Drilling Fluid Reclaimer
AssigneeThe Charles Machine Works, Inc.
InventorCody L. Sewell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a drilling fluid reclaimer. The reclaimer has at least one adjustable screen assembly for providing a leveling filter for reclaimed drill fluid. Used drill fluid is placed at the screen assembly at the front the of the screen assembly. The at least one screen is vibrated to separate large particulate matter from liquid drilling fluid. A second screen is provided for additional filtering. Large particulate matter is expelled by a chute at the back of the screen assembly. Drilling fluid passing through the screen is “reclaimed” for use with a drilling system.
Claims35
A mud reclaimer located proximate a drill site, the reclaimer comprising:
- a screen assembly;
- a conduit for transporting used drill fluid from the drill site to the screen assembly;
- a vibrator operatively attached to the screen assembly;
- and
- a leveling assembly for adjusting an orientation of the screen assembly.
A method for handling drill fluid comprising:
- using drill fluid in an excavation operation at a location;
- removing a used drill fluid from the location;
- placing the used drill fluid on a first screen;
- maintaining a level side-to-side orientation of the first screen;
- vibrating the first screen to separate the used drill fluid into a particulate portion and a slurry portion;
- and
- processing the slurry portion for reuse in the earth removal operations.
An apparatus for processing used drill fluid from an excavation location, the apparatus comprising:
- a vacuum system to apply a vacuum pressure;
- an airlock in communication with the vacuum system such that a vacuum pressure is maintained within the airlock;
- and
- a reclaimer to receive used drill fluid from the airlock comprising:
- a screen assembly comprising a first end and a second end;
- a first vibrator operatively attached to the screen assembly;
- and
- a leveling assembly for adjusting the level of the screen assembly;
- wherein used drill fluid is received from the airlock proximate the first end of the screen assembly and vibrated toward the second end of the screen assembly to separate the used drill fluid into a particulate portion and a slurry portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.