INDIRECT FIRED THERMAL HYDROCARBON FLUID RECOVERY SYSTEM

摘要

Disclosed is a method for separating hydrocarbon- based fluid from solid host matrix such as drilling mud and cuttings generated in the oil and gas exploration or production. The method comprises the steps of: (A) grinding the host matrix to form a slurry: (B) heating the slurry through an indirect heat transfer to vaporize the hydrocarbon- based fluid and water from the slurry; and (C) cooling and condensing the vaporized hydrocarbon-based fluid and water into a liquid form and then separating the hydrocarbon-based fluid from the water. The method is cost-effective and produces the hydrocarbon-based fluid in a reusable form.