SEPARATION OF EVOLVED GASES FROM DRILLING FLUIDS IN A DRILLING OPERATION

摘要

A fluid handling system for drilling cuttings utilizes a constant and gravitymanaged liquid level between a substantially atmospheric separator and a shaleshaker to maximize fluid residence time within the separator and ensuresubstantially all of the gas entrained in the cuttings is evolved and passedto a flare thus preventing evolution of the gas at the shale shaker. Solidsfrom the separator are combined with liquid recirculation from and returningto the shale shaker. Optionally, a vacuum degasser is positioned between theseparator and the shale shaker and separated gases are passed from thedegasser to the flare. This method and system is particularly applicable tobalanced, underbalanced and air drilling operations where the flow of gas isintermittent and unpredictable.