Patent ID: 6553901
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: B30B,E21B

Abstract:
A drill cuttings processing system comprising:a) a conveying and holding system for collecting and receiving a drill cuttings slurry said slurry comprising drilling fluids and earth solids developed while drilling a well; b) a press having a screen means for compressively separating said solids in excess of 50 micron from said cuttings slurry and recovering said drilling fluids, said press being in fluid communication with said conveying and holding system; c) a dryer, having means for receiving said solids, capable of flashing off moisture and any remaining drilling fluid residue; d) a conveying means for transporting said solids from said press to said dryer; e) a receiving tank capable of receiving said solids discharged from said dryer having means for continuous weighing and computer analyzing said solids for residual petroleum content; and f) a means for selecting between discharge of said solids from said receiving tank directly into the environment adjacent said well, further processing prior to transport to environmental deposit sites and reinjection into said well being drilled.