System and method for managing drilling fluid

Present embodiments are directed to a drilling fluid management device. A containment structure of the drilling fluid management device is capable of engaging and at least partially creating a seal with a drillpipe element or drillpipe handling equipment. Further, a suction port structure of the drilling fluid management device extends from the containment structure and includes an opening into the containment structure, wherein the suction port structure is designed to couple with a drilling fluid transport feature.

BACKGROUND

Present embodiments relate generally to the field of drilling and processing of wells, and, more particularly, present embodiments relate to drilling fluid management systems and methods, which may be used to facilitate one or more of controlling, containing, and routing drilling fluid during coupling and decoupling of drillpipe elements as part of a drilling-related operation.

In conventional oil and gas operations, a drilling rig is used to drill a wellbore to a desired depth using a drill string, which includes drillpipe, drill collars and a bottom hole drilling assembly. During drilling, the drill string may be turned by a rotary table and kelly assembly or by a top drive to facilitate the act of drilling. As the drill string progresses down hole, additional drillpipe is added to the drill string.

During drilling of the well, the drilling rig may be used to insert joints or stands (e.g., multiple coupled joints) of drillpipe into the wellbore. Similarly, the drilling rig may be used to remove drillpipe from the wellbore. As an example, during insertion of drillpipe into the wellbore by a traditional operation, each drillpipe element (e.g., each joint or stand) is coupled to an attachment feature that is in turn lifted by a traveling block of the drilling rig such that the drillpipe element is positioned over the wellbore. An initial drillpipe element may be positioned in the wellbore and held in place by gripping devices near the rig floor, such as slips. Subsequent drillpipe elements may then be coupled to the existing drillpipe elements in the wellbore to continue formation of the drill string. Once attached, the drillpipe element and remaining drill string may be held in place by an elevator and released from the gripping devices (e.g., slips) such that the drill string can be lowered into the wellbore. Once the drill string is in place, the gripping devices can be reengaged to hold the drill string such that the elevator can be released and the process of attaching drillpipe elements can be started again. Similar procedures may be utilized for removing drillpipe from the wellbore.

During coupling and decoupling of certain drillpipe elements in traditional operations, drilling fluid (e.g., drilling mud) spills in the work area and/or circulation of drilling fluid is interrupted, which can cause undesirable results. It is now recognized that certain aspects of existing techniques for coupling and decoupling drillpipe elements during drilling or a drilling-related operations are inefficient. Accordingly, it is now recognized that it is desirable to provide improved systems and methods for facilitating such operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of possible forms of the disclosed embodiments. Indeed, present embodiments may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

Present embodiments include a system with a drilling fluid management device. A containment structure of the drilling fluid management device is configured to engage and at least partially create a seal with a drillpipe element or drillpipe handling equipment. A suction port structure of the drilling fluid management device extends from the containment structure and including an opening into the containment structure, wherein the suction port structure is configured to couple with a drilling fluid transport feature.

A method in accordance with present embodiments includes coupling a containment structure of a drilling fluid management device about a drillpipe element such that at least a partial seal is established between a lower end of the containment structure and the drillpipe element below a face of an opening of the drillpipe element. Further, the method includes applying a suction within the containment structure via a suction port structure of the drilling fluid management device that includes an opening into the containment structure. Additionally, the method includes transporting drilling fluid from within the drilling fluid management device to a drilling fluid retention tank from the suction port structure.

A system in accordance with present embodiments includes a drillpipe element and a drilling fluid management device. A containment structure of the drilling fluid management device is coupled about the drillpipe element. A suction port structure is coupled with the containment structure and includes an opening into the containment structure. A suction manifold is communicatively coupled with the suction port structure and includes a valve configured to seal the suction manifold away from the suction port structure. A venturi bank, including a plurality of venturis, is communicatively coupled with the suction manifold along a main flow path of each venturi and down stream of a constriction in each venturi. A drilling fluid pumping system is configured to pump drilling fluid through the main flow path of each venturi.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Present embodiments are directed to systems and methods that relate to managing the flow of drilling fluid through drillpipe handling equipment (e.g., pipe drive systems), drillpipe elements (e.g., joints or strings of drillpipe or casing tubular) and so forth during certain drilling-related operations (e.g., changing stands or tripping drillpipe out of a hole). For example, present embodiments include a drilling fluid management device that includes a containment structure and a suction port. The containment structure functions to engage a portion of a drillpipe element during coupling or decoupling of the drillpipe element and to retain an amount of drilling fluid therein. The suction port provides a pathway for the drilling fluid to escape the containment structure.

The drilling fluid management device facilitates continuous circulation of drilling fluid through associated drillpipe elements and/or handling equipment during associated coupling or decoupling without substantial spillage. Indeed, the drilling fluid management device may operate to control the spillage of drilling fluid typically associated with such operations by directing the drilling fluid through the suction port and out of the immediate work area via associated tubing, piping, or the like. In one example, a system in accordance with present embodiments may operate to apply a suction to the suction port such that drilling fluid that is within the containment structure is suctioned out and transported to a location for capturing the drilling fluid, which would have otherwise spilled out of a drillpipe element and onto the surrounding work space.

To better understand present embodiments, it may be useful to provide a discussion of the nature of certain drilling-related operations that are facilitated by present embodiments. To begin with, it may be useful to consider actions and features involved with the attachment and detachment of drillpipe elements. Each drillpipe element typically includes a pin end and a box end to facilitate coupling of multiple joints of drillpipe. When positioning and assembling drillpipe elements in the wellbore, a drillpipe element is typically inserted into the wellbore until only an upper end is exposed above the wellbore. This exposed portion may be referred to as a stump. At this point, slips are typically positioned about the stump near the rig floor to hold the drillpipe element in place. In some embodiments, the drilling fluid management device may be integral with or designed to operate in conjunction with such slips. With respect to the orientation of the stump, the box end is typically positioned facing upward (“box up”) such that the pin end of subsequently inserted drillpipe with the pin facing downward (“pin down”) can be coupled with the box end of the previously inserted drillpipe or stump to continue formation of the downhole string. Drillpipe being added may be gripped at a distal end by a pipe drive system and the opposite distal end may be stabbed into the box end of the stump. Next, the pipe drive system may be employed to make-up a coupling between the drillpipe being added and the stump. In some embodiments, the pipe drive system may incorporate the drilling fluid management device as an integral feature or an attachment. Once the newly added drillpipe is appropriately attached, the gripping member may be removed and the drill string lowered further into the wellbore using an elevator. This process continues until a desired length of the drill string is achieved. Similarly, a reverse process may be used during removal of a drill string from a wellbore.

As generally suggested above, during a process of installing or removing drillpipe elements, it may be desirable to continue circulation of fluids (e.g., drilling mud) through the associated drill string to avoid potential scenarios that have been associated with a lack of drilling fluid circulation. Indeed, it is now recognized that substantial interruptions of such circulation can have undesirable results. For example, some undesirable results of interrupted circulation include: causing downhole temperature excursions, allowing drilling cuttings to settle and provide obstructions to drilling, encouraging an environment that is conducive to stuck pipe incidents, causing formation damage, and so forth. However, while continuous circulation might limit such issues, there are also undesirable issues associated with continuous circulation during certain aspects of a drilling-related operation. For example, continuous circulation while tripping drillpipe out of the hole can result in substantial spillage of the drilling fluid, which may cause delays. Indeed, a stand of piping being tripped out of the hole may be full of drilling fluid and, when the bottom connection between this stand and the stump is removed, the column of drilling fluid may drain down and onto the surrounding workspace.

A pipe drive system in accordance with present techniques may be used to facilitate assembly and disassembly of drill strings while continuously circulating drilling fluid through the drill string. Specifically, in accordance with present embodiments, a pipe drive system (e.g., top drive or iron rough neck) may be integral with or otherwise employed with a drilling fluid management device that facilitates control of spillage of the drilling fluid during transition operations. Such a pipe drive system may be employed to engage and lift a drillpipe element (e.g., a drillpipe joint), align the drillpipe element with a drill string, stab a pin end of the drillpipe element into a box end of the drill string, engage the drill string, and apply torque to make-up a coupling between the drillpipe element and the drill string. Thus, a pipe drive system may be employed to extend the drill string. Similarly, the pipe drive system may be used to disassemble drillpipe elements from a drill string by applying reverse torque and lifting the drillpipe elements out of the engagement with the remaining drill string. It should be noted that torque may be applied using a top drive system, iron roughneck, or the like coupled to the pipe drive system, integral with the pipe drive system, or defining the pipe drive system. Further, in accordance with present embodiments, such coupling and decoupling operations may be performed while circulating drilling fluid through related drillpipe features because the drilling fluid management device is properly coupled to one or more of the drillpipe elements and operating to remove at least a substantial portion of drilling fluid that would otherwise spill onto the surrounding workspace. Indeed, present embodiments may facilitate performance of such functions without substantial spillage of the associated drilling fluid by capturing, within the containment structure, drilling fluid that flows out of the drillpipe elements and by transporting the captured drilling fluid to a desired location via the suction feature.

Turning now to the drawings,FIG. 1is a schematic representation of a drilling rig10in the process of drilling a well in accordance with present techniques. WhileFIG. 1represents a drilling process, present embodiments may also be utilized for tripping processes and so forth. In particular, present embodiments may be employed in procedures including assembly or disassembly of drillpipe elements, wherein it is desirable to provide an amount of fluid circulation through the drillpipe elements from a drillpipe handling system during assembly or disassembly procedures. Furthermore, present embodiments may be used to manage fluid circulation during drilling of the formation and for controlling levels of drilling fluid circulation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the drilling rig10features an elevated rig floor12and a derrick14extending above the rig floor12. The drilling rig10may employ a hoisting system that facilitates hoisting various types of equipment and drillpipe above the rig floor12. While all aspects of such a hoisting system are not shown, it may include a supply reel (not shown) that supplies drilling line18to a crown block20and traveling block22configured to hoist various types of equipment and drillpipe above the rig floor12. The drilling line18is secured to a deadline tiedown anchor (now shown). Further, a drawworks (not shown) regulates the amount of drilling line18in use and, consequently, the height of the traveling block22at a given moment. Below the rig floor12, a drill string28extends downward into a wellbore30and is held stationary with respect to the rig floor12by a rotary table32and slips34. A portion of the drill string28extends above the rig floor12, forming a stump36to which another drillpipe element or length of drillpipe38is in the process of being added.

The length of drillpipe38is held in place by a pipe drive system40that is hanging from the traveling block22. In the illustrated embodiment, the pipe drive system40is holding the drillpipe38in alignment with the stump36to facilitate attachment of the drillpipe38to the stump36. Specifically, the pipe drive system40ofFIG. 1represents a top drive41, which features a quill42that is is engaged with a distal end44(box end) of the drillpipe38and operates to turn the drillpipe38for connecting or disconnecting purposes. In other words, the pipe drive system40ofFIG. 1includes the top drive system41configured to supply torque for making-up and unmaking a coupling between the drillpipe38and the stump36.

The engagement between the pipe drive system40and the drillpipe38also facilitates circulation of drilling fluid (e.g., drilling mud) through the pipe drive system40into the drillpipe38and the drill string28. This circulation of drilling fluid may facilitate drilling and advancement of the wellbore30. Indeed, in order to advance the wellbore30to greater depths, the drill string28features a bottom hole assembly (BHA)45, which includes a drill bit46for crushing or cutting rock away from a formation. The drilling fluid may be circulated through components of the drilling rig10, including the drill bit46, in order to remove cuttings and crushed rock from the wellbore30. A fluid circulation system48, which generally includes a driving mechanism50, a retention area52, and flow paths54(e.g., including the drill string28, the top drive41, and other features of the rig10), may operate to control this circulation of the drilling fluid.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid circulation system48includes a mud pump60, a discharge line62, a stand pipe64, a rotary hose66, a gooseneck68leading into the top drive41, a return line70, a retention tank72, and other aspects of the rig10. In operation, the mud pump60provides the motivating force for circulation of the drilling fluid. Specifically, the mud pump60pumps drilling fluid through the discharge line62, the stand pipe64, the rotary hose66, and the gooseneck68into the top drive41. During standard circulation, from the top drive41, the drilling fluid flows through the drill string28and the associated BHA45to exit into the wellbore30via the drill bit46. As indicated by arrows74, the drilling fluid is then pushed up toward the surface through an annulus76formed between the wellbore30and the drill string28. As the drilling fluid proceeds up the annulus76, it generally carries the rock cuttings and so forth with it to the surface. Once the drilling fluid reaches the surface, the return line70conveys the drilling fluid to the retention tank72, which feeds the mud pump60after the cuttings have been separated and filtered from the mud. In some embodiments, a series of tanks and other components may be utilized to separate the cuttings from the drilling fluid before the drilling fluid is returned to the mud pump60to continue circulation.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, the drillpipe38has not yet been coupled with the stump36. If the drillpipe38were being removed, any drilling fluid still resident in the drill pipe38would spill onto the rig floor12. Accordingly, present embodiments include a drilling fluid management device80, which is depicted inFIG. 1as being maneuvered into connection with the stump36, as indicated by arrow82. In some scenarios, the drilling fluid management device80would already be in position at the illustrated stage of operation. For example, in some embodiments, the drilling fluid management device80may be integral with the slips34or the pipe drive system40and already engaging the stump36. However, for illustrative purposes,FIG. 1shows and embodiment wherein the drilling fluid management device80is separate and in the process of being coupled to the stump36. It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, the drilling fluid management device80may engage different features (e.g., the stump36alone, the stump and the drillpipe38, the rotary table32, the slips34, the quill42).

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 1, a body or containment structure84of the drilling fluid management device80is in the process of being clamped about the stump36to facilitate capturing the drilling fluid (e.g., at least a portion of the drilling fluid) being circulated or otherwise flowing out of the drillpipe38. Further, the drilling fluid management device80includes a suction port structure86that facilitates transport of drilling fluid out of the containment structure84and away from the surrounding workspace. Specifically, in operation, the suction port structure86may receive drilling fluid into a portion of the suction port structure86that acts as a venturi, which may be described as a tube or passage between wider sections for exerting suction. The drilling fluid passing through the suction port structure86may be received from a diverter valve88disposed along the flow path out of the mud pump60and operable to divert the flow to a conduit90, which is coupled with the drilling fluid management device80. As the drilling fluid flows through a main flow path of the venturi portion of the suction port structure86, a suction is generated inside of the containment structure84, such that any drilling fluid therein will be pulled into the suction port structure86and joined with the drilling fluid flowing through the conduit90. The conduit90extends from the suction port structure86to the retention tank72. Accordingly, any drilling fluid passing through the conduit90may be returned to the pump60for further circulation. In other embodiments, different arrangements may be included. For example, the conduit90may expel the drilling fluid into a tank separate from the circulation system48or at a different location within the circulation system48. Further, in some embodiments, the containment structure86is coupled with a different type of vacuum source via the suction port structure86.

FIG. 2is perspective view of the drilling fluid management device80in accordance with present embodiments. The drilling fluid management device80is shown coupled about the stump36. Specifically, the drilling fluid management device80is clamped over the stump36with a hinge92and may be locked into place using any of various securement mechanisms, such as a set of latches94. As illustrated, the drilling fluid management device80ofFIG. 2includes the containment structure84and the suction port structure86. The drilling fluid management device80may include any of various different sealing mechanisms to facilitate capture of drilling fluid within the containment structure84. For example, as generally illustrated inFIG. 2, the drilling fluid management device80may establish a seal below where any connection or disconnection will occur (e.g., below the box end of the stump36). In other embodiments, for example, the drilling fluid management device80may establish seals above and below the connection or disconnection point to facilitate the transfer of suction into the associated drillpipe elements or handling equipment (e.g., up the interior of the drillpipe38or into the quill42of the top drive41). While present embodiments may adequately function without a substantial seal, some manner of leakage resistance will be provided. Otherwise, it will be difficult to establish a suction and at least a portion of the fluid will leak out. Thus, present embodiments include providing one or more seals between the drillpipe element or drillpipe handling equipment and the drilling fluid management device80such that fluid can flowing there through can be efficiently controlled.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of the drilling fluid management device80ofFIG. 2being coupled about the stump36. As illustrated in this view, the drilling fluid management device80may include a positioning lip96and a flexible (e.g., rubber) sealing pad98that cooperate to establish a seal between the stump36and the drilling fluid management device80below the connector or disconnection point. In other embodiments, different types of sealing mechanisms may be used. For illustrative purposes, the embodiment ofFIG. 3includes the sealing pad98, which may engage the outer surface of the stump36in a manner that leaves limited space for leakage. Further, the positioning lip96may ensure that the suction port is located at the sealing face between the stump36and the connecting drillpipe. The pad98or other sealing features may engage with a face100of a box end102of the stump36to establish a seal therewith.

The drilling fluid management device80is configured to be a drilling fluid or mud-catching receptacle that couples with a source of vacuum (e.g., in the sense of sub-atmospheric pressure or at least lower than the pressure inside the containment structure84) in order to efficiently provide a draining process while containing the flow of drilling fluid from one or more coupled components (e.g., the stump36and the drillpipe38). It should be noted that the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3may be representative of two different styles of the drilling fluid management device80because the inner features of the suction port structure86are not visible. For example, in one embodiment, the suction port structure86may represent an open passage that allows fluid to pass completely there through. That is, fluid may pass from a first end104to a second end106and through a venturi component of the suction port structure86to generate a suction within the containment structure84, as discussed above. Flow from the first end104to the second end106may define a main flow path of the venturi portion. Flow from the containment structure84into the venturi portion may be a secondary flow path established by the resulting suction.

In some embodiments, the suction port structure86may also be closed on the first send104such that a suction generating device (e.g., the suction side of a pump) can be coupled to the second end106and efficiently establish a suction within the containment structure84. It should also be noted that, while the drilling fluid management device80is illustrated as a standalone feature, it some embodiments it is integrated with other devices. For example, the drilling fluid management device80may be integrated with a conveniently located device (e.g., a set of automated tongs, an iron roughneck, a differential speed disengage, or a continuous circulation quick coupler) near the top of the stump36at the time of connection or disconnection.

FIG. 4is a cut-away perspective view of the drilling fluid management device80ofFIG. 2, wherein the suction port structure86is configured for venturi-style operation in accordance with present embodiments.FIG. 4illustrates the inner walls of the suction port structure86as including a suction passage200and a venturi portion202. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction passage200and the venturi portion202are transverse. It should be noted that the suction passage200in the illustrated embodiment is generally aligned with the face100of the box end102of the stump36. That is, an opening208into the containment structure84is substantially aligned with the face100, which corresponds to the location at which drillpipe being disconnected will initially come apart. In this way, better flow may be established from within the containment structure84to the suction port structure86and beyond (e.g., through the conduit90to the retention tank72). Similar arrangements may be defined with respect to alignment between the suction passage200and the face100in embodiments that use a suction source, such as a pump, rather than venturi-style operation.

FIG. 5is a top view of the drilling fluid management device80with the cut-away illustrated inFIG. 4, wherein the suction port structure86is configured for venturi-style operation in accordance with present embodiments. The walls of the venturi portion202of the suction port structure86, which operates to provide the Venturi effect, are clearly illustrated inFIG. 5. The Venturi effect may be described as a reduction in pressure that occurs when a fluid flows through a constricted passage (e.g., a constricted section of pipe). When fluid flows through and constricts from a larger to a smaller diameter, this partial restriction of the flow area causes a higher pressure at the inlet than the pressure at the narrower end. This effect may be utilized in accordance with present embodiments to generate suction within the containment structure84. Indeed, as illustrated inFIG. 5, inner walls of the suction port structure86, in particular the venturi portion202of the suction portion structure86, narrow from a broad opening212to a narrow passage214via a constriction216. The constriction216is narrowest just prior to an intersection of the venturi portion202with the suction passage200. This facilitates generation of suction through the suction passage200and into the containment structure84. This suction may pull drilling fluid that would otherwise spill out onto a work space into the suction port structure86and out of the work area (e.g., down the conduit90to the retention tank72). This type of arrangement may be beneficial because it utilizes drilling fluid that is easily accessible to generate the suction and does not require a separate pumping or suction system.

FIG. 6illustrates a system300wherein a drilling fluid management device80is coupled via the suction port structure86to a venturi bank302, which serves as a suction source in accordance with present embodiments. Specifically,FIG. 6illustrates the system300including certain components that are at ground level and certain components that are on a drilling floor level. The components of the system300shown at the ground level generally function to motivate drilling fluid flow through the drilling equipment and/or through the venturi bank302to generate suction for the drilling fluid management device80. The components of the system300shown at the drilling floor level are generally related to capturing drilling fluid that might otherwise spill during certain drilling operations (e.g., decoupling drillpipe elements during continuous circulation) for return to the circulation system using conduits and the suction generated by the venturi bank302. It should be noted that the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6is a specific example and that the present disclosure covers broader and different embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, different pumping systems may be utilized.

At the ground level represented inFIG. 6, a drilling fluid tank304provides a source of drilling fluid for charge pumps306, which supply charged drilling fluid to high pressure positive displacement pumps308via check valves310to prevent backflow. The positive displacement pumps308in turn supply high pressure drilling fluid via downstream check valves312to the pipe drive system40(e.g., a Kelly hose or top drive) and/or to the venturi bank302. Indeed, a diverter valve314may be actuated to allow the flow of high pressure drilling fluid from the positive displacement pumps308to flow to various different locations depending on the mode of operation. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the diverter valve314is configured such that is can direct the flow of drilling fluid to only the venturi bank302or both the venturi bank302and the pipe drive system40. It is believed that the use of multiple venturis in the venturi bank302along with the substantial flow that can be provided by the positive displacement pumps will provide a substantial vacuum source for removing drilling fluid from the containment structure84.

At the drill floor level represented inFIG. 6, a suction manifold320communicatively couples with the multiple venturis of the venturi bank302. Specifically, the suction manifold320couples with conduits that access the venturis of the venturi bank302proximate the associated constrictions to take advantage of the vacuum generated at these locations. The suction manifold320includes a vacuum gauge322coupled thereto for monitoring system status and a suction valve324that facilitates applying the vacuum generated by the venturi bank302to the drilling fluid management device80when the suction valve324is open or disconnecting the drilling fluid management device80from the vacuum when the suction valve324is closed. The suction manifold320, vacuum gauge322, and suction valve324may cooperate to allow an operator or control system to establish a vacuum within the suction manifold320, as indicated by the vacuum gauge322, before opening the valve324to apply suction to the containment structure84. In some embodiments additional valves and piping may be included to provide access to a separate vacuum source, such as the suction side of a pump. Further, in some embodiments, a control system may be integrated to automate aspects of these features. The suction valve324couples the suction port structure86, which does not itself include a venturi component in this embodiment. However, the suction port structure86ofFIG. 6does include multiple suction passages200that are located around the body of the containment structure84to increase and distribute fluid flow into the suction manifold320and so forth.

It should be noted that, in the embodiment illustrated byFIG. 6, the drillpipe38is in the process of decoupling with the stump36. No drilling fluid is being provided to the pipe drive system40because the diverter valve314is directing all of the drilling fluid from the pumps306,308to the venturi bank302. However, the drillpipe38may have residual drilling fluid therein that will be flowing out through its pin end during this phase of the operation. The drilling fluid management device80may capture this drilling fluid exiting the drillpipe38in its containment structure84, which may be sealed against the stump36. Further, the containment structure84may also be at least partially sealed against the drillpipe38such that suction can extend up the drillpipe38and encourage efficient flow of the drilling fluid down into the containment structure84. Further, the suction provided by the venturi bank302will pull the collected drilling fluid from within the containment structure84through the suction manifold320into the venturi bank302and push it along to the drilling fluid tank304for recirculation.

FIG. 7is a block diagram of a method400in accordance with present embodiments. The method includes coupling402a containment structure of a drilling fluid management device about a drillpipe element. This includes establishing at least a partial seal between a lower end of the containment structure and the drillpipe element below a face of an opening of the drillpipe element. For example, the sealing pad98may establish such a seal with an outer surface of the box end102. However, in some embodiments, the positioning lip96may also establish a seal with the face100of the box end. The method400also includes applying a suction404within the containment structure via a suction port structure of the drilling fluid management device that includes an opening into the containment structure. This may involve establishing a Venturi effect within the suction port structure86using diverted drilling fluid, as generally discussed above with respect to system features. Further, the method400includes transporting drilling fluid406from within the drilling fluid management device to a drilling fluid retention tank from the suction port structure.