US 5,964,304 A · Method and apparatus for drill cuttings transfer

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for the uninterrupted transfer of oil and gas well drill cuttings from a collection point, such as a shale shaker trough, to several types of variously configured on rig and off rig receptacles. Two or more hoppers are arranged for alternating receipt and discharge of cuttings, the cuttings being continuously drawn to the hoppers by a suction force from an upstream blower. The receptacles utilized in the various embodiments are varied, such as barges, box containers, and slurry units. The hoppers are, in some embodiments, moved to remote locations, such as off rig barges, prior to beginning the cuttings transfer.

Claims102

Dependent claims

A method of moving drill cuttings from a cuttings collection point for discharge into one or more receptacles, comprising:

(a) Alternately suctioning the cuttings from the cuttings collection point to a first hopper, then a second hopper;
(b) Alternately breaking suction within the first hopper, then the second hopper;
(c) Alternately discharging the cuttings from the first hopper, then the second hopper;
(d) Receiving the discharged cuttings from the first and second hoppers into one or more receptacles;
and
(e) Timing steps (a)-(c) such that the second hopper is receiving cuttings while the first hopper discharges cuttings, and the first hopper is receiving cuttings while the second hopper discharges cuttings.

3 more elements

A method of moving drill cuttings from a cuttings collection point for discharge into one or more receptacles, comprising:

(a) Creating a suction force in a common suction line having a first and second end, the common suction line first end being in suction communication with the drill cuttings at the cuttings collection point, the common suction line second end joining and being in alternating suction communication with, a first independent suction line and a second independent suction line, the first and second independent suction lines being in suction communication with a first hopper and a second hopper, respectively, the first and second hoppers being in suction communication with a first independent exit line and a second independent exit line, respectively, the first and second independent exit lines joining to form a common exit line, the common exit line extending ultimately to a suction creating device, the first and second independent exit lines, common exit line and suction creating device being in suction communication;
(b) Removing the suction force from the first hopper by closing a first independent exit line valve and breaking suction communication between the first independent suction line and the common suction line;
(c) Initiating the suction force in the second hopper by opening a second independent exit line valve;
(d) Receiving the drill cuttings from the common suction line, through the second independent suction line, into the second hopper, until the desired amount of drill cuttings are in the second hopper;
(e) Removing the suction force from the second hopper by closing the second independent exit line valve and breaking suction communication between the second independent suction line and the common suction line;
(f) Discharging the drill cuttings from the second hopper through a second hopper discharge opening by opening a second hopper discharge opening valve;
(g) Initiating the suction force in the first hopper by opening the first independent exit line valve and restoring suction communication between the first independent suction line and the common suction line;
(h) Receiving the drill cuttings from the common suction line, through the first independent suction line, into the first hopper, until the desired amount of drill cuttings are in the first hopper;
(i) Removing the suction force from the first hopper by closing the first independent exit line valve and isolating the first independent suction line from the common suction line;
(j) Discharging the drill cuttings from the first hopper through a first hopper discharge opening by opening a first hopper discharge opening valve;
and
(k) Repeating steps (c) through (j) for a plurality of cycles.

9 more elements

An apparatus for moving drill cuttings from a cuttings collection point for discharge into one or more receptacles, comprising:

a first hopper and a second hopper, each having a cuttings inlet, an air outlet, and a cuttings discharge outlet,
a common suction line having a first end and a second end;
a first independent suction line and a second independent suction line, the first independent suction line being in suction communication with the first hopper cuttings inlet and the common suction line second end, the second independent suction line being in suction communication with the second hopper cuttings inlet and the common suction line second end;
suction force means;
a common exit line, having a first end and a second end, the common exit line first end being in suction communication with the suction force means such that the suction force means creates a suction force in the common exit line;
a first independent exit line and a second independent exit line, the first independent exit line being in suction communication with the common exit line second end and the first hopper air outlet, the second independent exit line being in suction communication with the common exit line second end and the second hopper air outlet, the first and second independent exit lines each having a valve;
suction alternating means such that the suction force means repeatedly creates a suction force in one of the first or second hoppers, then the other of the first or second hoppers, but in only one of such hoppers at any one instant, the suction force drawing drill cuttings through the common suction line first end, when the common suction line first end is placed in suction communication with the drill cuttings at the cuttings collection point;
and
a first hopper discharge valve and a second hopper discharge valve for allowing cuttings to be respectively discharged from the first and second hopper cuttings discharge outlets during intervals in which no suction force is present in the discharging hopper.

6 more elements

An apparatus for moving drill cuttings from a cuttings collection point for discharge into one or more receptacles, comprising:

a first hopper and a second hopper, each having a cuttings inlet, an air outlet, and a cuttings discharge outlet;
a first hopper suction line and a second hopper suction line, each having a first end, the first hopper suction line being in suction communication with the first hopper cuttings inlet, the second hopper suction line being in suction communication with the second hopper cuttings inlet;
suction force means;
a common exit line, having a first end and a second end, the common exit line first end being in suction communication with the suction force means such that the suction force means creates a suction force in the common exit line;
a first independent exit line and a second independent exit line, the first independent exit line being in suction communication with the common exit line second end and the first hopper air outlet, the second independent exit line being in suction communication with the common exit line second end and the second hopper air outlet;
suction alternating means such that the suction force means repeatedly creates a suction force in one of the first or second hoppers, then the other of the first or second hoppers, but in only one of such hoppers at any one instant, the suction force drawing drill cuttings through either the first hopper suction line or the second hopper suction line, when the first and second hopper suction lines first ends are placed in suction communication with the drill cuttings at the cuttings collection point;
and
a first hopper discharge valve and a second hopper discharge valve for allowing cuttings to be respectively discharged from the first and second hoppers during intervals in which no suction force is present in the discharging hopper.

5 more elements

A method of moving drill cuttings from a cuttings collection point for discharge into one or more receptacles, comprising:

(a) Creating a suction force in a first suction line and a second suction line, each having a first end and a second end, the first and second suction line first ends being in suction communication with the drill cuttings at the cuttings collection point, the first and second suction line second ends being in suction communication with a first independent suction line and a second independent suction line, respectively, the first and second independent suction lines being in suction communication with a first hopper and a second hopper, respectively, the first and second hoppers being in suction communication with a first independent exit line and a second independent exit line, respectively, the first and second independent exit lines joining to form a common exit line, the common exit line extending ultimately to a suction creating device, the first and second independent exit lines, common exit line and suction creating device being in suction communication;
(b) Removing the suction force from the first hopper by closing a first independent exit line valve;
(c) Initiating the suction force in the second hopper by opening a second independent exit line valve;
(d) Receiving the drill cuttings from and through the second independent suction line, into the second hopper, until the desired amount of drill cuttings are in the second hopper;
(e) Removing the suction force from the second hopper by closing the second independent exit line valve;
(f) Discharging the drill cuttings from the second hopper through a second hopper discharge opening by opening a second hopper discharge opening valve;
(g) Initiating the suction force in the first hopper by opening the first independent exit line valve;
(h) Receiving the drill cuttings from and through the first independent suction line, into the first hopper, until the desired amount of drill cuttings are in the first hopper;
(i) Removing the suction force from the first hopper by closing the first independent exit line valve;
(j) Discharging the drill cuttings from the first hopper through a first hopper discharge opening by opening a first hopper discharge opening valve;
and
(k) Repeating steps (c) through (j) for a plurality of cycles.

9 more elements

An apparatus for moving drill cuttings from a cuttings collection point for discharge into one or more receptacles, comprising:

a plurality of hoppers, each having a cuttings inlet, an air outlet, and a cuttings discharge outlet,
a common suction line having a first end and a second end;
a plurality of independent suction lines, each independent suction line being in suction communication with one of the hopper cuttings inlets and the common suction line second end;
suction force means;
a common exit line, having a first end and a second end, the common exit line first end being in suction communication with the suction force means such that the suction force means creates a suction force in the common exit line;
a plurality of independent exit lines, each independent exit line being in suction communication with the common exit line second end and one of the hopper air outlets, each independent exit line having a valve;
suction alternating means such that the suction force means creates, in succession, a suction force in all of the hoppers, but not in all of the hoppers at any one instant, the suction force drawing drill cuttings through the common suction line first end, when the common suction line first end is placed in suction communication with the drill cuttings at the cuttings collection point;
and
a plurality of hopper discharge valves for allowing cuttings to be respectively discharged from each of the hoppers' cuttings discharge outlets during intervals in which no suction force is present in the discharging hopper.

6 more elements

An apparatus for moving drill cuttings from a cuttings collection point for discharge into one or more receptacles, comprising:

a plurality of hoppers, each having a cuttings inlet, an air outlet, and a cuttings discharge outlet,
a common suction line having a first end and a second end;
a plurality of independent suction lines, each independent suction line being in suction communication with one of the hopper cuttings inlets and the common suction line second end;
suction force introduction means for allowing a suction force to be created in the common exit line;
a common exit line, having a first end and a second end, the common exit line first end being in suction communication with the suction force means such that the suction force means creates a suction force in the common exit line;
a plurality of independent exit lines, each independent exit line being in suction communication with the common exit line second end and one of the hopper air outlets, each independent exit line having a valve;
suction alternating means such that the suction force means creates, in succession, a suction force in all of the hoppers, but not in all of the hoppers at any one instant, the suction force drawing drill cuttings through the common suction line first end, when the common suction line first end is placed in suction communication with the drill cuttings at the cuttings collection point;
and
a plurality of hopper discharge valves for allowing cuttings to be respectively discharged from each of the hoppers' cuttings discharge outlets during intervals in which no suction force is present in the discharging hopper.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Abstract

Claims102

Dependent claims

A method of moving drill cuttings from a cuttings collection point for discharge into one or more receptacles, comprising:

(a) Alternately suctioning the cuttings from the cuttings collection point to a first hopper, then a second hopper;
(b) Alternately breaking suction within the first hopper, then the second hopper;
(c) Alternately discharging the cuttings from the first hopper, then the second hopper;
(d) Receiving the discharged cuttings from the first and second hoppers into one or more receptacles;
and
(e) Timing steps (a)-(c) such that the second hopper is receiving cuttings while the first hopper discharges cuttings, and the first hopper is receiving cuttings while the second hopper discharges cuttings.

3 more elements

A method of moving drill cuttings from a cuttings collection point for discharge into one or more receptacles, comprising:

(a) Creating a suction force in a common suction line having a first and second end, the common suction line first end being in suction communication with the drill cuttings at the cuttings collection point, the common suction line second end joining and being in alternating suction communication with, a first independent suction line and a second independent suction line, the first and second independent suction lines being in suction communication with a first hopper and a second hopper, respectively, the first and second hoppers being in suction communication with a first independent exit line and a second independent exit line, respectively, the first and second independent exit lines joining to form a common exit line, the common exit line extending ultimately to a suction creating device, the first and second independent exit lines, common exit line and suction creating device being in suction communication;
(b) Removing the suction force from the first hopper by closing a first independent exit line valve and breaking suction communication between the first independent suction line and the common suction line;
(c) Initiating the suction force in the second hopper by opening a second independent exit line valve;
(d) Receiving the drill cuttings from the common suction line, through the second independent suction line, into the second hopper, until the desired amount of drill cuttings are in the second hopper;
(e) Removing the suction force from the second hopper by closing the second independent exit line valve and breaking suction communication between the second independent suction line and the common suction line;
(f) Discharging the drill cuttings from the second hopper through a second hopper discharge opening by opening a second hopper discharge opening valve;
(g) Initiating the suction force in the first hopper by opening the first independent exit line valve and restoring suction communication between the first independent suction line and the common suction line;
(h) Receiving the drill cuttings from the common suction line, through the first independent suction line, into the first hopper, until the desired amount of drill cuttings are in the first hopper;
(i) Removing the suction force from the first hopper by closing the first independent exit line valve and isolating the first independent suction line from the common suction line;
(j) Discharging the drill cuttings from the first hopper through a first hopper discharge opening by opening a first hopper discharge opening valve;
and
(k) Repeating steps (c) through (j) for a plurality of cycles.

9 more elements

An apparatus for moving drill cuttings from a cuttings collection point for discharge into one or more receptacles, comprising:

a first hopper and a second hopper, each having a cuttings inlet, an air outlet, and a cuttings discharge outlet,
a common suction line having a first end and a second end;
a first independent suction line and a second independent suction line, the first independent suction line being in suction communication with the first hopper cuttings inlet and the common suction line second end, the second independent suction line being in suction communication with the second hopper cuttings inlet and the common suction line second end;
suction force means;
a common exit line, having a first end and a second end, the common exit line first end being in suction communication with the suction force means such that the suction force means creates a suction force in the common exit line;
a first independent exit line and a second independent exit line, the first independent exit line being in suction communication with the common exit line second end and the first hopper air outlet, the second independent exit line being in suction communication with the common exit line second end and the second hopper air outlet, the first and second independent exit lines each having a valve;
suction alternating means such that the suction force means repeatedly creates a suction force in one of the first or second hoppers, then the other of the first or second hoppers, but in only one of such hoppers at any one instant, the suction force drawing drill cuttings through the common suction line first end, when the common suction line first end is placed in suction communication with the drill cuttings at the cuttings collection point;
and
a first hopper discharge valve and a second hopper discharge valve for allowing cuttings to be respectively discharged from the first and second hopper cuttings discharge outlets during intervals in which no suction force is present in the discharging hopper.

6 more elements

An apparatus for moving drill cuttings from a cuttings collection point for discharge into one or more receptacles, comprising:

a first hopper and a second hopper, each having a cuttings inlet, an air outlet, and a cuttings discharge outlet;
a first hopper suction line and a second hopper suction line, each having a first end, the first hopper suction line being in suction communication with the first hopper cuttings inlet, the second hopper suction line being in suction communication with the second hopper cuttings inlet;
suction force means;
a common exit line, having a first end and a second end, the common exit line first end being in suction communication with the suction force means such that the suction force means creates a suction force in the common exit line;
a first independent exit line and a second independent exit line, the first independent exit line being in suction communication with the common exit line second end and the first hopper air outlet, the second independent exit line being in suction communication with the common exit line second end and the second hopper air outlet;
suction alternating means such that the suction force means repeatedly creates a suction force in one of the first or second hoppers, then the other of the first or second hoppers, but in only one of such hoppers at any one instant, the suction force drawing drill cuttings through either the first hopper suction line or the second hopper suction line, when the first and second hopper suction lines first ends are placed in suction communication with the drill cuttings at the cuttings collection point;
and
a first hopper discharge valve and a second hopper discharge valve for allowing cuttings to be respectively discharged from the first and second hoppers during intervals in which no suction force is present in the discharging hopper.

5 more elements

A method of moving drill cuttings from a cuttings collection point for discharge into one or more receptacles, comprising:

(a) Creating a suction force in a first suction line and a second suction line, each having a first end and a second end, the first and second suction line first ends being in suction communication with the drill cuttings at the cuttings collection point, the first and second suction line second ends being in suction communication with a first independent suction line and a second independent suction line, respectively, the first and second independent suction lines being in suction communication with a first hopper and a second hopper, respectively, the first and second hoppers being in suction communication with a first independent exit line and a second independent exit line, respectively, the first and second independent exit lines joining to form a common exit line, the common exit line extending ultimately to a suction creating device, the first and second independent exit lines, common exit line and suction creating device being in suction communication;
(b) Removing the suction force from the first hopper by closing a first independent exit line valve;
(c) Initiating the suction force in the second hopper by opening a second independent exit line valve;
(d) Receiving the drill cuttings from and through the second independent suction line, into the second hopper, until the desired amount of drill cuttings are in the second hopper;
(e) Removing the suction force from the second hopper by closing the second independent exit line valve;
(f) Discharging the drill cuttings from the second hopper through a second hopper discharge opening by opening a second hopper discharge opening valve;
(g) Initiating the suction force in the first hopper by opening the first independent exit line valve;
(h) Receiving the drill cuttings from and through the first independent suction line, into the first hopper, until the desired amount of drill cuttings are in the first hopper;
(i) Removing the suction force from the first hopper by closing the first independent exit line valve;
(j) Discharging the drill cuttings from the first hopper through a first hopper discharge opening by opening a first hopper discharge opening valve;
and
(k) Repeating steps (c) through (j) for a plurality of cycles.

9 more elements

An apparatus for moving drill cuttings from a cuttings collection point for discharge into one or more receptacles, comprising:

a plurality of hoppers, each having a cuttings inlet, an air outlet, and a cuttings discharge outlet,
a common suction line having a first end and a second end;
a plurality of independent suction lines, each independent suction line being in suction communication with one of the hopper cuttings inlets and the common suction line second end;
suction force means;
a common exit line, having a first end and a second end, the common exit line first end being in suction communication with the suction force means such that the suction force means creates a suction force in the common exit line;
a plurality of independent exit lines, each independent exit line being in suction communication with the common exit line second end and one of the hopper air outlets, each independent exit line having a valve;
suction alternating means such that the suction force means creates, in succession, a suction force in all of the hoppers, but not in all of the hoppers at any one instant, the suction force drawing drill cuttings through the common suction line first end, when the common suction line first end is placed in suction communication with the drill cuttings at the cuttings collection point;
and
a plurality of hopper discharge valves for allowing cuttings to be respectively discharged from each of the hoppers' cuttings discharge outlets during intervals in which no suction force is present in the discharging hopper.

6 more elements

An apparatus for moving drill cuttings from a cuttings collection point for discharge into one or more receptacles, comprising:

a plurality of hoppers, each having a cuttings inlet, an air outlet, and a cuttings discharge outlet,
a common suction line having a first end and a second end;
a plurality of independent suction lines, each independent suction line being in suction communication with one of the hopper cuttings inlets and the common suction line second end;
suction force introduction means for allowing a suction force to be created in the common exit line;
a common exit line, having a first end and a second end, the common exit line first end being in suction communication with the suction force means such that the suction force means creates a suction force in the common exit line;
a plurality of independent exit lines, each independent exit line being in suction communication with the common exit line second end and one of the hopper air outlets, each independent exit line having a valve;
suction alternating means such that the suction force means creates, in succession, a suction force in all of the hoppers, but not in all of the hoppers at any one instant, the suction force drawing drill cuttings through the common suction line first end, when the common suction line first end is placed in suction communication with the drill cuttings at the cuttings collection point;
and
a plurality of hopper discharge valves for allowing cuttings to be respectively discharged from each of the hoppers' cuttings discharge outlets during intervals in which no suction force is present in the discharging hopper.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for drill cuttings transfer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims102

Method and apparatus for drill cuttings transfer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims102