Drill cuttings recycling ― exploring the options

摘要

Although several commercially available treatment processes can remove oil from oil based mud (OBM) cuttings, there are few satisfactory outlets for the residual solid material, most of which currently goes to landfill. In light of the legislative changes, increased focus on duty of care, and commercial considerations, viable alternatives are being sought for the recycling and reuse of large volumes of material from future drilling programs. In San Antonio next month, possible options for converting drill cuttings into reusable secondary products will figure prominently among the topics to be discussed at the annual Exploration & Production Environmental Conference organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.