system through respective outlet portions .
In what follows is described a non-limiting example of a preferred embodiment which is visualized in the accompanying drawings, in which like or corresponding parts are indicated substantially by the same reference numerals, and in which:
Figure 1 shows a principle drawing of a fluid treatment system for drilling fluid according to the present invention;
Figure 2 shows, on a larger scale, a perspective view of a first screening apparatus included in the system shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows, on a larger scale, a perspective view of a second screening apparatus included in the system shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 shows a principle drawing of a fluid treatment system for cleaning bottom sediments in a sea.
In the figures the reference numeral 1 indicates a fluid treatment system for the separation of the solids, liquid and gas fractions of a fluid. The fluid treatment system 1 will be referred to, in what follows, as the system 1.
In figure 1 is shown a principle drawing of a system 1 for treating a drilling fluid in the petroleum industry, the system 1, covered by this patent application, being shown as defined by means of a dashed line. A skilled person will immediately understand that the individual elements which are shown in the principle drawing are not to scale.
The system 1 includes an inlet portion 3 and three outlet portions 5, 7 and 9 for separated solids, liquid and gas, respectively.
The inlet portion 3 is connected to the so-called mud return nipple or "bell nipple" on a riser 50. An underpressure-generating device in the form of a vacuum pump 11 and an associated vacuum tank 13 is connected to a pipe system 15 connecting the vacuum tank 13 to the interior of two containers 17, 19; respectively, a transport container 17 which is arranged to be disconnected and transported out of the system 1, and an intermediate storage container 19 which is arranged to be connected to a conveying system 52. The conveying system 52 is constituted by a pipe system for closed transfer of the contents of the container 19 to a ship 54. In the exemplary embodiment the ship 54 is shown to be provided with a suction device in the form of a vacuum pump 56 with an associated vacuum tank 58 for sucking the contents of the intermediate storage container 19 aboard the ship 54. However, it will be understood that other devices known per se for the transfer from the intermediate storage container 19 into the ship 54 could be used.
To either one of the containers 17, 19 is connected a further pipe 21. The pipe 21 is arranged to lead solid particles which have been separated from the drilling fluid to a first screening device 23 and a second screening device 25. For simplicity, the pipe 21 is referred to, in what follows, as the "solids line" 21. The first screening device 23 is arranged, among other things, to separate coarse particles carried in the drilling fluid, and will, for simplicity, be referred to, in what follows, as the "coarse separator 23". The coarse separator 23 is described in further detail when reference is made to figure 2.
The second screening device 25 is a screening device of the kind which is covered by Norwegian patent application NO20053230 and which includes an endless, rotating screening element or screen cloth, in which a suction device, which is in fluid communication with the underpressure-generating device 11, 13, is arranged towards a portion of the underside of the screening element. The second screening device 25 is arranged to separate return liquid from the solid particles of the drilling fluid which are retained on said rotating screen cloth. In what follows, the second screening device is called a "fine screen" 25 and is described in some more detail with reference to figure 3.
The coarse separator 23 is connected to and in fluid communication with the fine screen 25 via a flow line 24, so that the portion of the drilling fluid passing a screen 237 of the coarse separator 23 is carried to an inlet portion 251 of the fine screen 25.
The distribution of solid particles which are carried from the coarse separator 23 and fine screen 25 via the solids line 21 to the transport container 17 and intermediate storage container 19 is controlled by means of a distributing device, not shown.
The return liquid which is separated in the fine screen 25 from the drilling fluid by means of at least a suction device 257 ' is carried by the underpressure into the vacuum tank 13 via a line 27. In what follows, the line 27 is called the "return liquid line" 27. From the vacuum tank 13 the return liquid separated from the drilling fluid is pumped in a controlled manner and by means of pump devices (not shown) known per se out of the system 1 into a container 29 for active drilling liquid. By means of a high-pressure drilling liquid pump 31 the active drilling liquid is pumped in a manner known per se from the container 29 into the well via an injection line 33.
The gas which is liberated from the fluid is pumped, together with air which is drawn into the system 1 at the coarse separator 23, by means of the underpressure-generating device 11, 13 via a breather line 16 into the open air. It will be understood that the gas could, alternatively, be collected in a suitable container (not shown) for further treatment, possibly cleaned before vented to the atmosphere.
In figure 2 is shown a perspective view of the coarse separator 23 shown in principle in figure 1, but on a larger scale and in further detail. For clarity, portions of the coarse separator 23 are shown transparent. However, it will be understood that the coarse separator 23 is encased. Drilling fluid is carried from the mud return nipple of the riser 50 in through an inlet 231 which is placed in a housing 233. The housing 233 is fixedly disposed on a screening device 235 which includes an endless screen cloth 237 which is suspended between and arranged to rotate about three deflection rollers (only one shown) .
Drilling mud which is led into the coarse separator 23 is separated by coarse particles which do not pass the screen cloth 237 being conveyed thereon and falling into a comminutor 238 for coarse particles or coarse cuttings. The comminutor 238 is driven by a motor 239. In the comminutor 238 the cuttings are crushed into smaller fractions. From the comminutor 238 the cuttings are carried in a closed system from a comminutor outlet portion 238' into the solids line 21 and via the distribution station, not shown, further into the transport container 17 and/or intermediate storage container 19.
The portion of the drilling mud passing the screen cloth 237 is carried via a screen outlet portion 237' into the flow line 24 and further into an inlet portion 251 (see figure 3) of the fine screen 25. The coarse separator 25 is at an internal underpressure which is influenced by the underpressure-generating device 11, 13 and a control valve, not shown, for the supply of air. Said control valve is placed in a portion of the coarse separator 25. The air flow which is generated by means of said control valve and underpressure-generating device 11, 13 will effect transfer of the drilling mud. In addition, the air flow could act as a coolant for the drilling mud, which could, in turn, contribute to reduced evaporation of toxic fractions .
In figure 3 is shown a perspective view of the fine screen 25 shown in principle in figure 1, but on a larger scale and in more detail. For clarity, the fine screen 25 is shown partly transparent. However, it is to be understood that the fine screen 25 is encased. A detailed description of the fine screen 25 can be found in Norwegian patent application NO20053230. Drilling mud passing the screen cloth 237 in the coarse separator 23 mentioned above is carried via a flow line 24 into an inlet portion 251 which is placed in a housing 253. The housing 253 is fixedly disposed on a screening device 255 which includes an endless screen cloth 257 which is suspended between and arranged to rotate about four deflection rollers 256 (two shown) .
Under a portion of the screen cloth 257 are placed two spaced-apart suction nozzles 257' . The suction nozzles 257' are in fluid communication with the underpressure-generating device 11, 13. The suction nozzle 257' sucks liquid, and also particles passing through the openings of the screen cloth 257, bringing it via the return liquid line 27 into the vacuum tank 13 as described above.
In one embodiment (not shown) the fine screen 25 is further provided with an acoustic sound source, for example an ultrasonic source, still further effecting separation of liquid from the solid matter. Such an acoustic sound source is described in detail in Norwegian patent application NO20051433, whose inventors are the same as those of the present invention, which is incorporated in the present disclosure by reference in its entirety.
In figure 4 is shown a flow chart of a fluid treatment system according to the present invention used in treating a fluid which is sucked up from the bottom of a sea, for example a basin. Thus, the process substantially corresponds to the process in which drilling fluid is separated into the fractions solids, drilling liquid and gas as shown in figure 1 and described above, but in which the fluid treatment system has only two outlets, one through the return line 33 and one (not shown) through the transport or intermediate storage container 17, 19. Fluid which is to be cleaned is pumped into the system by means of a pump 50 '.
The present invention could also be very useful in cleaning contaminated mass on land, for example oil-contaminated sand. To the contaminated mass chemicals could then be added, facilitating the dissolving of the contamination, whereby the constituents of the fluid, such as solids (sand) , liquid (chemicals and oil) and gas (from chemicals and oil) can be collected in a controlled manner and possibly be subjected to further treatment .
An example of another field of use of the present invention is the separation of manure, in which this may be separated into the fractions solid matter, liquid and gas. The solid matter could be used as biomass for the production of biogas or for the production of pellets for soil improvement. The liquid, possibly together with the gas, will be well suited for injection into the ground, which has turned out to be an efficient form of fertilization.
An underpressure system on which the present invention is based could result, in terms of design, in equipment with fewer safety factors and thereby smaller/lighter equipment than corresponding equipment designed for pressure, as the consequences of a possible collapse in an underpressure system are smaller than those of a corresponding collapse in pressure-loaded equipment.
Thus, the present invention represents a way of treating a fluid, in which there is full control of the fractions of the fluid, which represents very big advantages relative to the prior art with respect to both health and environmental aspects during the cleaning process itself. In addition, the invention opens to new possibilities for cleaning fluid containing solids, liquid and possible gas.

Claims

C l a i m s
A closed system (1) for treating and conveying a fluid comprising at least two of the fractions solid particles, liquid and gas, the system (1) being defined by at least one inlet portion (3) which is in fluid communication with a fluid source (50) and at least one outlet portion (5, 7, 9), char ac t e r i z ed in that the system (1) includes :
- at least one screening device (23, 25);
- a pipe system (3, 15, 21, 24) connecting, in terms of fluid, said inlet portion to said screening device (23, 25) and said outlet portions (5, 7, 9);
- an underpressure-generating device (11, 13) which is in fluid communication with the pipe system (3, 15, 21, 24) and the screening device (23, 25), whereby the fluid fractions are subjected to underpressure throughout the system (1) until they have been brought, each separately, in a controlled manner out of the system (1) via at least one container (13, 17, 19) which is disposed in the system (1) and which is connected to the underpressure-generating device (11, 13).
The system in accordance with claim 1, charac t e r i z e d in that at least one of said at least one screening device (23, 25) includes an endless, rotating screening element (237, 257), a suction device (257'), which is in fluid communication with the underpressure-generating device (11, 13), being arranged towards a portion of the underside of the screening element (257')
3. The system in accordance with claim 1, cha r a c t e r i z e d in that the system includes at least one container (13, 17, 19) for solids, at least one container for liquid and at least one container for gas .
4. The . system in accordance with claim 1, cha r a c t e r i z e d in that the underpressure-generating device (11, 13) is arranged to provide a flow which is sufficient for moving the constituents of the fluid between the at least one inlet portion (3) and the at least one container (13, 17, 19) .
5. The system in accordance with claim 1, cha r a c t e r i z e d in that the fluid is a return drilling fluid from a petroleum well.
6. A method of separating and conveying a fluid comprising at least two of the fractions solid particles, liquid and gas, in a closed system (1) which is defined by at least one inlet portion (3) which is in fluid communication with a fluid source
(50) and, for each of said fractions, at least one outlet portion (5, 7, 9), cha rac t e r i z e d i n that the method for the separation and conveyance of the fluid includes the following steps: arranging a substantially fluid-tight system (1) between said at least one inlet portion (3) and the outlet portions (5, 7, 9); providing an underpressure in the system (1) between said at least one inlet portion (3) and the outlet portions (5, 7, 9) by means of at least one underpressure-generating device (11, 13); leading the fluid from the fluid source (50) via the inlet portion (3) and to at least one screening device (23, 25) , in which the fluid is separated into said at least two fractions; and bringing the fractions, each separately, in a controlled manner out of the system (1) via containers (17, 19) which are in fluid communication with the underpressure-generating device (11, 13) through respective outlet portions (5, 7, 9).
PCT/NO2007/000134 2006-04-25 2007-04-19 A fluid treatment system and method and use of same WO2007123410A1 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP07747595.2A EP2027359B1 (en) 2006-04-25 2007-04-19 A fluid treatment system and method and use of same
CA2650052A CA2650052C (en) 2006-04-25 2007-04-19 A fluid treatment system and method and use of same
US12/297,740 US8394270B2 (en) 2006-04-25 2007-04-19 Fluid treatment and method and use of same
EA200870468A EA014456B1 (en) 2006-04-25 2007-04-19 A fluid treatment system and method and use of same
BRPI0712833-9A BRPI0712833A2 (en) 2006-04-25 2007-04-19 system and method for separating at least two of the solid, liquid and gas particle fractions from a fluid
DK07747595.2T DK2027359T3 (en) 2006-04-25 2007-04-19 A fluid treatment system and method and using the same
CN2007800147502A CN101432500B (en) 2006-04-25 2007-04-19 Fluid treatment system and method and use of same

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20061830 2006-04-25
NO20061830A NO327436B1 (en) 2006-04-25 2006-04-25 Fluid treatment system and method of using the same

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WO2007123410A1 true WO2007123410A1 (en) 2007-11-01

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US (1) US8394270B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2027359B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101432500B (en)
BR (1) BRPI0712833A2 (en)
CA (1) CA2650052C (en)
DK (1) DK2027359T3 (en)
EA (1) EA014456B1 (en)
NO (1) NO327436B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2007123410A1 (en)

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BRPI0712833A2 (en) 2012-07-24
US8394270B2 (en) 2013-03-12
EP2027359A1 (en) 2009-02-25
EA014456B1 (en) 2010-12-30
NO327436B1 (en) 2009-06-29
CA2650052C (en) 2014-06-17
EA200870468A1 (en) 2009-04-28
CA2650052A1 (en) 2007-11-01
CN101432500A (en) 2009-05-13
EP2027359B1 (en) 2015-08-19
CN101432500B (en) 2013-08-14
NO20061830L (en) 2007-10-26
EP2027359A4 (en) 2014-09-17
US20090107931A1 (en) 2009-04-30
DK2027359T3 (en) 2015-11-30

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