LCM recovery tank

摘要

An LCM recovery system that relies on gravity and density or specific gravity differences between three of the main components of drilling fluids, i.e., the mud and chemicals, lost circulation material (LCM) or additives, and drill solids or cuttings. Fluid enters the LCM recovery tank from the well via a flow line or mud gas separator return leg. Cuttings, having a greater density than additives, tend to settle and become trapped on the input side of the LCM recovery tank. The less dense fluid and entrained or suspended LCM tends to travel over the baffle near the center of the tank. LCM can then be efficiently returned to the active mud system for reconditioning or pumping downhole again.

主权项

1. A lost circulation materials (LCM) recovery system comprising:
a flow line delivering mud, cuttings and LCM material from a wellbore; a recovery tank having an inlet cuttings chamber and a recovery chamber, said inlet cuttings chamber receiving said mud, said cuttings and said LCM directly from said flow line; a height adjustable baffle in said recovery tank separating said recovery tank into said inlet cuttings chamber and said recovery chamber wherein said height of said baffle is adjusted to control travel of LCM and mud to said recovery chamber; said baffle prevents flow between said chambers except over the upper edge thereof; a mud pit; an LCM and fluid line communicating said LCM and said mud from said recovery chamber directly to said mud pit; a shaker delivering said mud recovered off said cuttings into said mud pit; a cuttings line communicating said inlet cuttings chamber with said shaker; and a cuttings box in communication with said shaker for receiving said cuttings from said shaker.