Method and apparatus for separating artificial drill cuttings from natural drill cuttings
US4539102A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 9, 1983 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S209/933
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for removing and counting artificial drill cuttings from a returning drill mud containing a mixture of both artificial and natural drill cuttings. The artificial drill cuttings are injected into the drilling fluid and supplied to a drill string and have magnetic properties, while the natural drill cuttings do not. A rotary magnetic drum having a first endless belt travelling therearound receives the cuttings mixture and the magnetic artificial cuttings adhere to the first belt by being attracted to the drum, while the natural drill cuttings do not, thereby permitting separation of the two. The artificial cuttings are removed from the drum by a second endless belt cooperating with the first endless belt to define a nip between them. The belts positively engage with and remove the artificial cuttings from the drum.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.