Apparatus and method for drilling fluid density separator using magnets
US9333511B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 10, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 4, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB03C2201/18
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus is disclosed for separating minerals in drilling fluid based primarily on density. The separator creates and maintains a slurry with a controllable density for separating minerals from drill cuttings. The density is controlled through the use of an electric coil and magnets to create a magnetic field or electrode array. The separator comprises a primary separation chamber containing the dense slurry, and a multiple number of secondary separation chambers used to separate cuttings from the drilling fluid. The invention also contains inlet hardware allowing the mixed mineral suspension to enter the first separation chamber, and hardware allowing the three outlet (separated) streams to exit the device. One of the three outlet streams carries the minerals that have a density greater than the user selectable density set point, while the second carries the minerals that have a density less than the density set point, and the third carries clean drilling fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.