Drill Cuttings Handling Systems

A) Functionality:

• Cuttings Collection: Drill cuttings are collected from the drilling fluid return line or shaker screens at the wellsite. The collected cuttings are typically separated from drilling mud to reduce waste fluid volume.

• Air-Powered Conveyance: Compressed air is used to pneumatically transport the drill cuttings through pipelines or ducts. The system creates a high-velocity air stream that carries the cuttings from the point of collection to storage or disposal.

• Cuttings Transport: Drill cuttings are transported to designated locations such as cuttings skips, bins, or processing units for further treatment, reuse, or disposal. The system may also facilitate long-distance conveyance for centralized processing.

• Environmental Management: Ensures proper handling of waste material to minimize spillage, contamination, or environmental harm. Can be used in conjunction with cuttings dryers, thermal desorption units, or reinjection systems to further reduce waste volume or recover valuable drilling fluids.

B) Major components:

• Cuttings Hopper: Collects the drill cuttings from shakers or other separation equipment. Often equipped with level sensors to regulate feed rates.

• Pneumatic Conveying System: A network of pipelines, nozzles, and air movers that uses compressed air to move cuttings. Includes flow-control mechanisms to ensure steady transport.

• Air Compressors: Generate the compressed air required for pneumatic conveying. May include high-pressure or low-pressure units, depending on the system’s requirements.

• Cyclones or Separators (optional): Installed at the discharge end to separate the drill cuttings from the air stream. Allow clean air to be vented or recycled while retaining the solid particles.

• Cuttings Storage Unit: Includes skips, tanks, or bins to hold cuttings temporarily before processing or disposal. Alternatively, active units or systems can be installed inline to directly treat the cuttings prior to their disposal.