Patent ID: 7243741
Filing Date: 2007-07-17
Classification: E21B,F23G

Abstract:
1. A system for handling drilling fluids including drilling cuttings returned from a wellbore during drilling, the fluids further comprising an intermittent and unpredictable flow of gaseous hydrocarbons entrained therein, the system comprising: a vertical separator for receiving drilling fluids from the wellbore further comprising: a shale shaker for receiving substantially gas free drilling solids and substantially gas free liquids discharged from the separator and for further separating the drilling solids from the liquids; and a recirculation line for flowing substantially gas free separated liquids from the shale shaker past the solids outlet of the separator wherein the substantially gas free drilling solids discharging from the solids outlet join the substantially gas free liquids for circulation to the shale shaker.