Patent ID: 6059977
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: B01D,E21B

Abstract:
A method for recycling fluid in a drilling operation, the method comprising:(a) receiving a stream of fluid containing solids;(b) introducing the fluid and a flocculating agent into a receiving area in a settling tank, the settling tank comprising a plurality of compartments and a material conveyor extending through the compartments in a lower portion of the tank;(c) allowing the fluid to flow along the settling tank in a first direction from the receiving area to a collection area while allowing solids to settle to the bottom of the tank and operating the material conveyor to carry settled solids in a second direction opposite to the first direction toward an output port in the tank;(d) withdrawing fluids from the collection area;(e) withdrawing a mixture of solids and fluids from the outlet port; and,(f) passing the mixture of solids and fluids withdrawn from the output port through a centrifuge to separate fluids from that mixture and introducing the separated fluids into the settling tank.