Patent ID: 8613329
Filing Date: 2013-12-24
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A system for the efficient handling of drill cuttings produced during the drilling of an earth bore, comprising: a. a work-deck having a horizontal surface; b. a traveling cuttings distributor disposed on said work-deck and movable horizontally along said work-deck and having an upper section which is movable vertically; c. a means for selectively moving said traveling cuttings distributor horizontally; d. a means for selectively moving the upper section of said traveling cuttings distributor vertically; e. a lid supported by said upper section of said traveling cuttings distributor, said lid having a first port and a second port; f. a means for drawing air from said first port; g. a suction line in communication with said second port and with a source of said drill cuttings; h. a first container having an opening at the top, a sufficiently large volume so that the velocity of air flowing therethrough slows sufficiently for drill cuttings to fall into said first container under the influence of gravity as air passes through said first container and a discharge port at the bottom for discharging drill cuttings; and, i. a means for sealingly engaging said lid to the opening at the top of said first container.