Patent ID: 7455783
Filing Date: 2008-11-25
Classification: B01D,E21B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for removing low gravity solids from an oil-based drilling fluid, wherein the low gravity solids have a lower density than barite and include collodial particles, comprising: directing the drilling fluid into a first inlet of a first line in fluid communication with a centrifuge; injecting steam into the drilling fluid through a second inlet in the first line, wherein the second inlet is upstream from the centrifuge; directing the commingled drilling fluid and steam into the centrifuge; rotating the centrifuge at a rotational speed sufficient to separate solids from liquids; collecting solids from a solids discharge; and collecting effluent including said liquids from an effluent outlet, wherein steam is injected into the drilling fluid in an amount sufficient to separate liquid and solid particles, the effluent includes less than 5.5% solid particles, and has low gravity solids in an amount less than 1.5%.