Patent ID: 6926101
Filing Date: 2005-08-09
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A system for treating return mud rising to the surface from a wellbore via a tubular member in well drilling operations, said return mud comprising a first material having a first density, a second material having a second density which is greater than the first density, and drill cuttings, said system comprising: (a) a shaker device for receiving the return mud from the tubular member and removing the drill cuttings from the return mud to produce a clean return mud, said shaker device comprising a first outlet capable of passing a dual gradient fluid consisting of said first and second materials and a second outlet capable of passing said drill cuttings; (b) a centrifuge device comprising a first inlet in fluid communication with said first outlet of said shaker, a first outlet capable of passing said first fluid and a second outlet capable of passing said second fluid; (c) a first tank in fluid communication with said first outlet of said centrifuge device, said first tank comprising a first outlet; (d) a second tank in fluid communication with said second outlet of said centrifuge device.