Closed-loop operation with alternative dewatering technology

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1993 · SPE Drilling Engineering (Society of Petroleum Engineers); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/20461-PA· OSTI ID:6512219

Halliday, W S; Bray, R P; Youens, J W

The introduction of dewatering devices for closed-loop drilling-fluid circulating systems and reserve pits is derived from technology that has been used in the industrial- and sanitary-waste treatment industries for years. This paper describes an overview of the need for closed-loop systems and provides the optimum design layout, including the fit of a dewatering device, for a drilling location. The introduction of a nonconventional dewatering device, called a screw press/thickener, is reviewed. A case history describing use of this technology in a southern Louisiana inland-marsh-area well is analyzed for the technical and economic viability of operating in a closed-loop mode. Results from this effort include a viable alternative to hauling off waste fluids from drilling sites and the realization that use of this technology can be justified economically.

• OSTI ID: 6512219
• Journal Information: SPE Drilling Engineering (Society of Petroleum Engineers); (United States), Vol. 8:1; ISSN 0885-9744
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
DEWATERING EQUIPMENT
DESIGN
DRILLING FLUIDS
WATER REMOVAL
CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL
LIQUID WASTES
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OIL WELLS
OPTIMIZATION
WELL DRILLING
CONCENTRATORS
CONTROL
DRILLING
FLUIDS
REMOVAL
WASTES
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production
030300 - Natural Gas- Drilling
Production
& Processing