Patent ID: 8783359

Claim:
A system for processing drilled solids within a body of water, the body of water having an upper water surface and a lower mudline surface, the system comprising: a riser having a drill string and extending below the water surface, the riser being filled with a first fluid having a first density, a wellbore extending below the mudline surface, the wellbore being filled with a second fluid of a second density, wherein the second density is greater than the first density, a fluid separation mechanism in communication with the riser and the wellbore, the fluid separation mechanism being adapted for maintaining separation and differential density between the first and second fluids, a mud lift pump, and a solids processing apparatus connected to the mud lift pump, the solids processing apparatus having a central cavity, the central cavity of the solids processing apparatus being positioned in vertical alignment with the riser and drill string, the solids processing apparatus being adapted for receiving drilled solids in the central cavity and reducing the particle size of the drilled solids to form processed solids, wherein the solids processing apparatus further comprises: (a) a load bearing inner sleeve surrounding the central cavity, the inner sleeve being configured for receiving and transferring substantial riser/drill string load forces, (b) a housing shell positioned circumferentially outside of the inner sleeve, (c) wherein a peripheral annulus region is provided between the inner sleeve and the housing shell, (d) a first cutter assembly positioned in the peripheral annulus region, and (e) an intake aperture in communication with the central cavity, the intake aperture being adapted for transferring drilled solids to the central cavity of the solids processing apparatus.