Expandable tank for separating particulate material from drilling fluid and storing production fluids, and method
US6062313A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 16, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/36
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A system for separating particulate material from drilling fluid for underwater wells of the type which comprise an above-water drilling platform, a string of drill pipe extending from the platform to the subsea floor for drilling the well and an annulus extending into an earth formation beneath the subsea floor. The drill pipe runs through the annulus into the formation for drilling a well in the formation. Also included is a system for circulating a drilling fluid downwardly through the string of drill pipe and upwardly through the annulus for removing particulate material generated from drilling the well. The system further including a return conduit and pump for returning the drilling fluid to the water surface. The system comprises an expandable tank positioned on the subsea floor and connected between the annulus and the return conduit so that the drilling fluid flows through the tank. The tank is shaped and dimensioned to allow at least a substantial amount of particulate material to settle out of the drilling fluid as the fluid flows through the tank to the return conduit. The tank can also be used for separating particulate matter from drilling fluid for land wells; and as…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.