Method of bio-remediating wellbore cuttings

摘要

The invention relates to a method of bio-remediating wellbore cuttings, comprising the steps of:
a) drilling a subterranean well using a drilling fluid comprising an oleaginous phase substantially composed of a linear paraffin having 11-18 carbon atoms; a non-oleaginous phase containing a salt of a biodegradable anion; and an emulsifying agent in a concentration capable of forming an invert emulsion suitable for use as a drilling fluid; wellbore cuttings being thereby formed;
b) removing the cuttings from the well;
c) transporting the cuttings to a remediation site;
d) blending the cuttings with nutrients to create a treatment feed; and
e) bio-remediating said treatment feed so as to substantially bio-remediate the cuttings. Bio-remediation is preferably performed in a vermicular bioreactor.