Oil and gas well cuttings disposal system with continous vacuum operation for sequentially filling disposal tanks
US6213227A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 3, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63G2008/425
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus of removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform includes the steps of separating the drill cuttings from the well drilling fluid on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore during drilling operations. The cuttings are then transmitted via gravity flow to a materials trough having an interior defined by sidewalls and a bottom portion. The drill cuttings are suctioned from the bottom portion of the trough interior with a suction line having an intake portion that is positioned at the materials trough bottom. Drill cuttings are transmitted via the suction line to a pair of hoppers that each have an interior chamber. A vacuum is formed in sequence within the interior chamber of each hopper using a vacuum means that is in fluid communication with the hopper interior chambers. The two hoppers are positioned one above the other so that cuttings can be added to the first, upper hopper via the suction line and then fed by gravity to the second, lower hopper. A valving arrangement maintains vacuum within the interior chamber of at least one hopper at all times. The lower hopper discharges onto a shaker w…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.