System and method for developing and recycling drilling fluids
First Claim
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1. A method for developing and recycling drilling fluid, comprising:
- establishing a flow path for a base fluid;
blending the base fluid with drilling fluid components in the flow path to form a drilling fluid;
analyzing the drilling fluid to determine if it is suitable for passage downhole;
passing the suitable drilling fluid downhole;
recycling the non-suitable drilling fluid back to the flow path;
returning the suitable drilling fluid from downhole;
separating solids from the returned fluid; and
recovering any hydrocarbon-base fluids from the separated solids.
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Abstract
A system and method for developing and recycling drilling fluids at the site of a subterranean well is described, thus eliminating the need for transporting the fluids to the site.
61 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for developing and recycling drilling fluid, comprising:
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establishing a flow path for a base fluid;
blending the base fluid with drilling fluid components in the flow path to form a drilling fluid;
analyzing the drilling fluid to determine if it is suitable for passage downhole;
passing the suitable drilling fluid downhole;
recycling the non-suitable drilling fluid back to the flow path;
returning the suitable drilling fluid from downhole;
separating solids from the returned fluid; and
recovering any hydrocarbon-base fluids from the separated solids. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for developing and recycling drilling fluid, comprising:
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establishing a flow oath for a base fluid, blending the base fluid with drilling fluid components in the flow path to form a drilling fluid, analyzing the drilling fluid to determine if it is suitable for passage downhole, passing the suitable drilling fluid downhole, recycling the non-suitable drilling fluid back to the flow path, returning the suitable drilling fluid from downhole, separating solids from the returned fluid, passing the separated fluid to the flow path where it subjected to the steps of analyzing, passing, and recycling, and recovering any hydrocarbon-base fluids from the separated solids.
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9. A method for developing and recycling drilling fluid, comprising:
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establishing a flow path for a base fluid;
adding drilling fluid components to the base fluid in the flow path to form a drilling fluid;
analyzing the drilling fluid to determine if it is suitable for passage downhole;
passing the suitable drilling fluid downhole;
mixing the non-suitable drilling fluid with the fluid in the flow path before the components are added;
returning the suitable drilling fluid from downhole;
separating solids from the returned fluid;
passing the separated fluid to the flow path; and
recovering any hydrocarbon-base fluids from the separated solids. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for developing and recycling drilling fluid, comprising:
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establishing a flow path for a base fluid;
adding drilling fluid components to the base fluid in the flow path to form a drilling fluid;
analyzing the drilling fluid to determine if it is suitable for passage downhole;
passing the suitable drilling fluid downhole;
returning the suitable drilling fluid from downhole;
separating solids from the returned fluid;
passing the separated fluid to the flow path where it subjected to the steps of analyzing and passing; and
recovering any hydrocarbon-base fluids from the separated solids. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification