A New Fluid Management System and Methods for Improving Filtration and Reducing Waste Volume, Introducing a Step Change in Health and Safety in the Mud Processing Area

摘要

Effective removal of contaminants from drilling fluids is widely accepted as a key factor in achieving optimum drilling performance and reducing fluid cost. Current shaker technology reflects incremental advances in functionality related to size, vibration and screen technologies. This paper describes the development, qualification and field testing of an alternative solids control solution that provides advances on several aspects that conventional equipment is infested with. The findings presented are based on results obtained both during the qualification process and field testing. These processes have contributed to improved knowledge within solids control, drilling fluid treatment and waste stream handling. The alternative cost effective fluid management system described in this paper represents a step change within occupational hygiene; through the elimination of oil mist and vapour. By using an innovative problem-solving approach several other technical solutions that addresses critical aspects related to the mud processing area (MPA) has also derived. These are all identified as critical to obtain an efficient drilling operation with lowest environmental impact. This intelligent fluid management system addresses multiple needs for both onshore and offshore drilling operations and facilitates: 1. Remote monitoring and control of fluid management utilizing real-time data (e.g., density and viscosity control), 2. Remote and real-time screen wear status and visual control of cuttings morphology 3. Accurately monitors cuttings volumes to identify poor hole cleaning, rapidly identifying well kicks or lost circulation 4. Removal of cuttings without screen blinding utilizing a conveyor filtration system 5. Elimination of ancillary equipment like degasser, mud cleaner, desander and cuttings dryers 6. Reduction in the need for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and elimination of the need for respiratory systems in the shaker room 7. Minimisation of acid gas contamination through application of vacuum pressure; allowing safe removal of the gases