SEPARATING DRILLING CUTTINGS AND GAS USING A LIQUID SEAL

摘要

A new method and device for separation of drilling cuttings from liquids and gases in air and fluid drilling operations. A liquid seal is created and maintained for proper separation of gas and liquid from cuttings and drilling slurry in air and liquid drilling. A cuttings agitation chamber is created and maintained under the liquid seal. Cuttings and particulates enter a separation vessel and fall towards the agitation chamber beneath the liquid seal and may be guided towards the agitation chamber and liquid seal by baffles or spray. Cuttings and particulates are kept in motion by nozzles in the agitation chamber for removal from the separation vessel through a discharge outlet. Outflow through the discharge outlet may be increased by a jet. The gases released from the drilling liquid exit the separation vessel through a gas outlet.

主权项

1. A method for separating drilling cuttings from liquids, gases, or a slurry, the method comprising:
introducing a slurry having a liquids component and solids component into a system for separation; feeding the slurry into a separation vessel having a top portion, a bottom portion, an agitation chamber, a cuttings outlet, a gas outlet, and mixing nozzles; and feeding liquid into the separation vessel sufficient to create a liquid seal substantially within the agitation chamber and substantially covering the cuttings outlet.