Rotary grinder method and apparatus

A system for the homogenization of a slurry of segregated drill cuttings prior to injection into an earth formation comprising:

• a) a slurry tank and an injection holding tank, each having a discharge port;
• b) a conveyance for collecting and transporting said drill cuttings from a drilling platform shale shaker into said slurry tank;
• c) a fluid injection line connected to said slurry tank and said holding tank having a means for selectively choosing from a variety of fluid sources;
• d) a transfer pump in fluid communication with each said discharge port;
• and
• e) an in-line micron grinder having variable displacement rotor/stator assembly having a suction inlet port in fluid communication with each said transfer pump, said grinder having a discharge port selectively in conduit communication with an injection pump, said slurry tank, and holding tank.

A process for the homogenization of a slurry of segregated drill cuttings prior to injection into an earth formation comprising the steps of:

• a) collecting and transferring said drill cuttings to a slurry tank;
• b) monitoring the density and viscosity of said cuttings in said slurry tank;
• c) controlling said density and viscosity of said cuttings by injecting fluid and chemicals as required to maintain a predetermined slurry mixture;
• d) agitating said slurry;
• e) providing a means for collecting ferrous metals from said slurry;
• f) discharging said slurry via a transfer pump, selectively to a micron in-line grinder having variable displacement and to a formation high pressure injection pump;
• and
• g) discharging said slurry from said grinder selectively to to said slurry tank and to said injection pump.

A process for the homogenization of a slurry of segregated drill cuttings prior to injection into an earth formation comprising the steps of:

• a) collecting and transferring said drill cuttings to a slurry tank;
• b) monitoring the density of said cuttings in said slurry tank;
• c) controlling said density and viscosity of said cuttings by injecting fluid and chemicals as required to maintain a predetermined slurry mixture;
• d) agitating said slurry;
• e) discharging said slurry via a means for collecting ferrous metals and a first transfer pump selectively to a micron in-line grinder having variable displacement and to a formation injection pump and to an injection holding tank;
• f) monitoring the density and viscosity of said slurry in said holding tank;
• g) controlling said density and viscosity of said slurry in said holding tank by injecting fluid and chemicals as required to maintain a predetermined fine slurry mixture;
• h) agitating said slurry in said holding tank;
• and
• i) discharging said slurry in said holding tank via a second transfer pump selectively to said micron in-line grinder, to a formation injection pump and to said injection holding tank.