Patent ID: 7373996

Claim:
A method of separating drilling/production fluids from drilled cuttings from a mixture received from down hole, the method comprising the following steps: a. flowing the mixture into a flow line above the surface of a well; b. flowing the mixture directly into a single separation zone at a variable or constant rate dependent on the rig operational capacity and rate of penetration, but at least 300 gallons per minute; the separation zone being of a size capable of receiving the mixture directly from the flow line; c. circulating the mixture within the separation zone, at a rate necessary to achieve desired separation between the liquid and solid components of the mixture to a suitable degree, but not less than 500 RPMs; d. providing a permeable barrier surrounding the mixture as the mixture is circulating within the separation zone, the permeable barrier comprising a screen with openings of a size dictated by lythology and rheology of the drilled earthen matter, but no larger than 50 microns in diameter; e. during circulation of the mixture, collecting the fluids in a first retrieval zone beyond the permeable barrier; and f. during circulation of the mixture, collecting the solids in a second retrieval zone within the permeable barrier.