Method of processing drilling fluid
US7514005B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC02F2101/325
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for processing drilling fluid comprising an oil and water emulsion and solid material includes breaking the emulsion into an oil phase and a water phase, increasing the surface area of the solid material, adsorbing at least some of the water phase to the increased surface area of the solid material, and recovering at least some of the oil phase. The drilling fluid may be moved within a container to break the emulsion and increase the surface area of the solids material. Water phase or solid material may be added to the drilling fluid to maximize the amount of water phase adsorbed into the solid material and minimize the amount of oil phase adsorbed to the solid material. The drilling fluid may be processed while being transported between locations. The solid material may be dried in a thermal dryer to vaporize and recover the water phase and any adsorbed oil phase.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.