Method and apparatus for handling and disposal of oil and gas well drill cuttings
US6179071A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63G2008/425
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform provides for the separation of drill cuttings from at least a volume of the well drilling fluid (i.e. drilling mud) on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore. The cuttings are then transferred to a cuttings collection area on the platform. The separated drill cuttings are then suctioned with a first suction line having an intake portion. The suctioned drill cuttings are transmitted to a vacuum holding tank or multiple tanks on the platform, each having a tank interior. A vacuum is formed within the holding tank interior with a blower that is in fluid communication with the tank interior via a second vacuum line. The holding tank is then connected to a floating work boat with a discharge flow line. Cuttings are then transmitted from the tank on the platform to the work boat via the flow line. In an alternate embodiment, cuttings can be transferred to an underwater storage area. In this fashion, multiple holding tanks on the drilling platform can be used to store cuttings until a work boat arrives. The work boat can be provided with its own high …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.