Three-phase separation system for drilling fluids and drill cuttings

摘要

Systems and methods to improve the separation of drill cuttings from drilling fluids using cyclone devices are described. Specifically, a system for separating three phases of a gas/liquid/solid mixture is described. The system includes a cyclone for separating the gas/liquid/solid mixture into a solids component and a gas/liquid mixture; a gas/liquid separator for separating the gas/liquid mixture into a gas component and a liquid component; and a vacuum system for providing a motive force for moving the gas/liquid/solid mixture into the cyclone, moving the separated gas/liquid mixture into the gas/liquid separator and for removing the gas component from the gas/liquid separator.

主权项

1. A system for separating a gas/liquid/solid mixture comprising:
a cyclone for receiving a gas/liquid/solid mixture from a source, the cyclone having: an inlet for introducing the gas/liquid/solid mixture into the cyclone; an outlet for removing a separated gas/liquid mixture from the cyclone; a discharge for removing separated solids from the cyclone; and a first throttle located near the outlet for adjusting a vertical position of the outlet within the cyclone; a gas/liquid separator operatively connected to the outlet for receiving the separated gas/liquid mixture from the cyclone and for separating the gas/liquid to a gas component and a liquid component; and a vacuum system operatively connected to the gas/liquid separator for providing a motive force for moving the gas/liquid/solid mixture into the cyclone, for moving the separated gas/liquid mixture into the gas/liquid separator and removing the gas component from the gas/liquid separator.