CA2669775A1 - Fluid recovery apparatus and method - Google Patents
Fluid recovery apparatus and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2669775A1 CA2669775A1 CA002669775A CA2669775A CA2669775A1 CA 2669775 A1 CA2669775 A1 CA 2669775A1 CA 002669775 A CA002669775 A CA 002669775A CA 2669775 A CA2669775 A CA 2669775A CA 2669775 A1 CA2669775 A1 CA 2669775A1
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- Prior art keywords
- auger
- sleeve
- liquid
- feed
- solid
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Classifications
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F11/00—Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor
- C02F11/12—Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening
- C02F11/121—Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening by mechanical de-watering
- C02F11/125—Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening by mechanical de-watering using screw filters
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
- B01D29/11—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with bag, cage, hose, tube, sleeve or like filtering elements
- B01D29/117—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with bag, cage, hose, tube, sleeve or like filtering elements arranged for outward flow filtration
- B01D29/118—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with bag, cage, hose, tube, sleeve or like filtering elements arranged for outward flow filtration open-ended
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
- B01D29/62—Regenerating the filter material in the filter
- B01D29/64—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by scrapers, brushes, nozzles, or the like, acting on the cake side of the filtering element
- B01D29/6469—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by scrapers, brushes, nozzles, or the like, acting on the cake side of the filtering element scrapers
- B01D29/6476—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by scrapers, brushes, nozzles, or the like, acting on the cake side of the filtering element scrapers with a rotary movement with respect to the filtering element
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
- E21B21/06—Arrangements for treating drilling fluids outside the borehole
- E21B21/063—Arrangements for treating drilling fluids outside the borehole by separating components
- E21B21/065—Separating solids from drilling fluids
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F26—DRYING
- F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
- F26B17/00—Machines or apparatus for drying materials in loose, plastic, or fluidised form, e.g. granules, staple fibres, with progressive movement
- F26B17/18—Machines or apparatus for drying materials in loose, plastic, or fluidised form, e.g. granules, staple fibres, with progressive movement with movement performed by rotating helical blades or other rotary conveyors which may be heated moving materials in stationary chambers, e.g. troughs
- F26B17/22—Machines or apparatus for drying materials in loose, plastic, or fluidised form, e.g. granules, staple fibres, with progressive movement with movement performed by rotating helical blades or other rotary conveyors which may be heated moving materials in stationary chambers, e.g. troughs the axis of rotation being vertical or steeply inclined
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Filtration Of Liquid (AREA)
- Treatment Of Sludge (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus for separating liquid and solid components from a wet solid mixture comprises an auger provided generally co-axially within a cylindrical liquid permeable screen or sleeve and wherein the apparatus is oriented with an inlet end positioned lower than the outlet end. The outer diameter of the auger is generally close to the inner diameter of the sleeve. The inlet is adapted to receive the wet solid feed and load the feed on to the lower end of the auger. Axial rotation of the auger causes the wet solid material to be forced against the liquid permeable sleeve thereby forcing the liquid component through the permeable sleeve material. The solids component is discharged at the outlet end of the auger. The invention also provides a method of extracting liquids from a wet solid mixture.
Description
Agent ref: 71697/00006
2 CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
3 [0001] This application claims priority from US application number 60/866,376, filed
4 November 17, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
6 [0002] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for recovering fluids from 7 slurries. More specifically, the invention is adapted to recover liquid hydrocarbon components 8 from drill cuttings and the like.
[0003] In oil drilling operations, drilling fluids or "muds" are circulated down through the drill 11 string to lubricate the drill bit and assist in removing cuttings and other debris that accumulate in 12 the well. The cuttings are flushed to the surface within the annular space formed between the 13 drill pipe and the wall of the well. At the surface, the cuttings undergo a fluid separation process 14 to recover hydrocarbons and to separate solid material.
[0004] Various methods are used for separating the liquid and solid components from a 16 slurry comprising drill cuttings. In one common approach, one or more shaker screens are 17 used, over which the drill cuttings are passed. The liquid components are allowed to pass 18 through the screens while the solid material is subsequently vibrated off.
Such solids may then 19 be used for land reclamation or recycled for use in additional drilling fluids. One of the problems associated with the shaker screen methods lies in the clogging of the screens by solid particles.
21 As a result, the screens require periodic maintenance and cleaning, thereby resulting in 22 increased process time and cost.
23 [0005] In other prior approaches, liquid separation from the cutting slurry has been 24 accomplished with heat or vacuum systems. As will be understood, such systems involve complex apparatus and energy costs.
26 [0006] In US Patent no. 6,170,580, a liquid extraction apparatus for drill cuttings is provided 27 wherein an auger mechanism is used to compact drill cuttings thereby forcing out the liquid 28 component. In such example, a slurry of drill cuttings is fed into the top of a receiving container 29 having a cylindrical lower section. The slurry is allowed to settle by gravity so as to allow the 21883759.1 1 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 heavier solid material to enter into the cylindrical section. The upper end of the cylindrical 2 section includes a wall comprised of a porous screen. A centrally mounted auger is rotated 3 within the cylindrical section and force the slurry downwards against a bottom wall. The auger 4 thus causes the solid material to be compacted with the liquid being squeezed upward and outward through the porous wall into a collection chamber. After a certain pressure is reached, 6 the compacted solid material is discharged through a door at the bottom of the cylinder. This 7 method requires a fairly complicated apparatus involving pumping systems and the like.
8 Further, as discussed above, only a small section of the entire apparatus actually serves to 9 separate the solid and liquid component, thereby making this system relatively inefficient, particularly with respect to its size. As will be understood, a more compact system would allow 11 for portability from one location or site to another. Finally, as indicated above, the apparatus 12 taught in the '580 patent forces the solid component downward. However, since the liquid 13 component would also be drawn downward due to gravity, a high pressure must be exerted on 14 the solids component to cause the liquid to flow against gravity. This also renders the '580 apparatus inefficient.
16 [0007] Various other fluid separation apparatuses are known to use auger type 17 mechanisms, although for different purposes. For example, US Patent nos.
3,966,607, 18 5,489,383 and 5,833, 851 teach auger mechanisms for fluid extraction from slurries comprising 19 sewage etc. In such examples, although the augers are provided within a fluid recovery cylinder, the augers are used horizontally to compress the solid material against an end wall to 21 squeeze out the liquid component. Alternatively, as with the '580 patent described above, prior 22 art systems, such as in US Patent no. 3,966,607, use a downward forcing auger mechanism, 23 which, as discussed above, involves various inefficiencies.
24 [0008] A need exists for an improved fluid recovery apparatus and method that overcomes at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art.
27 [0009] In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for separating fluids from 28 a wet solid material. In particular, the wet solid may comprise a slurry or slurry-like material 29 comprising a mixture of solid and liquid components.
21883759.1 2 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 [0010] In one aspect, the invention provides a continuous fluid separation method that 2 effectively recovers the liquid component of slurry or slurry-like mixture comprising a liquid and 3 solid.
4 [0011] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of fluid recovery and, in particular, a method of recovering liquid hydrocarbon material from drill cuttings.
6 [0012] Thus, in one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for separating liquid and 7 solid components from a wet solid mixture feed, the apparatus comprising:
8 [0013] - a generally cylindrical sleeve, the sleeve being formed of a liquid permeable 9 material for allowing the liquid component to pass there-through;
[0014] - the sleeve having a first end and a second end, the sleeve being oriented to 11 have the second end vertically higher than the first end;
12 [0015] - an elongate auger provided generally co-axially within the sleeve, the auger 13 having an outer diameter proximal to the inner diameter of the sleeve;
14 [0016] - a drive means to rotate the auger about the longitudinal axis thereof;
[0017] - a feed inlet provided on the filter, proximal to the first end, for allowing the auger 16 to receive the feed;
17 [0018] - a solids outlet provided at the second end of the sleeve; and 18 [0019] - a liquid outlet provided at the first end of the sleeve.
19 [0020] In a further aspect, the invention provides a system of liquid extraction comprising a series of the apparatus described above. In another embodiment, the invention provides a 21 multi-component liquid separation system wherein one or more of the apparatuses of the 22 invention are combined with other separation equipment.
23 [0021] In yet a further aspect, the invention provides a method of separating liquid and solid 24 components from a wet solid mixture feed, the method comprising:
[0022] - providing an auger mechanism having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein 26 the outlet end is vertically higher than the inlet end;
27 [0023] - providing a generally cylindrical liquid permeable sleeve over the auger;
28 [0024] - feeding the feed to the inlet end of the auger;
29 [0025] - rotating the auger about its longitudinal axis thereby forcing the feed against the inner wall of the sleeve;
31 [0026] - collecting the liquid component permeating through the sleeve;
21883759.1 3 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 [0027] - collecting the solid component at the outlet end of the auger.
2 [0028] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of separating liquid and solid 3 components from a wet solid mixture feed, the method comprising vertically raising said wet 4 solid mixture through a liquid permeable screen while applying a compressive force whereby the liquid component is forced through the screen and separated from the solid component.
7 [0029] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent in the following 8 detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:
9 [0030] Figure 1 is a schematic cross sectional view of the apparatus of the invention according to an embodiment of the invention.
11 [0031] Figure 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of the apparatus of the invention 12 according to another embodiment.
13 [0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the exterior of the apparatus according to 14 an embodiment.
[0033] Figure 4 is a side view of an auger of the invention.
16 [0034] Figure 5 is a front elevation of the solids exit port of the apparatus illustrating the 17 choke plate.
19 [0035] In the present description, the term "slurry" is used to refer to a feed material comprising a mixture of solid and liquid components. According to the invention, a slurry can be 21 fed to an apparatus for separation of the solid and liquid components. The term "slurry" is not 22 intended to limit the uses of the apparatus and/or method of the present invention in any way 23 and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that the present invention can be applied 24 to a variety of solid/liquid mixtures including waste water, drill cuttings etc.
[0036] Various aspects of the present invention are described below in reference to a slurry 26 comprising drill cuttings from an oil drilling operation. Such cuttings are known to comprise a 27 mixture of solid material such as sand, rock, etc. and liquid material such as water, oil, and other 28 hydrocarbons that are normally added to, or otherwise found in drilling fluids. The term "drill 21883759.1 4 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 cuttings" will be understood to encompass the typically known liquid saturated mixtures which 2 may not necessarily be fluidic. Thus, as will be understood, the invention can be applied in a 3 variety of uses where solid/liquid separation is desired such as with sludge treatment, 4 wastewater treatment etc. Further, the present invention can be used in conjunction with various other upstream or downstream equipment as will be known to persons skilled in the 6 relevant art.
7 [0037] Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the invention. As 8 will be understood, the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 is schematic in nature and is not 9 intended to limit the invention to any particular dimensions, size ratios etc. As shown, the apparatus 10 includes an upper end 11 and a lower end 13 and comprises a housing or frame 11 12 containing a generally cylindrically shaped, liquid permeable sleeve or screen 14. As shown 12 in the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, the screen 14, which is described further below, is 13 generally vertically arranged within the housing 12. In another embodiment, the apparatus can 14 be provided without a housing 12 as will be understood by persons skilled in the art. As indicated above, the screen 14 is generally liquid permeable. More generally, the screen 14 16 may be formed of any material that allows the passage of desired liquids while preventing 17 passage there-through of the solid components, as will be discussed further below. Thus, in 18 one embodiment, the screen 14 may be formed of a perforated or porous material or a mesh. In 19 one example, the screen 14 may comprises a cylindrically formed metal sheet incorporating perforations of any desired size or shape. In another embodiment, the screen 14 may comprise 21 a metal mesh. In either case, the screen 14 will have openings or perforations of a desired size.
22 In one embodiment, such as may be the case when separating liquid and solid components of a 23 drill cutting slurry, such openings may comprise holes or slots etc. having a large dimension (i.e.
24 the largest dimension in the case of non-circular openings) of about 0.02 to 3 mm. Optimally, the openings or perforations have a large dimension of about 0.1 to 0.5 mm and, more 26 preferably, about 0.2 to 0.25 mm (i.e. 10/1000 inch).
27 [0038] The sleeve 14 may be provided as a single, generally cylindrical component of the 28 apparatus 10. However, the sleeve may also be provided in various pieces or sections. By 29 providing the sleeve in two or more sections, various advantages can be realised. For example, where the apparatus 10 is of a substantial length, the ability to provide sleeves in sections would 31 assist in the transport and/or manipulation of same. Moreover, providing a sleeve in sections 32 also facilitates replacement or rearrangement in the event one region is subjected to Iocalised 21883759.1 5 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 wear. For example, in a situation where one region of the sleeve is noted as being worn, the 2 sleeve section containing such region may simply be removed and replaced with another 3 without replacing other sections. This possibility reduces the cost of the sleeves particularly 4 where only a small region is found to be worn while the remainder of the sleeve is unaffected.
Further, instead of replacing the subject section containing the worn region, the section in 6 question may simply be flipped and, therefore re-used. That is, the worn section is moved to a 7 location that is not subject to the same wear conditions.
8 [0039] As will also be understood, the apparatus 10 will normally include a stand or support 9 structure, which, for convenience, is not illustrated in Figure 1.
[0040] Provided generally coaxially within the screen 14 is an elevating device. In one 11 aspect, the elevating device comprises an auger mechanism 16 that serves to vertically raise 12 material, such auger 16 being driven by a drive means, not shown. As will be understood, the 13 raising of material is accomplished by rotating the auger and having material conveyed 14 upwardly on the flighting, or blade 18 of the auger. The method by which material is transported using augers would be known to persons skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the outer 16 diameter of the auger 16 is sized to be close to the inner diameter of the screen 14. In one 17 embodiment, the auger is sized so as to allow the outer edge to contact the screen 14. More 18 preferably, the outer edge of the auger flighting 18 is provided with a brush or similar device (not 19 shown in Figure 1) so as to allow the inner surface of the screen 14 to be scraped as the auger 16 is rotated. As will be understood by persons skilled in the art, such a structure allows the 21 apparatus 10 to be essentially "self-cleaning" by preventing the openings of the screen 14 from 22 being occluded with solid material.
23 [0041] In Figure 1, the drive means used to rotate the auger 16, such as a motor, 24 associated gearing and belts etc. and other equipment, is not shown for convenience. As will be understood, any such drive means can be used to rotate the auger 16. The drive means can 26 be connected to any position of the auger but would preferably be connected to one of the 27 terminal ends thereof. More preferably, the drive means would be connected to either the top or 28 bottom end of the auger 16. Even more preferably, as discussed further below, the drive means 29 can be provided at the top end of the apparatus and be connected to the top end of the auger.
Further, in a preferred embodiment, the auger is driven by an explosion-proof hydraulic 31 mechanism or by an electric motor. This is particularly advantageous in situations where the 21883759.1 6 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 liquid component of the slurry may contain flammable materials, such as in the case of drill 2 cuttings.
3 [0042] The apparatus of Figure 1 also includes a slurry material receiving hopper 20 that is 4 positioned to feed material, received in the hopper, into an inlet 22 provided in the housing 12 and/or screen 14 of the apparatus 10. The inlet 22, as shown, is provided generally at the lower 6 end 13 of the apparatus 10 as will be discussed further below and serves to feed slurry material 7 to the bottom end of the auger 16.
8 [0043] The apparatus 10 also includes a solids exit chute 24 provided generally at the upper 9 end 11 thereof. The exit chute 24 is adapted and positioned to receive solid material exiting or delivered from the upper end of the auger, at the upper end 11 of the apparatus 10.
11 [0044] The apparatus 10 further includes a liquid exit conduit 26 connected to the bottom 12 end 13 of the apparatus 10. The conduit 26 is adapted to receive liquid separated from the inlet 13 slurry. Such liquid, as described further below, passes through the screen 14 and, where the 14 housing 12 is present, is trapped between the screen 14 and such housing 12. The liquid is then allowed to pass to the bottom of the apparatus 10 by gravity and then passed out through 16 the conduit 26.
17 [0045] A method according to one aspect of the invention will now be described.
18 [0046] In operation, a slurry containing a mixture of solid and liquid components, such as 19 drill cuttings and the like, is deposited into the hopper 20 at the bottom end of the apparatus.
The material can be delivered to the hopper in any number of ways such as by conveyor, 21 pipeline, auger or other delivery mechanisms as will be known to persons skilled in the art. In 22 one embodiment, the material may simply be delivered by truck or hand depending upon the 23 application. Further, the material delivered to the hopper 20 can result from a variety of 24 upstream equipment such as other liquid extraction apparatus etc.
[0047] The hopper 20 allows a stream of the slurry to enter into the apparatus 10 through 26 the inlet 22 as shown by the arrow 30. The inlet allows the material to be loaded on to the lower 27 end of the auger 16 (i.e. the end of the auger 16 proximal to the lower end 13 of the apparatus 28 10). As explained above, the material loading comprises delivering the material onto the 29 flighting 18 of the auger. As the auger 16 rotates, the material is transported both upwardly as well as outwardly, towards the outer edge of the auger flighting 18. In the present invention, the 21883759.1 7 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 auger is rotated so as to cause the material to be elevated from the lower end 13 to the upper 2 end 11 of the apparatus 10 as shown by the arrow 32.
3 [0048] As will be understood, as the material is raised, the action of gravity will apply a 4 downward force on such material. Due to the reduced friction between the auger blade and the liquid component, a first degree of solid/liquid separation begins very soon after the slurry 6 material is loaded on the auger blade. However, in the course of transporting the slurry 7 material, the auger also causes such slurry material to be forced against the cylindrical screen 8 14 provided around the auger flighting 18. Such force is generated mainly by the force of 9 gravity acting on the material and forcing same downwards against the sloped flighting of the auger 16. As will be appreciated, such action causes the wet solid material to accumulate or 11 concentrate on the outer edge of the auger 16 and, therefore, against the inner surface of the 12 screen 14. In the result, the liquid component of the material is squeezed out therefrom and 13 allowed to pass through the screen 14. The liquid, thus extracted from the slurry feed material, 14 is drained by gravity to the base or lower end 13 of the apparatus 10 as shown by the arrow 34.
The fluid conduit 26 collects the extracted liquid and transports same, as shown by the arrow 16 36, to further downstream collection, transport or processing equipment. As will be understood, 17 to assist the collection of the liquid, the apparatus 10 may include a collection tray, pan or the 18 like (not shown) at its base 13 to collect extracted liquid and divert it to the conduit 26. Further, 19 the apparatus may include a pump (also not shown) to assist in transporting the fluid component to a desired location.
21 [0049] Upward transportation of the solid material supported on the auger 16 is continued in 22 the apparatus 10 until such material reaches the upper end 11 thereof. At this point, where the 23 end of the auger flighting 18 is reached, the material, which is now essentially a liquid-free solid 24 component of the feed slurry, is pushed out of a solids opening 28 and exits the apparatus 10 through a chute 24, as shown by the arrow 38. Such solid material is commonly referred to as 26 "cake". The chute 24 may, in turn, be connected to various types of collection, transport or 27 treatment equipment as needed or desired.
28 [0050] As described above, the outer edge of the auger flighting 18 is preferably provided 29 with a brush or similar wiping device. In this way, as the auger 16 is rotated, the inner surface of the screen 14 is continuously cleaned of any material that may occlude the perforations of the 31 screen 14.
21883759.1 8 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 [0051] In Figure 1, the apparatus 10 is shown as being generally vertical in orientation.
2 However, as will be understood by persons skilled in the art, the apparatus 10 may also be 3 provided in a slanted or inclined orientation if needed. In either case, it will be understood that 4 some type of elevation of the apparatus is preferred in order to take advantage of the gravitational forces in forcing the liquid component of the inlet slurry through the screen 14.
6 Further, as explained above, the apparatus 10, in either the vertical or slanted orientation, will 7 include the desired supports and bracing equipment to maintain the apparatus in the desired 8 position and to support same during operation. In another embodiment, the support system 9 may be adjustable so as to allow the orientation of the apparatus to be variable. In this way, the apparatus can be adjustable between a vertical orientation and any desired angle of inclination.
11 In addition, the support system may include wheels or the like to allow the apparatus to be 12 transportable between locations.
13 [0052] The size of openings or perforations provided on the screen 14 will vary the rate of 14 extraction of the liquid component. In the above description, the preferred sizes of the openings have been described in connection with a particular application. The actual sizes of the 16 openings will vary depending upon other applications since the dimensions of the solid 17 components would vary. For example, the particle sizes associated with drill cuttings may be 18 larger than those associated with wastewater. In either case, the sizes of the openings should 19 be chosen so as to provide the apparatus with an optimum liquid extraction rate while reducing the problems associated with clogging by solid material.
21 [0053] Similarly, another design variable affecting the rate of liquid extraction is the height of 22 the apparatus 10. Empirical data using the apparatus of the invention has shown that with a 23 screen perforation size of roughly 0.25 mm, most of the liquid in a drill cuttings feed slurry can 24 be extracted within the first 0.6 m (2 feet) of the apparatus. This corresponds to the "effective"
height of the apparatus, that is, the distance where the feed slurry is contacted with the screen.
26 Thus, as indicated in Example 1, a preferred effective height of the apparatus would be, for 27 example, 1.07 m (3.5 feet) so as to ensure virtually complete liquid extraction. However, it will 28 be clearly understood by persons skilled in the art that such dimensions are purely by way of 29 example and various other variables, conditions etc. may be taken into account in designing the specific dimensions of the apparatus.
31 [0054] In another aspect, two or more of the apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1 may be joined 32 in series whereby sequential liquid extraction steps are conducted. In such case, the screens 21883759.1 9 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 used in each of the apparatus units may be the same or different in perforation size. For 2 example, the two or more apparatuses may be provided in series wherein an upstream one of 3 the apparatuses feeds the subsequent downstream apparatus. In another embodiment, by 4 providing sleeves or screens of differing porosity, such a series of apparatuses can serve as a fluid extraction process having multiple extraction stages. In another embodiment, the present 6 invention may be used in conjunction with other known separation equipment.
For example, in 7 one aspect, the apparatus may be adapted to receive the solids product of an upstream 8 separator such as a shaker screen etc., which would therefore result in a two stage solid/liquid 9 separation with the present invention serving as second stage separator. In addition, a further known separation device can be situated downstream from the apparatus of the invention. For 11 example, in one embodiment, the apparatus of the invention may serve as an intermediary 12 separator between an upstream shaker device (such as a shale shaker) and a downstream 13 centrifuge device. This arrangement provides a three stage separation. In this example, 14 saturated solids or slurry from the shaker unit are fed into the apparatus of the invention, thereby providing a first and second stage solid/liquid separation. The solids resulting from the 16 apparatus are then sent to centrifuge for a third or final extraction stage. As will be understood 17 by persons skilled in the art, the apparatus of the invention increases the performance efficiency 18 of such upstream and downstream equipment..
19 [0055] Further, in other embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be provided with heating or vacuum systems, as known to persons skilled in the art, to further enhance the extraction of 21 liquids. For example, a vacuum system may be provided to create a vacuum around the screen 22 14 to increase the efficiency of extracting volatile liquid materials. In such case, a vacuum or 23 other such suction device can be used to create a negative pressure in the space between the 24 screen 14 and the housing 12. Such negative pressure would apply additional force to extract the liquid through the openings in the screen 14.
26 [0056] In another aspect, the openings or perforations provided on the screen 14 may vary 27 in size along the height of the apparatus 10 to enhance fluid extraction.
For example, in one 28 embodiment, the bottom end of the screen 14, containing fluid rich material, may be provided 29 with smaller sized openings while larger openings are provided at the upper end, containing fluid lean material.
31 [0057] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the apparatus of the invention according to another 32 embodiment wherein elements that are similar to those shown in Figure 1 are identified with the 21883759.1 10 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 same reference numeral. As shown, the apparatus includes a frame 12 for supporting and 2 containing the various components of the apparatus. The frame 12 includes a base 40, which 3 rests on the ground or floor etc. The frame 12 also includes an auger support 42, which 4 supports the auger 16 and allows the auger to rotate about a pivot point.
The material inlet 22 to the auger 16 comprises an opening to which is attached one end of a tube or trough 44. The 6 opposite end of the tube 44 is connected to the material hopper 20. In one embodiment, a 7 material supply auger 46 is provided within the tube 44 and is operable to receive material from 8 the hopper 20 and deliver same to the inlet 22 of the apparatus 10. As shown, the material 9 supply auger 46 terminates close to the bottom end of the apparatus auger 16, whereby material leaving the material supply auger 46 is delivered onto the apparatus auger 16. The 11 material supply auger 46 may be driven by motor 48 directly connected thereto. As will be 12 understood, the tube 44 and the associated delivery auger 46 may be of any required length so 13 as to allow the distance between the hopper 20 and the apparatus 10 to be variable. In other 14 embodiments, the tube 44 and auger 46 combination may be replaced with a moving conveyor, a chute or any other similar means that serves to deliver material to be separated to the auger 16 16.
17 [0058] As illustrated in Figure 2, the material supply auger 46 is generally horizontally 18 arranged. However, various other orientations will be known to persons skilled in the art. For 19 example, in cases where the supply hopper 20 is positioned vertically higher or lower than the apparatus 10, the supply auger 46 would need to be inclined accordingly. In addition, it will be 21 understood that one or more supply hoppers 20 may be provided along with one or more 22 material supply augers 46. In other embodiments, each hopper 20 may be associated with one 23 or more supply augers 46 and vice versa.
24 [0059] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the auger 16 is driven by a motor 50 that is positioned at the upper end 11 of the apparatus 10. For this purpose, the frame 12 is provided 26 with a motor support 52 that may be of any suitable design or orientation.
The motor is operably 27 connected to a drive shaft 54 that is connected to the upper end of the auger 16. In one 28 embodiment, the auger 16 includes an axial shaft 56 from which extend the flightings 18. The 29 upper end of the shaft 56 includes a bore (not shown) to receive the drive shaft 54. In a preferred embodiment the drive shaft 54 may be hexagonal shape with the bore of the auger 31 shaft 56 having a corresponding shape. In such manner, rotation of the drive shaft 54 results in 32 rotation of the auger 16 about its longitudinal axis.
21883759.1 11 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 [0060] Figure 2 also illustrates a preferred embodiment wherein a choke plate 60 is 2 provided at the upper end of the apparatus. The choke plate 60 essentially serves as a closure 3 to close of the upper end of the apparatus. The choke plate 60 is preferably provided with a 4 biasing means to maintain same in the closed position. In one embodiment, the biasing means comprise one or more springs 62 that are coaxial with bolts 64 extending there-through. The 6 bolts 64 are secured on their terminal ends to the choke plate 60. The springs 62 extend from 7 the upper surface of the choke plate 60 up to a stationary stop plate 66 that is either formed of 8 or attached to the frame 12. As will be understood, the springs 62 serve to apply a desired 9 amount of downward pressure on the choke plate 60. In this manner, solid material exiting the apparatus 10 must apply a pressure surpassing the biasing force of the springs in order to exit 11 the apparatus 10. Such pressure, which is applied by the force of the auger 16, would serve to 12 further compress the solid material, thereby assisting in further removing any remaining liquid 13 component. As will be understood, the requirement for the choke plate 60 is optional and may 14 not be required in situations where the auger itself is sufficient to separate the liquid component.
In addition, where a choke plate 60 is used, the degree of pressure applied by such choke plate 16 against the exiting material can also be adjusted. For example, the bolds 64 may comprise 17 adjusting bolts that can be tightened or loosened to increase or reduce pressure as needed.
18 Alternatively, the springs may be replaced with a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure means.
19 [0061] It will be noted that Figure 2 does not illustrate the screen 14 or the solids discharge chute 24.
21 [0062] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective elevation of the apparatus of the invention. Figure 22 3 depicts the chute 24 and illustrates the springs 62 biasing the choke plate.
23 [0063] Figure 4 illustrates the auger 16 in isolation but connected to the drive shaft 54 of the 24 motor. As shown, the drive shaft 54 is provided within a bore of the auger shaft 56. As also shown in Figure 4, the auger may be provided in two or more sections that are axially 26 connected. As will be understood, such orientation is used for convenience and that, when 27 such sections are combined, the auger would function as a unitary body.
Figure 4 also 28 illustrates the brush edge 68 provided on the flighting 18 of the auger. As explained above, 29 such brush edge 68 serves to scrape the screen of the apparatus when the auger is in operation.
21883759.1 12 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 [0064] Figure 4 also illustrates a further embodiment wherein the flighting 18 of the auger is 2 provided with ridges 70. Such ridges serve to increase solids contact and, thereby, increase 3 frictional forces there-between.
4 [0065] As discussed above, the present invention provides various advantages over the prior art. For example, the invention provides an apparatus and a method for the continuous 6 extraction of liquids while minimizing or obviating the need to interrupt the operation for un-7 plugging the screens etc. Further, the method and apparatus of the invention provide a 8 comparatively low energy and low cost means of liquid extraction. Various other advantages 9 associated with the present invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art.
[0066] One feature of the present invention lies in the fact that the subject apparatus is 11 capable of processing materials of limited compressibility. In other words, material that is 12 normally not subject to known compression liquid extraction mechanisms may be processed by 13 the apparatus of the invention quite effectively. It will be understood of course that the 14 apparatus can be used with typical compressible materials as well.
[0067] As known in the art, a solid/liquid mixture (such as a slurry etc.) can be categorized 16 by the manner in which the liquid component can be extracted. That is, the liquid can be either 17 mechanically recoverable or mechanically unrecoverable. The present invention serves to 18 provide an apparatus that is capable of recovering as much of the liquid between solid particles 19 as possible. However, it will also be understood that the solid material resulting from the extraction step would still retain some of the liquid in that the solid material would be generally 21 moist. This is typical of any dewatering mechanism. Thus, in the example of drill cuttings, it will 22 be understood that the resulting "dry" solid material exiting from the apparatus will still contain a 23 small amount of liquid (i.e. oil or other hydrocarbon material etc.).
24 [0068] A further advantage of the apparatus of the invention relates to its generally vertical orientation. That is, the apparatus lifts the feed material upwards wherein the resulting solid 26 mass is ejected from the upper end. This orientation allows the solid material to be stacked 27 beside the apparatus. This will be understood as being an advantageous feature of the 28 invention since it allows the solid material to accumulate without the need to have it removed to 29 avoid impairing operation of the apparatus. In this way, the stacking or collecting of the output solid material avoids the urgency of material removal in the event that operation of the 31 apparatus is accelerated. It will be understood that the height of the apparatus of the invention 32 would determine the size of the pile created and the amount of time the unit can be left 21883759.1 13 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 unattended before it has to be removed. For example, most shale shakers or dryers are set 1.5 2 to 4 feet above the ground. During fast hole drilling operations, the processed material piles 3 may need to be removed as often as every 15 min to avoid impairing the operations of such 4 devices. However, with the device of the present invention, processing may be able to continue unattended for more than an hour depending upon the height of apparatus (e.g.
6 ft. etc.). It will 6 also be understood that due to the increased liquid removal efficiency of the invention, the 7 volume of output solid material would be less than that of shale shakers for example. Although 8 the material stacking aspect is discussed, it will be understood that this feature would not 9 preclude the use of a material transport mechanism such as a conveyor belts, augers, trucks or other such device to remove the solid material as it exits the apparatus.
11 [0069] A further feature of the invention is related to the manner in which the apparatus 12 operates. That is, the apparatus of the invention overcomes surface tension (i.e. the resistance 13 of fluids to flow) by the application of pressure. The incoming wet material is forced against a 14 screen (or porous sleeve) which functions as a barrier to solids but a path of least resistance for liquids. This is different and better from other solids control equipment like shale shakers, which 16 use vibration to encourage fluids to drop through horizontal oscillating screens, and centrifuges, 17 which use g-forces to "throw" solids out of fluid. The ability of the present apparatus to 18 overcome surface tension is most important when the viscosity (thickness) of drilling fluids 19 increases. As such, the operation of the apparatus of the invention would remain essentially unaffected with respect to changing viscosities of the incoming material. On the other hand, the 21 efficiency of known devices such as centrifuges and shakers would by greatly affected with 22 increasing viscosity.
23 [0070] Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific 24 embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the purpose and scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended 26 hereto. The disclosures of all prior art recited herein are incorporated herein by reference in 27 their entirety.
28 [0071] The examples below and above are provided solely to illustrate aspects of the 29 present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
21883759.1 14 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 [0072] Example 1 2 [0073] The following is an example of a suggested apparatus according the above 3 description for use in separating liquid hydrocarbon components from wet drill cuttings:
4 [0074] Height of apparatus: 1.07 m (3.5 feet) [0075] Inner diameter of cylindrical screen: 15.24 cm (6 inches) 6 [0076] Outer diameter of cylindrical screen: 15.88 cm (6.25 inches) 7 [0077] Thickness of screen: 6.35 mm (0.25 inch) 8 [0078] Size of perforations on screen: 0.254 mm (10/1000 inch) 9 [0079] It will be understood that this example is provided solely to illustrate one particular example of the apparatus. As discussed above, the apparatus can be of any dimension as 11 dictated by the need and other criteria. The specific size of the apparatus is not a feature of the 12 invention.
21883759.1 15
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
6 [0002] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for recovering fluids from 7 slurries. More specifically, the invention is adapted to recover liquid hydrocarbon components 8 from drill cuttings and the like.
[0003] In oil drilling operations, drilling fluids or "muds" are circulated down through the drill 11 string to lubricate the drill bit and assist in removing cuttings and other debris that accumulate in 12 the well. The cuttings are flushed to the surface within the annular space formed between the 13 drill pipe and the wall of the well. At the surface, the cuttings undergo a fluid separation process 14 to recover hydrocarbons and to separate solid material.
[0004] Various methods are used for separating the liquid and solid components from a 16 slurry comprising drill cuttings. In one common approach, one or more shaker screens are 17 used, over which the drill cuttings are passed. The liquid components are allowed to pass 18 through the screens while the solid material is subsequently vibrated off.
Such solids may then 19 be used for land reclamation or recycled for use in additional drilling fluids. One of the problems associated with the shaker screen methods lies in the clogging of the screens by solid particles.
21 As a result, the screens require periodic maintenance and cleaning, thereby resulting in 22 increased process time and cost.
23 [0005] In other prior approaches, liquid separation from the cutting slurry has been 24 accomplished with heat or vacuum systems. As will be understood, such systems involve complex apparatus and energy costs.
26 [0006] In US Patent no. 6,170,580, a liquid extraction apparatus for drill cuttings is provided 27 wherein an auger mechanism is used to compact drill cuttings thereby forcing out the liquid 28 component. In such example, a slurry of drill cuttings is fed into the top of a receiving container 29 having a cylindrical lower section. The slurry is allowed to settle by gravity so as to allow the 21883759.1 1 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 heavier solid material to enter into the cylindrical section. The upper end of the cylindrical 2 section includes a wall comprised of a porous screen. A centrally mounted auger is rotated 3 within the cylindrical section and force the slurry downwards against a bottom wall. The auger 4 thus causes the solid material to be compacted with the liquid being squeezed upward and outward through the porous wall into a collection chamber. After a certain pressure is reached, 6 the compacted solid material is discharged through a door at the bottom of the cylinder. This 7 method requires a fairly complicated apparatus involving pumping systems and the like.
8 Further, as discussed above, only a small section of the entire apparatus actually serves to 9 separate the solid and liquid component, thereby making this system relatively inefficient, particularly with respect to its size. As will be understood, a more compact system would allow 11 for portability from one location or site to another. Finally, as indicated above, the apparatus 12 taught in the '580 patent forces the solid component downward. However, since the liquid 13 component would also be drawn downward due to gravity, a high pressure must be exerted on 14 the solids component to cause the liquid to flow against gravity. This also renders the '580 apparatus inefficient.
16 [0007] Various other fluid separation apparatuses are known to use auger type 17 mechanisms, although for different purposes. For example, US Patent nos.
3,966,607, 18 5,489,383 and 5,833, 851 teach auger mechanisms for fluid extraction from slurries comprising 19 sewage etc. In such examples, although the augers are provided within a fluid recovery cylinder, the augers are used horizontally to compress the solid material against an end wall to 21 squeeze out the liquid component. Alternatively, as with the '580 patent described above, prior 22 art systems, such as in US Patent no. 3,966,607, use a downward forcing auger mechanism, 23 which, as discussed above, involves various inefficiencies.
24 [0008] A need exists for an improved fluid recovery apparatus and method that overcomes at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art.
27 [0009] In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for separating fluids from 28 a wet solid material. In particular, the wet solid may comprise a slurry or slurry-like material 29 comprising a mixture of solid and liquid components.
21883759.1 2 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 [0010] In one aspect, the invention provides a continuous fluid separation method that 2 effectively recovers the liquid component of slurry or slurry-like mixture comprising a liquid and 3 solid.
4 [0011] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of fluid recovery and, in particular, a method of recovering liquid hydrocarbon material from drill cuttings.
6 [0012] Thus, in one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for separating liquid and 7 solid components from a wet solid mixture feed, the apparatus comprising:
8 [0013] - a generally cylindrical sleeve, the sleeve being formed of a liquid permeable 9 material for allowing the liquid component to pass there-through;
[0014] - the sleeve having a first end and a second end, the sleeve being oriented to 11 have the second end vertically higher than the first end;
12 [0015] - an elongate auger provided generally co-axially within the sleeve, the auger 13 having an outer diameter proximal to the inner diameter of the sleeve;
14 [0016] - a drive means to rotate the auger about the longitudinal axis thereof;
[0017] - a feed inlet provided on the filter, proximal to the first end, for allowing the auger 16 to receive the feed;
17 [0018] - a solids outlet provided at the second end of the sleeve; and 18 [0019] - a liquid outlet provided at the first end of the sleeve.
19 [0020] In a further aspect, the invention provides a system of liquid extraction comprising a series of the apparatus described above. In another embodiment, the invention provides a 21 multi-component liquid separation system wherein one or more of the apparatuses of the 22 invention are combined with other separation equipment.
23 [0021] In yet a further aspect, the invention provides a method of separating liquid and solid 24 components from a wet solid mixture feed, the method comprising:
[0022] - providing an auger mechanism having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein 26 the outlet end is vertically higher than the inlet end;
27 [0023] - providing a generally cylindrical liquid permeable sleeve over the auger;
28 [0024] - feeding the feed to the inlet end of the auger;
29 [0025] - rotating the auger about its longitudinal axis thereby forcing the feed against the inner wall of the sleeve;
31 [0026] - collecting the liquid component permeating through the sleeve;
21883759.1 3 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 [0027] - collecting the solid component at the outlet end of the auger.
2 [0028] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of separating liquid and solid 3 components from a wet solid mixture feed, the method comprising vertically raising said wet 4 solid mixture through a liquid permeable screen while applying a compressive force whereby the liquid component is forced through the screen and separated from the solid component.
7 [0029] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent in the following 8 detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:
9 [0030] Figure 1 is a schematic cross sectional view of the apparatus of the invention according to an embodiment of the invention.
11 [0031] Figure 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of the apparatus of the invention 12 according to another embodiment.
13 [0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the exterior of the apparatus according to 14 an embodiment.
[0033] Figure 4 is a side view of an auger of the invention.
16 [0034] Figure 5 is a front elevation of the solids exit port of the apparatus illustrating the 17 choke plate.
19 [0035] In the present description, the term "slurry" is used to refer to a feed material comprising a mixture of solid and liquid components. According to the invention, a slurry can be 21 fed to an apparatus for separation of the solid and liquid components. The term "slurry" is not 22 intended to limit the uses of the apparatus and/or method of the present invention in any way 23 and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that the present invention can be applied 24 to a variety of solid/liquid mixtures including waste water, drill cuttings etc.
[0036] Various aspects of the present invention are described below in reference to a slurry 26 comprising drill cuttings from an oil drilling operation. Such cuttings are known to comprise a 27 mixture of solid material such as sand, rock, etc. and liquid material such as water, oil, and other 28 hydrocarbons that are normally added to, or otherwise found in drilling fluids. The term "drill 21883759.1 4 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 cuttings" will be understood to encompass the typically known liquid saturated mixtures which 2 may not necessarily be fluidic. Thus, as will be understood, the invention can be applied in a 3 variety of uses where solid/liquid separation is desired such as with sludge treatment, 4 wastewater treatment etc. Further, the present invention can be used in conjunction with various other upstream or downstream equipment as will be known to persons skilled in the 6 relevant art.
7 [0037] Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the invention. As 8 will be understood, the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 is schematic in nature and is not 9 intended to limit the invention to any particular dimensions, size ratios etc. As shown, the apparatus 10 includes an upper end 11 and a lower end 13 and comprises a housing or frame 11 12 containing a generally cylindrically shaped, liquid permeable sleeve or screen 14. As shown 12 in the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, the screen 14, which is described further below, is 13 generally vertically arranged within the housing 12. In another embodiment, the apparatus can 14 be provided without a housing 12 as will be understood by persons skilled in the art. As indicated above, the screen 14 is generally liquid permeable. More generally, the screen 14 16 may be formed of any material that allows the passage of desired liquids while preventing 17 passage there-through of the solid components, as will be discussed further below. Thus, in 18 one embodiment, the screen 14 may be formed of a perforated or porous material or a mesh. In 19 one example, the screen 14 may comprises a cylindrically formed metal sheet incorporating perforations of any desired size or shape. In another embodiment, the screen 14 may comprise 21 a metal mesh. In either case, the screen 14 will have openings or perforations of a desired size.
22 In one embodiment, such as may be the case when separating liquid and solid components of a 23 drill cutting slurry, such openings may comprise holes or slots etc. having a large dimension (i.e.
24 the largest dimension in the case of non-circular openings) of about 0.02 to 3 mm. Optimally, the openings or perforations have a large dimension of about 0.1 to 0.5 mm and, more 26 preferably, about 0.2 to 0.25 mm (i.e. 10/1000 inch).
27 [0038] The sleeve 14 may be provided as a single, generally cylindrical component of the 28 apparatus 10. However, the sleeve may also be provided in various pieces or sections. By 29 providing the sleeve in two or more sections, various advantages can be realised. For example, where the apparatus 10 is of a substantial length, the ability to provide sleeves in sections would 31 assist in the transport and/or manipulation of same. Moreover, providing a sleeve in sections 32 also facilitates replacement or rearrangement in the event one region is subjected to Iocalised 21883759.1 5 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 wear. For example, in a situation where one region of the sleeve is noted as being worn, the 2 sleeve section containing such region may simply be removed and replaced with another 3 without replacing other sections. This possibility reduces the cost of the sleeves particularly 4 where only a small region is found to be worn while the remainder of the sleeve is unaffected.
Further, instead of replacing the subject section containing the worn region, the section in 6 question may simply be flipped and, therefore re-used. That is, the worn section is moved to a 7 location that is not subject to the same wear conditions.
8 [0039] As will also be understood, the apparatus 10 will normally include a stand or support 9 structure, which, for convenience, is not illustrated in Figure 1.
[0040] Provided generally coaxially within the screen 14 is an elevating device. In one 11 aspect, the elevating device comprises an auger mechanism 16 that serves to vertically raise 12 material, such auger 16 being driven by a drive means, not shown. As will be understood, the 13 raising of material is accomplished by rotating the auger and having material conveyed 14 upwardly on the flighting, or blade 18 of the auger. The method by which material is transported using augers would be known to persons skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the outer 16 diameter of the auger 16 is sized to be close to the inner diameter of the screen 14. In one 17 embodiment, the auger is sized so as to allow the outer edge to contact the screen 14. More 18 preferably, the outer edge of the auger flighting 18 is provided with a brush or similar device (not 19 shown in Figure 1) so as to allow the inner surface of the screen 14 to be scraped as the auger 16 is rotated. As will be understood by persons skilled in the art, such a structure allows the 21 apparatus 10 to be essentially "self-cleaning" by preventing the openings of the screen 14 from 22 being occluded with solid material.
23 [0041] In Figure 1, the drive means used to rotate the auger 16, such as a motor, 24 associated gearing and belts etc. and other equipment, is not shown for convenience. As will be understood, any such drive means can be used to rotate the auger 16. The drive means can 26 be connected to any position of the auger but would preferably be connected to one of the 27 terminal ends thereof. More preferably, the drive means would be connected to either the top or 28 bottom end of the auger 16. Even more preferably, as discussed further below, the drive means 29 can be provided at the top end of the apparatus and be connected to the top end of the auger.
Further, in a preferred embodiment, the auger is driven by an explosion-proof hydraulic 31 mechanism or by an electric motor. This is particularly advantageous in situations where the 21883759.1 6 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 liquid component of the slurry may contain flammable materials, such as in the case of drill 2 cuttings.
3 [0042] The apparatus of Figure 1 also includes a slurry material receiving hopper 20 that is 4 positioned to feed material, received in the hopper, into an inlet 22 provided in the housing 12 and/or screen 14 of the apparatus 10. The inlet 22, as shown, is provided generally at the lower 6 end 13 of the apparatus 10 as will be discussed further below and serves to feed slurry material 7 to the bottom end of the auger 16.
8 [0043] The apparatus 10 also includes a solids exit chute 24 provided generally at the upper 9 end 11 thereof. The exit chute 24 is adapted and positioned to receive solid material exiting or delivered from the upper end of the auger, at the upper end 11 of the apparatus 10.
11 [0044] The apparatus 10 further includes a liquid exit conduit 26 connected to the bottom 12 end 13 of the apparatus 10. The conduit 26 is adapted to receive liquid separated from the inlet 13 slurry. Such liquid, as described further below, passes through the screen 14 and, where the 14 housing 12 is present, is trapped between the screen 14 and such housing 12. The liquid is then allowed to pass to the bottom of the apparatus 10 by gravity and then passed out through 16 the conduit 26.
17 [0045] A method according to one aspect of the invention will now be described.
18 [0046] In operation, a slurry containing a mixture of solid and liquid components, such as 19 drill cuttings and the like, is deposited into the hopper 20 at the bottom end of the apparatus.
The material can be delivered to the hopper in any number of ways such as by conveyor, 21 pipeline, auger or other delivery mechanisms as will be known to persons skilled in the art. In 22 one embodiment, the material may simply be delivered by truck or hand depending upon the 23 application. Further, the material delivered to the hopper 20 can result from a variety of 24 upstream equipment such as other liquid extraction apparatus etc.
[0047] The hopper 20 allows a stream of the slurry to enter into the apparatus 10 through 26 the inlet 22 as shown by the arrow 30. The inlet allows the material to be loaded on to the lower 27 end of the auger 16 (i.e. the end of the auger 16 proximal to the lower end 13 of the apparatus 28 10). As explained above, the material loading comprises delivering the material onto the 29 flighting 18 of the auger. As the auger 16 rotates, the material is transported both upwardly as well as outwardly, towards the outer edge of the auger flighting 18. In the present invention, the 21883759.1 7 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 auger is rotated so as to cause the material to be elevated from the lower end 13 to the upper 2 end 11 of the apparatus 10 as shown by the arrow 32.
3 [0048] As will be understood, as the material is raised, the action of gravity will apply a 4 downward force on such material. Due to the reduced friction between the auger blade and the liquid component, a first degree of solid/liquid separation begins very soon after the slurry 6 material is loaded on the auger blade. However, in the course of transporting the slurry 7 material, the auger also causes such slurry material to be forced against the cylindrical screen 8 14 provided around the auger flighting 18. Such force is generated mainly by the force of 9 gravity acting on the material and forcing same downwards against the sloped flighting of the auger 16. As will be appreciated, such action causes the wet solid material to accumulate or 11 concentrate on the outer edge of the auger 16 and, therefore, against the inner surface of the 12 screen 14. In the result, the liquid component of the material is squeezed out therefrom and 13 allowed to pass through the screen 14. The liquid, thus extracted from the slurry feed material, 14 is drained by gravity to the base or lower end 13 of the apparatus 10 as shown by the arrow 34.
The fluid conduit 26 collects the extracted liquid and transports same, as shown by the arrow 16 36, to further downstream collection, transport or processing equipment. As will be understood, 17 to assist the collection of the liquid, the apparatus 10 may include a collection tray, pan or the 18 like (not shown) at its base 13 to collect extracted liquid and divert it to the conduit 26. Further, 19 the apparatus may include a pump (also not shown) to assist in transporting the fluid component to a desired location.
21 [0049] Upward transportation of the solid material supported on the auger 16 is continued in 22 the apparatus 10 until such material reaches the upper end 11 thereof. At this point, where the 23 end of the auger flighting 18 is reached, the material, which is now essentially a liquid-free solid 24 component of the feed slurry, is pushed out of a solids opening 28 and exits the apparatus 10 through a chute 24, as shown by the arrow 38. Such solid material is commonly referred to as 26 "cake". The chute 24 may, in turn, be connected to various types of collection, transport or 27 treatment equipment as needed or desired.
28 [0050] As described above, the outer edge of the auger flighting 18 is preferably provided 29 with a brush or similar wiping device. In this way, as the auger 16 is rotated, the inner surface of the screen 14 is continuously cleaned of any material that may occlude the perforations of the 31 screen 14.
21883759.1 8 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 [0051] In Figure 1, the apparatus 10 is shown as being generally vertical in orientation.
2 However, as will be understood by persons skilled in the art, the apparatus 10 may also be 3 provided in a slanted or inclined orientation if needed. In either case, it will be understood that 4 some type of elevation of the apparatus is preferred in order to take advantage of the gravitational forces in forcing the liquid component of the inlet slurry through the screen 14.
6 Further, as explained above, the apparatus 10, in either the vertical or slanted orientation, will 7 include the desired supports and bracing equipment to maintain the apparatus in the desired 8 position and to support same during operation. In another embodiment, the support system 9 may be adjustable so as to allow the orientation of the apparatus to be variable. In this way, the apparatus can be adjustable between a vertical orientation and any desired angle of inclination.
11 In addition, the support system may include wheels or the like to allow the apparatus to be 12 transportable between locations.
13 [0052] The size of openings or perforations provided on the screen 14 will vary the rate of 14 extraction of the liquid component. In the above description, the preferred sizes of the openings have been described in connection with a particular application. The actual sizes of the 16 openings will vary depending upon other applications since the dimensions of the solid 17 components would vary. For example, the particle sizes associated with drill cuttings may be 18 larger than those associated with wastewater. In either case, the sizes of the openings should 19 be chosen so as to provide the apparatus with an optimum liquid extraction rate while reducing the problems associated with clogging by solid material.
21 [0053] Similarly, another design variable affecting the rate of liquid extraction is the height of 22 the apparatus 10. Empirical data using the apparatus of the invention has shown that with a 23 screen perforation size of roughly 0.25 mm, most of the liquid in a drill cuttings feed slurry can 24 be extracted within the first 0.6 m (2 feet) of the apparatus. This corresponds to the "effective"
height of the apparatus, that is, the distance where the feed slurry is contacted with the screen.
26 Thus, as indicated in Example 1, a preferred effective height of the apparatus would be, for 27 example, 1.07 m (3.5 feet) so as to ensure virtually complete liquid extraction. However, it will 28 be clearly understood by persons skilled in the art that such dimensions are purely by way of 29 example and various other variables, conditions etc. may be taken into account in designing the specific dimensions of the apparatus.
31 [0054] In another aspect, two or more of the apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1 may be joined 32 in series whereby sequential liquid extraction steps are conducted. In such case, the screens 21883759.1 9 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 used in each of the apparatus units may be the same or different in perforation size. For 2 example, the two or more apparatuses may be provided in series wherein an upstream one of 3 the apparatuses feeds the subsequent downstream apparatus. In another embodiment, by 4 providing sleeves or screens of differing porosity, such a series of apparatuses can serve as a fluid extraction process having multiple extraction stages. In another embodiment, the present 6 invention may be used in conjunction with other known separation equipment.
For example, in 7 one aspect, the apparatus may be adapted to receive the solids product of an upstream 8 separator such as a shaker screen etc., which would therefore result in a two stage solid/liquid 9 separation with the present invention serving as second stage separator. In addition, a further known separation device can be situated downstream from the apparatus of the invention. For 11 example, in one embodiment, the apparatus of the invention may serve as an intermediary 12 separator between an upstream shaker device (such as a shale shaker) and a downstream 13 centrifuge device. This arrangement provides a three stage separation. In this example, 14 saturated solids or slurry from the shaker unit are fed into the apparatus of the invention, thereby providing a first and second stage solid/liquid separation. The solids resulting from the 16 apparatus are then sent to centrifuge for a third or final extraction stage. As will be understood 17 by persons skilled in the art, the apparatus of the invention increases the performance efficiency 18 of such upstream and downstream equipment..
19 [0055] Further, in other embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be provided with heating or vacuum systems, as known to persons skilled in the art, to further enhance the extraction of 21 liquids. For example, a vacuum system may be provided to create a vacuum around the screen 22 14 to increase the efficiency of extracting volatile liquid materials. In such case, a vacuum or 23 other such suction device can be used to create a negative pressure in the space between the 24 screen 14 and the housing 12. Such negative pressure would apply additional force to extract the liquid through the openings in the screen 14.
26 [0056] In another aspect, the openings or perforations provided on the screen 14 may vary 27 in size along the height of the apparatus 10 to enhance fluid extraction.
For example, in one 28 embodiment, the bottom end of the screen 14, containing fluid rich material, may be provided 29 with smaller sized openings while larger openings are provided at the upper end, containing fluid lean material.
31 [0057] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the apparatus of the invention according to another 32 embodiment wherein elements that are similar to those shown in Figure 1 are identified with the 21883759.1 10 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 same reference numeral. As shown, the apparatus includes a frame 12 for supporting and 2 containing the various components of the apparatus. The frame 12 includes a base 40, which 3 rests on the ground or floor etc. The frame 12 also includes an auger support 42, which 4 supports the auger 16 and allows the auger to rotate about a pivot point.
The material inlet 22 to the auger 16 comprises an opening to which is attached one end of a tube or trough 44. The 6 opposite end of the tube 44 is connected to the material hopper 20. In one embodiment, a 7 material supply auger 46 is provided within the tube 44 and is operable to receive material from 8 the hopper 20 and deliver same to the inlet 22 of the apparatus 10. As shown, the material 9 supply auger 46 terminates close to the bottom end of the apparatus auger 16, whereby material leaving the material supply auger 46 is delivered onto the apparatus auger 16. The 11 material supply auger 46 may be driven by motor 48 directly connected thereto. As will be 12 understood, the tube 44 and the associated delivery auger 46 may be of any required length so 13 as to allow the distance between the hopper 20 and the apparatus 10 to be variable. In other 14 embodiments, the tube 44 and auger 46 combination may be replaced with a moving conveyor, a chute or any other similar means that serves to deliver material to be separated to the auger 16 16.
17 [0058] As illustrated in Figure 2, the material supply auger 46 is generally horizontally 18 arranged. However, various other orientations will be known to persons skilled in the art. For 19 example, in cases where the supply hopper 20 is positioned vertically higher or lower than the apparatus 10, the supply auger 46 would need to be inclined accordingly. In addition, it will be 21 understood that one or more supply hoppers 20 may be provided along with one or more 22 material supply augers 46. In other embodiments, each hopper 20 may be associated with one 23 or more supply augers 46 and vice versa.
24 [0059] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the auger 16 is driven by a motor 50 that is positioned at the upper end 11 of the apparatus 10. For this purpose, the frame 12 is provided 26 with a motor support 52 that may be of any suitable design or orientation.
The motor is operably 27 connected to a drive shaft 54 that is connected to the upper end of the auger 16. In one 28 embodiment, the auger 16 includes an axial shaft 56 from which extend the flightings 18. The 29 upper end of the shaft 56 includes a bore (not shown) to receive the drive shaft 54. In a preferred embodiment the drive shaft 54 may be hexagonal shape with the bore of the auger 31 shaft 56 having a corresponding shape. In such manner, rotation of the drive shaft 54 results in 32 rotation of the auger 16 about its longitudinal axis.
21883759.1 11 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 [0060] Figure 2 also illustrates a preferred embodiment wherein a choke plate 60 is 2 provided at the upper end of the apparatus. The choke plate 60 essentially serves as a closure 3 to close of the upper end of the apparatus. The choke plate 60 is preferably provided with a 4 biasing means to maintain same in the closed position. In one embodiment, the biasing means comprise one or more springs 62 that are coaxial with bolts 64 extending there-through. The 6 bolts 64 are secured on their terminal ends to the choke plate 60. The springs 62 extend from 7 the upper surface of the choke plate 60 up to a stationary stop plate 66 that is either formed of 8 or attached to the frame 12. As will be understood, the springs 62 serve to apply a desired 9 amount of downward pressure on the choke plate 60. In this manner, solid material exiting the apparatus 10 must apply a pressure surpassing the biasing force of the springs in order to exit 11 the apparatus 10. Such pressure, which is applied by the force of the auger 16, would serve to 12 further compress the solid material, thereby assisting in further removing any remaining liquid 13 component. As will be understood, the requirement for the choke plate 60 is optional and may 14 not be required in situations where the auger itself is sufficient to separate the liquid component.
In addition, where a choke plate 60 is used, the degree of pressure applied by such choke plate 16 against the exiting material can also be adjusted. For example, the bolds 64 may comprise 17 adjusting bolts that can be tightened or loosened to increase or reduce pressure as needed.
18 Alternatively, the springs may be replaced with a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure means.
19 [0061] It will be noted that Figure 2 does not illustrate the screen 14 or the solids discharge chute 24.
21 [0062] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective elevation of the apparatus of the invention. Figure 22 3 depicts the chute 24 and illustrates the springs 62 biasing the choke plate.
23 [0063] Figure 4 illustrates the auger 16 in isolation but connected to the drive shaft 54 of the 24 motor. As shown, the drive shaft 54 is provided within a bore of the auger shaft 56. As also shown in Figure 4, the auger may be provided in two or more sections that are axially 26 connected. As will be understood, such orientation is used for convenience and that, when 27 such sections are combined, the auger would function as a unitary body.
Figure 4 also 28 illustrates the brush edge 68 provided on the flighting 18 of the auger. As explained above, 29 such brush edge 68 serves to scrape the screen of the apparatus when the auger is in operation.
21883759.1 12 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 [0064] Figure 4 also illustrates a further embodiment wherein the flighting 18 of the auger is 2 provided with ridges 70. Such ridges serve to increase solids contact and, thereby, increase 3 frictional forces there-between.
4 [0065] As discussed above, the present invention provides various advantages over the prior art. For example, the invention provides an apparatus and a method for the continuous 6 extraction of liquids while minimizing or obviating the need to interrupt the operation for un-7 plugging the screens etc. Further, the method and apparatus of the invention provide a 8 comparatively low energy and low cost means of liquid extraction. Various other advantages 9 associated with the present invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art.
[0066] One feature of the present invention lies in the fact that the subject apparatus is 11 capable of processing materials of limited compressibility. In other words, material that is 12 normally not subject to known compression liquid extraction mechanisms may be processed by 13 the apparatus of the invention quite effectively. It will be understood of course that the 14 apparatus can be used with typical compressible materials as well.
[0067] As known in the art, a solid/liquid mixture (such as a slurry etc.) can be categorized 16 by the manner in which the liquid component can be extracted. That is, the liquid can be either 17 mechanically recoverable or mechanically unrecoverable. The present invention serves to 18 provide an apparatus that is capable of recovering as much of the liquid between solid particles 19 as possible. However, it will also be understood that the solid material resulting from the extraction step would still retain some of the liquid in that the solid material would be generally 21 moist. This is typical of any dewatering mechanism. Thus, in the example of drill cuttings, it will 22 be understood that the resulting "dry" solid material exiting from the apparatus will still contain a 23 small amount of liquid (i.e. oil or other hydrocarbon material etc.).
24 [0068] A further advantage of the apparatus of the invention relates to its generally vertical orientation. That is, the apparatus lifts the feed material upwards wherein the resulting solid 26 mass is ejected from the upper end. This orientation allows the solid material to be stacked 27 beside the apparatus. This will be understood as being an advantageous feature of the 28 invention since it allows the solid material to accumulate without the need to have it removed to 29 avoid impairing operation of the apparatus. In this way, the stacking or collecting of the output solid material avoids the urgency of material removal in the event that operation of the 31 apparatus is accelerated. It will be understood that the height of the apparatus of the invention 32 would determine the size of the pile created and the amount of time the unit can be left 21883759.1 13 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 unattended before it has to be removed. For example, most shale shakers or dryers are set 1.5 2 to 4 feet above the ground. During fast hole drilling operations, the processed material piles 3 may need to be removed as often as every 15 min to avoid impairing the operations of such 4 devices. However, with the device of the present invention, processing may be able to continue unattended for more than an hour depending upon the height of apparatus (e.g.
6 ft. etc.). It will 6 also be understood that due to the increased liquid removal efficiency of the invention, the 7 volume of output solid material would be less than that of shale shakers for example. Although 8 the material stacking aspect is discussed, it will be understood that this feature would not 9 preclude the use of a material transport mechanism such as a conveyor belts, augers, trucks or other such device to remove the solid material as it exits the apparatus.
11 [0069] A further feature of the invention is related to the manner in which the apparatus 12 operates. That is, the apparatus of the invention overcomes surface tension (i.e. the resistance 13 of fluids to flow) by the application of pressure. The incoming wet material is forced against a 14 screen (or porous sleeve) which functions as a barrier to solids but a path of least resistance for liquids. This is different and better from other solids control equipment like shale shakers, which 16 use vibration to encourage fluids to drop through horizontal oscillating screens, and centrifuges, 17 which use g-forces to "throw" solids out of fluid. The ability of the present apparatus to 18 overcome surface tension is most important when the viscosity (thickness) of drilling fluids 19 increases. As such, the operation of the apparatus of the invention would remain essentially unaffected with respect to changing viscosities of the incoming material. On the other hand, the 21 efficiency of known devices such as centrifuges and shakers would by greatly affected with 22 increasing viscosity.
23 [0070] Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific 24 embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the purpose and scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended 26 hereto. The disclosures of all prior art recited herein are incorporated herein by reference in 27 their entirety.
28 [0071] The examples below and above are provided solely to illustrate aspects of the 29 present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
21883759.1 14 Agent ref: 71697/00006 1 [0072] Example 1 2 [0073] The following is an example of a suggested apparatus according the above 3 description for use in separating liquid hydrocarbon components from wet drill cuttings:
4 [0074] Height of apparatus: 1.07 m (3.5 feet) [0075] Inner diameter of cylindrical screen: 15.24 cm (6 inches) 6 [0076] Outer diameter of cylindrical screen: 15.88 cm (6.25 inches) 7 [0077] Thickness of screen: 6.35 mm (0.25 inch) 8 [0078] Size of perforations on screen: 0.254 mm (10/1000 inch) 9 [0079] It will be understood that this example is provided solely to illustrate one particular example of the apparatus. As discussed above, the apparatus can be of any dimension as 11 dictated by the need and other criteria. The specific size of the apparatus is not a feature of the 12 invention.
21883759.1 15
Claims (11)
1. An apparatus for separating liquid and solid components from a wet solid mixture feed, the apparatus comprising:
- a generally cylindrical sleeve, said sleeve being formed of a liquid permeable material for allowing said liquid component to pass there-through;
- the sleeve having a first end and a second end, said sleeve being oriented to have the second end vertically higher than the first end;
- an elongate auger provided generally co-axially within said sleeve, the auger having an outer diameter proximal to the inner diameter of the sleeve;
- a drive means to rotate said auger about the longitudinal axis thereof;
- a feed inlet provided on said filter, proximal to the first end, for allowing the auger to receive said feed;
- a solids outlet provided at the second end of said sleeve; and - a liquid outlet provided at the first end of said sleeve.
- a generally cylindrical sleeve, said sleeve being formed of a liquid permeable material for allowing said liquid component to pass there-through;
- the sleeve having a first end and a second end, said sleeve being oriented to have the second end vertically higher than the first end;
- an elongate auger provided generally co-axially within said sleeve, the auger having an outer diameter proximal to the inner diameter of the sleeve;
- a drive means to rotate said auger about the longitudinal axis thereof;
- a feed inlet provided on said filter, proximal to the first end, for allowing the auger to receive said feed;
- a solids outlet provided at the second end of said sleeve; and - a liquid outlet provided at the first end of said sleeve.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said auger is provided at the outer edge thereof with a scraping mechanism in contact with the inner surface of said sleeve.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said scraping mechanism comprises one or more brushes.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a hopper for delivering feed to said feed inlet.
The apparatus of claim 1 further including chute for receiving solids from said solids outlet.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a generally cylindrical housing external of said sleeve.
7. A system for separating liquid and solid components from a wet solid mixture feed, comprising a plurality of apparatuses as claimed in claim 1.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the sleeves of each of said apparatus have differing liquid permeabilities.
9. A method of separating liquid and solid components from a wet solid mixture feed, the method comprising:
- providing an auger mechanism having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein said outlet end is vertically higher than the inlet end;
- providing a generally cylindrical liquid permeable sleeve over said auger;
- feeding said feed to the inlet end of the auger;
- rotating the auger about its longitudinal axis thereby forcing said feed against the inner wall of the sleeve;
- collecting said liquid component permeating through said sleeve;
- collecting said solid component at the outlet end of the auger.
- providing an auger mechanism having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein said outlet end is vertically higher than the inlet end;
- providing a generally cylindrical liquid permeable sleeve over said auger;
- feeding said feed to the inlet end of the auger;
- rotating the auger about its longitudinal axis thereby forcing said feed against the inner wall of the sleeve;
- collecting said liquid component permeating through said sleeve;
- collecting said solid component at the outlet end of the auger.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising continually scraping the inner surface of the sleeve to remove solid material therefrom.
11. A method of separating liquid and solid components from a wet solid mixture feed, the method comprising vertically raising said wet solid mixture through a liquid permeable screen while applying a compressive force whereby the liquid component is forced through the screen and separated from the solid component.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US86637606P | 2006-11-17 | 2006-11-17 | |
| US60/866,376 | 2006-11-17 | ||
| PCT/CA2007/002059 WO2008058392A1 (en) | 2006-11-17 | 2007-11-16 | Fluid recovery apparatus and method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2669775A1 true CA2669775A1 (en) | 2008-05-22 |
Family
ID=39401286
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002669775A Abandoned CA2669775A1 (en) | 2006-11-17 | 2007-11-16 | Fluid recovery apparatus and method |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2669775A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2008058392A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8449779B2 (en) * | 2009-01-09 | 2013-05-28 | Granbury Thompson Group, Llc | Backflow collection receptacle and method for reclaiming the same |
| US9597614B2 (en) | 2009-01-09 | 2017-03-21 | Granbury Thompson Group, Llc | Backflow collection system and method for reclaiming the same |
| FR3030559B1 (en) * | 2014-12-23 | 2018-08-17 | E.T.I.A. - Evaluation Technologique, Ingenierie Et Applications. | DEVICE FOR TREATING GAS / SOLID BY A SCREW REACTOR COMPRISING A BRUSH REPORTED ON THE SCREW |
| CN104667600B (en) * | 2015-02-10 | 2016-07-13 | 杭州电子科技大学 | A Downhole Filter Applied to Logging While Drilling |
| CN108343391A (en) * | 2018-04-19 | 2018-07-31 | 西南石油大学 | A kind of disposal of cuttings thermal release structure of drum-type |
| CN109341311A (en) * | 2018-08-16 | 2019-02-15 | 吴良桂 | A kind of wheat grain circulation drier |
| IT201900018698A1 (en) * | 2019-10-14 | 2021-04-14 | Syncro S R L | Continuous dispenser for granular plastics and the like equipped with a cleaning system |
| CN115822484B (en) * | 2023-02-06 | 2023-05-02 | 山东省煤田地质规划勘察研究院 | Mud pit for hydrogeology engineering underground river drilling |
| CN117096487B (en) * | 2023-10-19 | 2024-02-09 | 珙县华洁危险废物治理有限责任公司成都分公司 | Method for rapidly recycling white oil from wet lithium battery diaphragm waste |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2095292A1 (en) * | 1993-04-30 | 1994-10-31 | Herbert G. J. Langner | Sludge de-watering press |
| JPH08323398A (en) * | 1995-03-24 | 1996-12-10 | Anlet Co Ltd | Vertical type sludge separating and recovering machine |
| SE507498C2 (en) * | 1996-10-07 | 1998-06-15 | Spirac Engineering Ab | Separation device provided with transport coil and screen means |
-
2007
- 2007-11-16 CA CA002669775A patent/CA2669775A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-11-16 WO PCT/CA2007/002059 patent/WO2008058392A1/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2008058392A1 (en) | 2008-05-22 |
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