BRPI0511406B1 - device for holding and loading drilling debris material - Google Patents

Abstract

apparatus for holding drilling debris material, method for conveying drilling debris, method for storing drilling debris, method for processing drilling debris, apparatus for performing method for processing drilling debris, method for moving drilling debris, feeding apparatus for loading drilling debris and method for loading drilling debris, provides a method for selectively retaining drilling debris material in a process for moving drilling debris, the apparatus comprising a container (2) with a first opening (7) whereby the drilling waste material is introduced into the container (2) and a second opening (9) through which the drilling waste material is passed out of the container (2), characterized in that the apparatus further comprises the movement apparatus (21, 26), the movement apparatus comprising a moving member (1) within the container (2) and movable adjacent to the second opening (9) to facilitate the passage of material from the drilling debris to the second opening.

Description

(54) Title: APPARATUS FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DETRIT MATERIAL (51) Int.CI .: E21B 21/06; E21B 41/00 (30) Unionist Priority: 6/22/2004 US 10 / 875,083 (73) Holder (s): VARCO l / P, INC.

(72) Inventor (s): GEORGE ALEXANDER BURNETT; DAVID WOOD; KENNETH WAYNE SEYFFERT; WILLIAM CHRISTIAN HERBEN; JAMES MICHAEL MCINTOSH; COLIN CRABB (85) National Phase Start Date: 12/21/2006

1/68 “APPLIANCE TO RETENT AND LOAD MATERIAL FOR DRILLING DETRITES.

[01] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for moving drilling debris and, especially, among others, for moving wet drilling debris produced in the construction of an oil or gas well or wet-dry drilling debris before that the drilling debris has been moved a substantial distance and subsequently moving the dry drilling debris.

[02] When drilling a hole in the construction of an oil or gas well, a drill is disposed at the end of a drill column and is rotated to drill the hole. A drilling fluid known as a “drilling mud is pumped through the drill column to the drill to lubricate the drill. The drilling mud is also used to transport the debris produced by the drill and other solids to the surface through a ring formed between the drill column and the hole. The drilling mud contains expensive synthetic oil-based lubricants and therefore it is normal to recover and reuse the used drilling mud, however, this requires that the solids be removed from the drilling mud. This is achieved by processing the drilling fluid. The first part of the process is to separate the solids from the drilling mud by loading solids. This is partially accomplished with a vibrating separator, such as those shale vibrating tables disclosed in US 5,265,730, WO 96/33792 and WO 98/16328. Other processing equipment, such as centrifuges and hydrocyclones, can be used to clean sludge from solids again. The solids are covered in contaminants and waste.

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 6/87

2/68 [03] The resulting solids, known here as “drilling debris, are processed to remove substantially all residues and contaminants from the solids. The solids can then be disposed of in a landfill or by disposal at sea in the environment from which the solid originated. Alternatively, solids can be used as a material in the construction industry or have other industrial uses. Solids are normally processed on land using methods disclosed, for example, in our co-pending PCT Order, Publication No. WO 03/062591. This processing equipment can be arranged close to oil or gas equipment. Alternatively, the processing equipment can be located on land away from a marina-based oil platform or away from land-based equipment. Therefore, the solids must be transported from the exit point of the agitators, centrifuges and hydrocyclones to the solids processing equipment. In certain prior art systems, oily drilling debris is loaded into containers, buckets or debris boxes that are lifted by a crane on a supply boat. Alternatively, this can be done in part by using a trench provided with a trigger screw to transport the wet solids to the storage containers. Such a system is revealed in our co-pending PCT Order, Publication No. 03/021074. Drilling debris being processed by a shale vibrating table can contain approximately 10% to 20% moisture (oil, water) by weight.

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 7/87

3/68 [04] It is now often desirable and / or legislated to transport recovered drilling debris to a processing site on the coast in order to remove substantially all of the oil and contaminants therein so that the debris drilling equipment can be disposed of or used in an environmentally safe and friendly manner. Environmental agencies around the world are proposing a policy of “zero disposal from equipment a short distance from the coast. Continuous drilling in oil rig a short distance from the beach is common and drilling debris is stored in the rig until it can be transported by vessels known as supply boats, which collect oil drilling debris and take it to another location for further processing. There is still a need to store oily drilling debris in the equipment effectively and efficiently and there is also a need to store debris in supply boats effectively and efficiently. Solids can have a fluid, such as water, added to them to form a slurry. The slurry can be pumped into ships, trucks, buckets or bags to be moved to the processing site. Alternatively or in addition, the wet solids of the storage containers can be moved using a compressed gas, as disclosed in PCT Publication No. 00/76889 through tubes.

[05] The prior art discloses several methods for conveying low density slurry and dry low density particulate solids, and conveying non-continuous high density slurry from high density particle wet material using pneumatic pressure.

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 8/87

Positive 4/68. Many low density slurries typically have particles mixed with air with a specific gravity less than 1.0. The prior art reveals several methods that employ vacuum transport of high and low density particulate solids.

[06] In this way, dealing with the problem of transportation, insulation and storage of low density slurry, high density particle material, and specifically, among others, oilfield drilling debris or other oily / wet disposal material using continuous positive pneumatic pressure.

[07] WO 00/76889 discloses a system for conveying drilling debris in the form of a non-free slurry, the system comprising a pressure vessel with a conical hopper discharge portion, with a cone angle sufficient to induce the mass flow. Drilling debris is stored on an equipment and supply vessel in ISO storage containers, which have conical hopper discharge portions, so that ISO-size container containers can be unloaded between themselves on the equipment and ship and between the ship and the port. These ISO containers are very high and the amount of drilling debris stored in them is limited due to the low convergence portion of the containers.

[08] German Patent No. DE 40 10 676 discloses an apparatus for transporting sewage or concrete. The apparatus comprises a pressure vessel with a feed opening and a conveyor screwed under it. The paddles act as a mixer and forcibly fill the

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 9/87

5/68 conveyor screwed through an opening in the pressure vessel. The sewage or concrete is moved by the conveyor screwed into a nozzle in which compressed air is applied to move the sewage or concrete along a pipe in a continuous flow.

[09] United Kingdom Patent No. GB-A-2, 330, 600 discloses a system for transporting oil drilling debris from a rig to the shore. The system comprises the steps of mixing oily drilling debris with a slurry to form a slurry, storing the slurry in holding tanks on the equipment and subsequently pumping the slurry to the holding tanks on a ship for transportation the coast.

[010] WO 03/021074 discloses inter alia an apparatus for transporting solid waste materials, the apparatus comprising: means of supplying upstream waste; feeding means for transporting the disposal of the disposal supply means to pneumatic transport means; the means of pneumatic transport of which comprise a tube into which the waste material is transferred from the feeding means to a waste collector downstream; characterized by the fact that said tube is associated with at least one blocking sensor device, and electronic data processing means for processing the data output from the blocking sensor device.

[011] WO 82/03066 discloses a method for unblocking conveying tubes for particulate material, comprising supply air to the tube in separate positions along it for the purpose of reducing the length of the blocking material.

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 10/87

6/68 [012] In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus is provided to selectively retain the material from the drill cuttings, preferably in the process of moving the drill cuttings, the apparatus comprising a container with a first opening through which the drilling debris material is liable to be introduced into the container and a second opening through which the drilling debris material is liable to the container, characterized by the fact that the apparatus still comprises the movement apparatus, the movement apparatus comprises a movement member inside the container and movable adjacent the second opening in order to facilitate the passage of the drilling debris material to the second opening. Preferably, the motion apparatus is the mechanical motion apparatus.

[013] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a box for receiving material for drilling debris passing through the second opening, the box having a debris outlet for connection to a transport conduit. The box can be from any space where drill debris can fall or be pushed into its path to the transport conduit. The box can form part of the transport conduit. The transport conduit can be a rigid tube or a flexible hose, preferably between 50 mm and 200 mm in diameter, more preferably from 100 mm to 150 mm and more preferably approximately 125 mm in diameter.

[014] Advantageously, the apparatus also comprises a compressed gas inlet to apply compressed gas to the drilling debris in order to facilitate the movement of the

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 11/87

7/68 drilling debris through the debris outlet.

Preferably, substantially compressed gas is discharged from debris.

the entry of in line with the Preferably, the gas is either air or an inert gas, such as nitrogen. Advantageously, an equilibrium compressed air inlet is located in the container in order to provide an equilibrium pressure to prevent drilling debris from being forced from the box into the container during discharge. The equilibrium pressure is preferably equal to the pressure in the case, but the pressure may be slightly less or greater than the pressure in the case.

[015] Preferably, the container is a pressure vessel. Advantageously, the pressure vessel has been tested to withstand an operating pressure of at least 2 Bar, more preferably, at least 4 Bar and more preferably, at least 7 Bar. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a vent valve to prevent the container is over-pressurized.

[016] A transport conduit is kept substantially full, thereby facilitating consistent feeding or dosing rates. The transport conduit can, in certain respects, be dosed with the drill debris so that the transport conduit is full so that the drill debris moves along the transport conduit in a long space. Alternatively, the drilling debris can form a plurality of spaces along the transport conduit separated by pneumatic fluid pockets. This is controlled by the rate at which drilling debris is released or pushed into the transport conduit, which is known as the “dosage rate. THE

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 12/87

8/68 dosing rate is dictated by, among other things, the consistency of the drilling debris, the pneumatic pressure applied to the drilling debris, and the diameter of the transport conduit in order to achieve a predetermined transport rate. In a preferred configuration, a transport rate of thirty metric tons of drilling debris per hour is moved across the storage container to the transport conduit and to a destination.

[017] The drilling debris stored in the storage container may be dry or may be moist. Wet debris contains water and / or oil. Wet drilling debris can be fluid-free, non-fluid or pasty. Drilling debris is often wet after being processed with shale vibrating tables. Drilling debris can be dried by a vortex dryer, as described herein, to produce substantially dry drilling debris which, in some respects, may be free of fluid solids that comply with Newtonian flow laws.

[018] Advantageously, the motion apparatus still comprises the power apparatus connected to the motion member to move the motion member. Preferably, the second opening has a length and the movement member comprises an elongated member, preferably with a length substantially equal to or greater than the length of the second opening. Advantageously, the elongate member has a shaped edge to facilitate the movement of the drilling debris material into the second opening. Preferably, the elongated member has a leading edge, which is chamfered to

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 13/87

9/68 facilitating the movement of the elongated member under a pile of drilling debris and a trailing edge designed to contain the drilling debris in order to move it towards the second opening, thus the trailing edge is preferably perpendicular in the direction of movement of the elongated member, it can be staggered and / or it can be advantageously concave, a rounded edge for excavating the drilling debris towards the opening and, more preferably, it is a movable structure.

[019] Preferably, the second opening has a width and the movement member is movable back and forth along the width. Advantageously, the movement member comprises a structure with a control axis connected to at least a portion of the curved outer perimeter. Preferably, the moving member comprises a structure with an outer perimeter portion normally shaped like an eye. Alternatively, a rack gear system can be used or a rotating disk with an arm located on its perimeter to translate rotational movement into forward and backward movements, similar to a crank on a car engine. Such a movable member can be used in a variety of tanks, including, but not limited to, a mass flow hopper, core flow hopper, flat bottom hopper, a chisel flat flow type tank or a conical tank.

[020] Preferably, the motion apparatus comprises or also comprises a auger. The auger can form part of the screwed conveyor and can be of any form of screw, which moves the drilling debris. Preferably, the auger is arranged below the second

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 14/87

10/68 aperture. Preferably, the auger is arranged in a ditch. The trench may have a cover to prevent drilling debris from entering the trench when the device is not in use for a long period of time. The cover can be movable with the moving member. The cover can be perforated or non-perforated. Preferably, the box is located at the discharge end of the auger. Advantageously, the apparatus further comprises a motor for rotating the auger. Advantageously, the apparatus further comprises fingers or which may be similar to blades located at the end of the auger to facilitate the release of drilling debris from the auger and, preferably, facilitate the separation of pieces from the drilling debris. Preferably, the auger comprises at least one blade of the constant ditch. Advantageously or alternatively, the auger comprises at least one blade with a variable ditch.

[021] Advantageously, the apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprises a cover for selectively covering the second opening. Preferably, the cover pneumatically seals the second opening. Advantageously, the cover is made of a screen, and thus, allows gas to pass through it. Preferably, the cover is connected to the movement apparatus and moves therein.

[022] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a central base and a plurality of fingers or bristles extending from it. Preferably, the base is movable with a valve located at the first opening to selectively allow drilling debris to enter the container.

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 15/87

11/68 [023] Preferably, the container has a substantially planar internal base. The base of the container can be planar and / or substantially horizontal. Through the use of a container or non-conical hopper in certain configurations in accordance with the present invention, bridging is inhibited and reduced as compared to the “bridging that can occur in certain conical containers. In one aspect, the movable member (s) is (are) substantially flat (s) for moving (on) on a planar base. In certain respects, the movable member is rigid. Preferably, the planar base is circular and between 1.5 and 4 meters in diameter, and, in a specific configuration, it is 2.7 meters in diameter. The planar base or the lower portion of the container can be provided with a plurality of small aeration ports to allow compressed air to aerate the drilling debris to facilitate the transportation of the drilling debris through the second opening in a ditch , if provided.

[024] Advantageously, the container has at least one substantially vertical wall. Preferably, the container has a spherical cap. Advantageously, the container is generally cylindrical with a generally circular base, the second opening extending through the generally circular base.

[025] Advantageously, the first opening has a valve in it to control the entry of drilling debris. The valve can be of the type disclosed in GB-A1.539.079 or US-A-3.586.383.

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 16/87

12/68 [026] Preferably, the first opening has a check valve to prevent drilling debris from escaping through the first opening.

[027] Advantageously, the container has two sides that are inclined towards each other. The container can be wedge, flat flow, transition, chisel, flat flow, pyramid, square or any other suitable type.

[028] Preferably, the container has a conical hopper portion. Advantageously, the conical hopper portion has a cone angle and forms a lower section of the container and the cone angle is below a critical value required to achieve the mass flow of the drill cuttings material.

[029] Advantageously, the container has a capacity of between 0.15 cubic meters and 1 cubic meter, so that, preferably, the device is not used to store drilling debris, but is used for the continuous transport of drilling debris. The device can be as small as 0.05 and 0.02 cubic meters.

[030] Preferably, the container has a capacity of at least three cubic meters, so that, preferably, this is used to store drilling debris, whether in equipment, in a boat, in a boat, truck, train or in a storage area on the coast. More preferably, the container is between ten and thirty cubic meters and, even more preferably, between twelve and sixteen cubic meters.

[031] Advantageously, the device also includes a wet content sensor to feel the moisture content

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 17/87

13/68 of drilling debris. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a hopper characterized by the fact that the wet content sensor is located in the hopper. Advantageously, the wet content sensor is located inside the container. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a controller for collecting data from the wet content sensor and means for deflecting drilling debris in response to the data. Preferably, the means comprise a bypass valve for deflecting drilling debris. Advantageously, the means comprise a screw conveyor, which preferably has a motor driving the screw conveyor, which can selectively rotate the motor in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. in order to reverse the transport from the first direction to a second opposite direction.

[032] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a storage container for storing dry drilling debris. Advantageously, the apparatus further comprises a storage container for storing wet drilling debris. Advantageously, the storage container for storing dry debris is the internal bulk storage container for drilling equipment. Preferably, the storage container for storing dry debris is the internal compartment of a boat or dinghy. Preferably, the storage container for storing dry debris is an additional apparatus of the invention. Advantageously, the storage container for storing wet debris is an additional apparatus of the invention. Advantageously, the storage container accordingly

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 18/87

14/68 with the present invention is fed using an evacuation tank. Alternatively, a pump, for example, a positive displacement pump or a cement pump (or pumps) is used in addition to or in place of the evacuation tank (s) to move drilling debris, for example, from vibrating tables or a ditch or vortex dryer for storage containers. The floor area and general space around shale vibrating tables are often limited, so storage containers or buckets to contain drilling debris are often placed relatively far, for example, tens or hundreds of meters (some hundreds of feet), from shale vibrating tables.

[033] Preferably, the device is mounted with a sliding support.

[034] The invention also provides a method for transporting drilling debris, the method comprising the steps of loading a conveyor line with the drilling debris and applying positive pressure to move the debris over it, characterized by the fact that the step loading the conveyor line is carried out by a mechanical movement device. Drilling debris can be fluid-free paste or a non-fluid-free paste, dry set, dry, wet fluid-free particles, a fluid paste or otherwise.

[035] Preferably, the conveyor line is provided with a compressed gas inlet, the method comprising the step of supplying compressed gas through the compressed gas inlet to facilitate the movement of drilling debris along the conveyor line.

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 19/87

15/68

Advantageously, the mechanical movement apparatus comprises a auger, the auger rotated to load the conveyor line with the drilling debris. Preferably, the auger is located in a pressure vessel, the method further comprising the step of loading the pressure vessel with the drilling debris in which the auger is rotated to load the conveyor line with the drilling debris from the drilling vessel. pressure. Advantageously, the step of pressurizing the pressure vessel to prevent drilling debris from passing the auger or conveyor line back to the pressure vessel.

[036] Advantageously, the pressure vessel has an inlet opening and a valve located at the inlet, the method further comprising the step of activating the valve to selectively allow drilling debris to enter the pressure vessel.

[037] Preferably, the pressure vessel has an inlet opening and a check valve located at the inlet, the method further comprising the step of allowing drill debris to enter the pressure vessel, gas under pressure and debris from perforation are prevented from escaping through the check valve.

[038] Preferably, the method is carried out on a boat, or on a drilling rig a short distance from the beach.

[039] Advantageously, all debris movement devices are in control communication with the control device, the method including control with the debris movement device control device.

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 20/87

16/68 [040] The invention also provides a method for storing drilling debris in a storage container and unloading the drilling debris from it on a pressurized conveyor line, the method comprising the steps of loading the drilling debris into a container of storage, the method further comprising the steps of activating the mechanical movement apparatus to move the drilling debris towards the opening substantially to the storage container to facilitate the discharge of the drilling debris. Preferably, the storage container is pressurized, more preferably, with a pneumatic gas.

[041] Advantageously, the storage container has a substantially planar base, the opening located on the substantially planar base. Preferably, the mechanical movement apparatus comprises a scouring pad, the method further comprising the step of moving the scouring pad so as to move at least some of the drilling debris towards the opening. Advantageously, the mop forms part of a structure, the method comprising the step of moving the structure to move at least some of the drill cuttings towards the opening. Preferably, the mop comprises the finger or bristles to move at least some of the perforation debris towards the opening. Advantageously, the mechanical movement apparatus still comprises a piston and cylinder, the method further comprising the step of activating the piston and cylinder to move the mop. The piston and cylinder can be activated by a hydraulic or pneumatic supply.

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 21/87

17/68 [042] Prior art methods use a debris dryer that, when coupled with a pneumatic debris transport system, reduces waste volumes and liquid content, leading to an overall reduction in the required storage volume and transportation and disposal costs are also reduced. Due to the tendency for dry debris to be more prone to the main phase when using a positive pressure pneumatic conveying system, it is important in certain respects that any changes to the dryer outlet be made at the earliest opportunity. It is known as problematic to transport a product when its consistency is not uniform. Having a storage tank with a mixture of dry and wet debris may require a transport system to switch between different flow modes, between continuous and discontinuous flow. The flow regime of the debris inside a tube is not helpful in this alteration since the wet debris tends towards the dense phase with a flow of shear type or plug type in which the debris spaces act as a regular moving bed / pulsatile irregular that can fill the entire cross section of the tube; and dry debris tends towards the suspended stream. The transfer rate is required to be substantially reduced, if such a “mix” of flow transfer modes is required. Reduced transfer rates are not desirable as long as a container is next to equipment that is receiving a load. In order to maximize transfer rates, consistency of keeping debris within the storage container is beneficial.

Petition 870170048189, of 10/07/2017, p. 22/87

18/68 [043] The discharge of debris from a dryer with a screen can be significantly altered if the screen is "covered up", thus not allowing the liquid to pass through resulting in a wet discharge. This is known to be the case on occasions when a change in drilling formation results in a change in the particle size generated in the drill bit.

[044] In certain systems in accordance with the present invention, a moisture meter is used to continuously monitor the discharge from the dryer. The moisture meter can be based on the Near Infrared (NTR) principle, where several molecular bonds are known to absorb infrared light at well-defined wavelengths. Common bonds are O-H in water, C-H in organics and oils and N-H in proteins. The level of light absorbance at these specific wavelengths is proportional to the amount of that constituent in the sample material. The infrared filters inside the instrument sensor generate a sequence of pulses of light, one of which is selected as having a specific absorbance wavelength for the constituent required to be measured while the other pulses are selected in order to determine the properties of reflectance of the material. Pulses of light illuminate the sample being measured with reflected light being collected and focused on a detector, the electrical signals from the detector are processed in a proportion to provide a value that is proportional to the concentration of the constituent - this being in percentage or other units engineering, water content and therefore oil-based mud content can be monitored. This technology is

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19/68 well-defined and provides high accuracy and response speed to facilitate online measurement and control of the dryer process.

[045] Alternative methods in accordance with the present invention to obtain a "moisture" value include passing the product through an opening mesh and measuring the pressure drop generated. An increase in pressure drop indicates the product's adhesion to the mesh most likely due to an increase in the “moisture” value. Instrumentation based on the dielectric constant or vibrating sensitive instrumentation can also be used to monitor the change in consistency.

[046] The use of information can minimize the “mixing” of debris in storage containers. In one respect, a dedicated storage tank is used if a desired “moisture” value is exceeded. In such a system, a bank of storage containers is filled with drilling waste of a satisfactory and oily consistency if the desired moisture value is exceeded, then the flow is diverted to a “wet” storage tank and an alarm sounds from so that the operator can then resolve the situation. In another system in accordance with the present invention, a screw conveyor being used to feed the conveyor system after the dryer can be immediately inverted for the purpose of feeding a dedicated "wet" tank. In another system in accordance with the present invention, two dryers are used, each fitted with a screen with a different mesh size. If a dryer is covered or fails to operate resulting in a discharge of “damp” debris, then the

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20/68 debris can be redirected by activating an appropriate valve below the dryer feed conveyor for the purpose of using the alternative dryer. In another system in accordance with the present invention, the required overall height is reduced through the use of screwed conveyors.

[047] The invention also provides a method for processing drilling debris, the method comprising obtaining the drilling debris from at least one shale vibrating table, hydrocyclone, centrifuge or dryer for drilling debris, measuring the moisture content of the drilling debris to obtain a moisture value, comparing the moisture value to a predetermined limit and transporting the drilling debris on a dry debris route if the moisture value is below the predetermined limit or transporting the drilling debris on a wet debris route if the humidity value is above the limit.

[048] Preferably, the dry debris route comprises a feed apparatus and a pneumatic conveyor line, the method further comprising the steps of loading the drilling debris into the feed apparatus, the feed apparatus of which supplies the pneumatic conveyor line with the debris drilling. Advantageously, the pneumatic conveyor line is a positive pressure pneumatic conveyor line. Positive pneumatic pressure is applied to push drilling debris through the conveyor line. Thus, preferably, the pressure behind the drilling debris is greater than the pressure in front of the drilling debris,

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21/68 with the purpose of moving the drilling debris through the conveyor line. The conveyor line can be a rigid tube or a flexible tube. Preferably, the pneumatic conveyor line leads to a storage container, the method further comprising the step of transporting the drill cuttings through the pneumatic conveyor line to the storage container. The storage container is preferably of the type disclosed and claimed herein. Advantageously, the pneumatic conveyor line leads to bulk storage tanks for oil or gas equipment, the method further comprising the step of transporting drilling debris through the pneumatic conveyor line to the bulk storage tanks. Preferably, the pneumatic conveyor line leads to a support of an oil or gas equipment, the method further comprising the step of transporting the drilling debris through the pneumatic conveyor line to the support. The support can be compressed by pressure and have its own pneumatic conveying device with positive pressure to remove the drilling debris from the support or the support can not be compressed by pressure and can use a self-contained evacuation tank, device of the invention as revealed in the gift or vacuum apparatus, such as that manufactured and sold by The Fuller Company (now called FL Smidth) to suck drilling debris from the support and transfer it to other means of transport at the port, such as tanks or storage containers on trains , boats or dinghies. Preferably, the step of measuring the moisture content of the drill cuttings is performed with a humidity sensor

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22/68 located on the supply device. Advantageously, the feed apparatus comprises a hopper and a pressure vessel, the step of measuring the moisture content of the drilling debris is carried out with a humidity sensor located in the hopper.

[049] Preferably, the wet debris route comprises a feeding apparatus and a pneumatic conveyor line, the method further comprising the steps of loading the drilling debris into the feed apparatus, the feeding apparatus of which supplies the pneumatic conveyor line with the debris drilling. Advantageously, the pneumatic conveyor line is a positive pressure pneumatic conveyor line. Positive pneumatic pressure is applied to push drilling debris through the conveyor line. Thus, preferably, the pressure behind the drilling debris is greater than the pressure in front of the drilling debris, in order to move the drilling debris through the conveyor line. The conveyor line can be a rigid tube or a flexible tube. Preferably, the pneumatic conveyor line leads to a storage container, the method further comprising the step of transporting the drill cuttings through the pneumatic conveyor line to the storage container. The storage container is preferably of the type disclosed and claimed herein. Advantageously, the pneumatic conveyor line leads to a debris dryer for further drying, such as a vortex dryer or a dryer of the type disclosed in GB-A-2,297,702. Preferably, the drilling waste from the dryer is then returned to the

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23/68 method for measuring its humidity. Advantageously, if a mesh is used in the debris dryer, a mesh size different from that used in the apparatus where the debris was previously processed, that is, shale vibratory table, hydrocyclone, centrifuge or drilling debris dryer, in the case of high moisture content of drilling debris is caused by partial particle cover-up. Preferably, the step of measuring the moisture content of the drilling debris is carried out with a humidity sensor located on the feed device. Advantageously, the feed apparatus comprises a hopper and a pressure vessel, the step of measuring the moisture content of the drilling debris is carried out with a humidity sensor located in the hopper.

[050] Advantageously, drilling debris from at least one shale vibrating table, hydrocyclone, centrifuge or drilling debris dryer is supplied in the feed apparatus where the moisture content of the drilling debris is measured to obtain a value of humidity with a humidity sensor located on it, the feed device supplying the drilling debris on a pneumatic conveyor line, the conveyor line with a bypass valve on it, the method still comprising the steps of bypassing the drilling debris using the bypass valve on a dry debris route, if the moisture value is below the predetermined limit, or transport drilling drilling debris on a wet debris route, if the moisture value is above the limit.

[051] Preferably, a screw conveyor is located under at least one shale vibrating table,

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24/68 hydrocyclone, centrifuge or drier debris to receive drilling debris, the screw conveyor comprising a driver so that the screw conveyor is reversible to transport the drilling debris in one direction to a dry debris route and a second direction for a wet debris route.

[052] Advantageously, the predetermined limit is 1%, 3% or 5% of moisture content. The moisture content includes water content and oil content. The proportion of oil and water in drilling waste varies widely, but it is often half water and half oil.

[053] The invention also provides an apparatus for carrying out the above method. The apparatus preferably comprises a moisture sensor and means for directing the drill debris in a wet debris route or a dry debris route. Advantageously, the device further comprises a controller for obtaining data from the humidity sensor and comparing the data with a predetermined value and activating the means according to the data.

[054] The invention also provides a method for moving the drill debris, the method comprising the steps of loading a conduit with the drill debris, applying positive pneumatic pressure to the drill debris to push the drill debris through the conduit, characterized due to the fact that positive pressure is applied through inlets at separate intervals along the conduit to facilitate the movement of drilling debris in it.

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25/68 [055] Preferably, the pneumatic pressure in the conduit is measured at separate intervals along it, the pressure measurements reported to a controller, the controller controlling the application of pneumatic pressure through said inlets at separate intervals along the conduit. Advantageously, the controller turns each input on or off at separate intervals in response to pressure measurements. Preferably, the pressure applied to each subsequent inlet is less than the pressure of the previous inlet. Advantageously, the tubes at the inlets at separate intervals along the conduit, characterized by the fact that the tube comprises check valves to prevent the entry of drilling debris into the inlets.

[056] Preferably, the pressure at each inlet at separate intervals is variable, the pressure applied to it varied in accordance with the pneumatic pressure in the conduit is measured at spaced intervals.

[057] Advantageously, the pressure at each inlet at separate intervals is fixed. For example, the pressure at the first inlet is 4 bar, 3.5 at the second inlet, 3 bar at the third inlet, 2.5 bar at the fourth inlet, 2 bar at the fifth inlet and 1.5 bar at the sixth inlet. Each entrance can be spaced at a fixed distance along the conduit, for example, every 25m. The distance can be reduced to, for example, every ten meters along a curve in the conduit. The inlet can be placed at the elbow of the conduit.

[058] The invention also provides a feeding apparatus for loading drilling debris into a positive pressure conduit comprising a pressure vessel, an inlet, a valve to selectively allow

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26/68 that the drilling debris enters the pressure vessel and an outlet that leads to a conduit, the outlet comprising a curve in it below the pressure vessel, characterized by the fact that the curve has an inlet of compressed air in the curve to provide positive pressure in order to push drilling debris through it. Preferably, the inlet is directed horizontally, advantageously in line with the conduit. Preferably, an additional valve is located between the pressure vessel and the outlet. Advantageously, the outlet converges through the curve, for example, a circular cross-section outlet converges from 150 mm to 125 mm in diameter.

[059] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the attached drawings, in which:

[060] Figure 1A is a top view of a storage container in accordance with the present invention taken along line I-I of figure 1B.

[061] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional side view of the storage container shown in figure 1A.

[062] Figure 1C is a view taken from a point similar to figure 1A, of another configuration of a storage container in accordance with the present invention.

[063] Figure 1D is a top plan view of an alternative part of the storage container shown in Figure 1A.

[064] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the device of the invention in use.

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27/68 [065] Figure 3 is a schematic cross section view of a prior art of the feed container in the apparatus shown in figure 2.

[066] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional side view of a feeding container in accordance with the present invention, which can be used in place of the feeding container shown in use in the apparatus shown in figure 2.

[067] Figure 3B is an end view and figure 3C is a side view of the feed container shown in figure 3.

[068] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a feed container in accordance with the present invention.

[069] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along the VA-VA line of a structure part shown in Figure 1A.

[070] Figures 5B to 5D are alternative formats for the cross section of the structure part of the storage container shown in figure 1A.

[071] Figure 6 is a schematic view of an arrangement of the storage container in accordance with the present invention.

[072] Figures 7A and 7B are top section views of another configuration of a storage container in accordance with the present invention, showing the steps of operation of the same.

[073] Figure 7C is a top section view of another configuration of a storage container in accordance with the present invention;

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28/68 [074] Figure 7D is a cross-sectional side view of the storage container shown in figure 7C without drilling debris in it.

[075] Figure 7E is a cross-sectional side view of the storage container shown in figure 7A with no drilling debris in it.

[076] Figure 8A is a schematic side view of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

[077] Figure 8B is a top view of part of the device shown in figure 8A.

[078] Figure 9A is a schematic view of a power supply in accordance with the present invention.

[079] Figure 9B is an end view of part of the power device shown in figure 9A.

[080] Figure 9C is a side view of part of the power supply shown in figure 9A.

[081] Figures 10 to 15 are schematic views of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

[082] With reference to figures 1A and 1B, a storage container 1 in accordance with the present invention has a generally cylindrical pressure vessel 2 of circular cross section with a substantially circular planar base 3 and a spherical lid 4. The planar base 3 and the spherical cap 4 can be integrally formed or welded to the wall of the pressure vessel 2.

[083] Pressure vessel 2 can be made of steel of the type defined by British Standard 1501 224-49B and can be designed to withstand an operating pressure of between 1 and 20 Bar, and, in a specific aspect, 7 Bar. The lid spherical

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29/68 optionally has an inlet 5 with a supply hose 6 attached to it, which, in a specific aspect, has a diameter of 52 mm (two inches), to apply compressed gas, such as air and / or nitrogen and / or other inert gas in the DC drill debris cap in the container. The spherical cap 4 is also provided with a debris inlet 7 provided with a valve 8, such as a gate valve or a full-flow ball valve, which can be manually operable or remotely operable, for example using an engine step by step. Alternatively, debris can be introduced into entrance 7 by any known system, for example, among others, a transport system.

[084] The entrance debris 7, on a aspect specific, has a diameter internal of 125 mm (5 inches). The planar base 3 has one opening 9. The opening

it can be of any suitable shape as seen from above and, as shown, is generally rectangular. A tube has a corresponding opening and is fixed to the perimeter of the opening 9 in the planar base 3 to form a firm pressure seal. Tube 10 can be welded or otherwise formed with the planar base 3. Tube 10 houses an optional auger, which, in one aspect, is a rotary screw conveyor 11 mounted on tube 10 and driven by a hydraulic speed motor variable 12.

[085] Motor 12 may alternatively be an electric motor, powered by gasoline, pneumatic or otherwise enabled. The screw conveyor 11 has a rod 13 and a helical blade 14. The helical blade 14 has, in one aspect, a diameter of between 150 mm and 600 mm (6 and 24

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30/68 inches), and in a specific aspect, it has a diameter of between 350 mm and 400 mm (fourteen and sixteen inches). The rod 13 has a first end coupled to the variable speed hydraulic motor 12 and a second swivel end arranged on a bearing 15 on an end wall 16 of the tube 10. The tube 10 extends beyond the perimeter of the planar base 3. A helical blade 14 extends along substantially the entire diameter of the planar base 3 and extends in the portion of the tube 10 that extends beyond the perimeter of the planar base 3, where the helical blade ends. In certain aspects where there is no auger or conveyor 11, the positive pressure gas in the container feeds the material in the container to the discharge opening.

[086] Four, six or more radially projecting fingers 17 (two shown) extending from stem 13 (or that can be connected to the inside of tube 10) are spaced from the end of the helical blade 14. The portion of tube 10 that extending beyond the perimeter of the planar base 3 has a discharge box 18 with a lower chamber 18a, with a compressed gas supply inlet 19 arranged under the end of the helical blade 14. The discharge box 18 tapers from a portion upper with a width substantially equal to the diameter of the tube 10 for a smaller width substantially equal to the diameter of an outlet 20. The air supply inlet 19 is directed to the lower chamber 18a of the discharge box 18 and in line with a debris outlet 20.

[087] Debris outlet 20 has, in a specific aspect, an internal diameter of 125 mm (5 inches) and is

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31/68 attached to a debris conveyor line (not shown) of the same or similar internal diameter, which may be a flexible hose or a rigid tube.

[088] A movable structure 21 is arranged inside the pressure vessel 2 on the planar base 3 next to the opening

9. The movable structure 21 can be of any desired shape as seen from above, which assists in moving the drill cuttings towards the opening 9. In one aspect, as shown, the structure 21 has two symmetrical curved members 22 and 23 forming an eye shape which are arranged on four arms 24 joined to a central member 25. The curvature of the two symmetrical curved sections is slightly less than the curvature of the perimeter of the planar base 3. The outer edges 27 of the two symmetrical curved sections 22 and 23 and the four arms 24 are, in one aspect, chamfered, considering that the inner edges 28 (see figure 5A) facing the opening 9 are at correct angles to the plane of the planar base

3. The curved members 22 and 23 have the flat bottoms 29. The chamfer angle in some aspects is between 45 and 20 degrees of the flat bottom 29. This can be seen clearly in figure 5A. It is within the scope of the present invention to have a structure or member of the size and configured for movement transverse to the opening 9 of any desired shape, for example, among others, a member 402 as shown in figure 1C or a generally circular structure, as shown in structure 21a, figure 1D. Opening 9 can be of any desired shape with any desired width and length; and, as shown, can be about the same width as a

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32/68 auger device located under the opening (or the auger device may be slightly wider than the opening).

[089] A hydraulically driven cylinder and piston assembly 26 is joined at one end to the wall or planar base 3 of the pressure vessel 2 and the other to the movable structure 21, to induce the movement of the movable structure 21 over the planar base 3 to back and forth as indicated by the arrow inside the confines of the pressure vessel 2. Alternatively, some of the frame movement apparatus can be positioned externally to the vessel.

[090] The curved members 22 and 23 may have several profiles to perform the function of moving under the DC drill debris when moving away from opening 9 and acting as a rake or shovel to dig, dig or move the debris hole for the discharge opening 9. In one aspect, the space around the conveyor 11 in the pipe 10 is kept substantially full to facilitate the maintenance of a consistent dosing rate dependent on the conveyor 11 rpm, while transporting the drill debris storage container.

[091] An exemplary, but not exclusive, list of alternatives for curved members 22, 23 is shown in figures 5A to 5D. Figure 5B shows a curved member 22 (the member 23 is similar) with a chamfered front face 31 and a concave rear face 30. Figure 5C shows a curved member 22 (or 23) with a chamfered front face 32 and a rear face stepped 33 with a shoulder 34. Figure 5D shows the curved member 22 (or 23) with a stepped front face 35 and a slightly angled rear face 36 so

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33/68 that an acute angle is formed in use between the angled rear face 36 and the planar base 3.

[092] Storage container 1, in one aspect, is attached to a slider (not shown) to facilitate transport of storage container 1 in dinghies, supply boats, train cars and equipment a short distance from the beach and in Earth. The slider can also comprise a structure to surround the storage container 1, which can be of standard ISO size to facilitate the transport of boats, trains, boats equipped with accessories in ISO spacings. The height of the storage container 1, in a specific aspect, when mounted on the slider is 3.26 m, the length of the slider is 3.95 m and the width of the slider is 2.9 m. It should be noted that the height of the container is much smaller compared to the internal volume.

[093] A pressure relief valve 8a is provided in pressure vessel 2, which is configured between 10% and 20% above the normal operating pressure of preferably 7 Bar. A removable and / or openable gate 8b is optionally also provided on the pressure vessel wall 2 to allow access for inspection, maintenance and cleaning.

[094] Figure 1C illustrates a storage container similar to a storage container 1, except that instead of a movable structure 21, the storage container has a rake apparatus 100 and an associated movement apparatus. Similar numbers indicate similar parts. The rake apparatus 100 (or the mobile structure 21, etc.) can be used with any tank or

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34/68 container described herein. The rake apparatus 100 has a member 102 on a rod 104 which is moved back and forth above opening 9 by the movement apparatus 110. A mover 112 (for example, any suitable motor, or reciprocal mechanism, for example, between others, a piston / cylinder assembly similar to figure 1A) moves stem 104 back and forth to move member 102 above opening 9 to facilitate the movement of the drill debris down into opening 9. Optionally, a vibrating apparatus 114 outside the container 2 vibrates the stem 104 to vibrate the member 102 and / or to induce vibration through container 2 of the drilling debris. Optionally, a vibrating apparatus 106 is disposed within the container 2 on the stem 104 to vibrate the stem 104 and the member 102 to facilitate the movement of the debris. Optionally, a vibrating apparatus 108 on member 102 facilitates the movement of debris.

[095] With reference to figure 2, the dry drilling debris is produced by a bench on the shale vibrating tables 50 in a drill bit.

[096] Sieved dry drilling debris falls from the shale vibrating table screens into a ditch 48. The wet drilling debris is moved along the ditch 48 using a screwed conveyor or conveyor belt or falls directly into a hopper. Wet drilling debris is optionally fed into a dryer (not shown), such as a vortex dryer or a dryer of the type disclosed in GB-A-2.297.702, the development of which is incorporated for all purposes at present, to remove a substantial amount of moisture. This is

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35/68 revealed in more detail in co-pending PCT publication number WO2004 / 083597 (PCT application PCT number / GB2004 / 000762) and in US co-pending application number US serial number 10 / 764,825 filed by the applicant for the present patent, the disclosures of which are fully incorporated for all purposes in the present. In some circumstances, the moisture content of the drill cuttings is reduced to between 1% and 5% moisture by weight, and in other circumstances, it drops to 1% moisture by weight. Typically, "wet" debris contains 5% or more of oil content and "dry" debris contains less than 5% of oil content.

[097] Dry or wet drilling debris falls directly into a hopper 51 of an evacuation tank 52, shown in more detail in figure 3. Evacuation tank 52 can be of the type disclosed in GB-A-1.564.311, the revelation of which is fully incorporated into the present for all purposes. A valve 53, which can be of the type disclosed in GB-A-1.539.079, the disclosure of which is integrally incorporated into the present for all purposes, is disposed between the hopper 51 and a small pressure vessel 54 with a capacity , in one aspect, of approximately 0.3 cubic meters, although the capacity in other aspects is between 0.1 and 1 cubic meter; or higher or lower. The size of the small pressure vessel, in certain configurations, is dependent on the space available near the shale vibrating tables, and / or the number of cycles required to transfer the material, for example, at a rate of 30 metric tons per hour. The small pressure vessel 54 has a frusto-conical portion 55.

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36/68

An air inlet 56 is disposed in an upper part of a pressure vessel wall 54 and a cylindrical portion 57 of the circular cross section is disposed between the valve 53 and the frusto-conical portion wall 55, leaving a small annular gap 58 between them through which air under pressure can pass from the air inlet 56 to the frustoconical portion 55. This aspect is also revealed in US-A-3,586,383 in the name of William Trythall, the disclosure of which is incorporated integrally in the gift for all purposes. Another valve 59 (which is optional) is arranged at the discharge end of the frusto-conical portion 55 between the small pressure vessel and a supply line 60. The other valve 59 can be of the same type as valve 53. The supply line feed 60 can be a flexible hose or a rigid tube and, in one aspect, has an internal diameter of 125 mm (5 inches). In one configuration, the other valve 59 can be excluded.

[098] In one aspect, the cycle of valve 53 and the other valve 59 substantially out of phase, so that valve 53 is open to allow the small pressure vessel 54 to be loaded with drilling debris under gravity at from hopper 51 while valve 59 is closed to prevent drilling debris from entering feed line 60. Valve 53 is closed so that a dose of the drilling debris is held in the small pressure vessel 54. The other valve 59 is opened. In one aspect, the pressurized air of between 1 and 8 Bar passes into the small pressure vessel 54 through the gap 58 and applies positive pressure to the top of the drilling waste load in order to push a dose of the drilling waste to out to power line 60. The other

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37/68 valve 59 may have a short opening delay to allow pressure to build up in the small pressure vessel 54 before being opened. The frusto-conical portion 55 may be at an angle to induce mass flow, as is well known in the prior art, for example, as disclosed in US-A-3,604,758, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated into the present for all purposes. Alternatively, the inner wall of the frusto-conical section is lined with a friction reducing material, such as plastic, fiberglass, PTFE or a paint or enamel. The frusto-conical portion 55 may alternatively be a chisel, pyramid, edge, type of square opening or transition. Substantially the entire dose is discharged into the supply line and then the cycle is repeated. Many cycles per minute can occur. The feed line 60 leads to the entrance 7 of the storage container 1, which is arranged in the equipment not far from the beach 49 or, if it is a land-based equipment, close to the equipment, for example, within 100 - 300 meters, although it may be many (for example three or more) kilometers away.

[099] In use, the storage container 1 is vented to the atmosphere, either through the use of a valve or by disconnecting the air supply line 6 from the air inlet 5. Doses of drilling debris enter the storage container storage 1, through the feed line 60 of the evacuation tank 52 and gradually fill the storage container 1. The storage container 1 can, in one aspect, store up to twelve cubic meters of drilling debris, the debris can, in others aspects, be the size to store between five and twenty

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38/68 cubic meters. Once the storage tank 1 is full or nearly full, a valve (not shown) on the supply line is operated to divert the doses of the drill debris to another storage container 61. Alternatively, the supply line is disconnected from the debris inlet 7 and connected to the debris inlet in another storage container 61. Various storage containers can be arranged to form a bank 62 of storage containers.

[0100] At a convenient time when the supply boat or vehicle for transporting drilling debris is in strict proximity to the bank of storage containers 62, for example, when a supply boat 64 is moored or within three or four hundred meters from the equipment a short distance from the beach, one end of the flexible hose 63 is connected to one of the storage containers 1, 61. The other end of the flexible hose 63 is connected to at least one storage container 65 in a bank of storage containers. storage 66 on supply vessel 64. Storage containers 65 are, in one aspect, of the type described with reference to figures 1A to 1D. Float handles 67 can be provided on flexible hose 63 to prevent the hose from sinking into the sea.

[0101] An air supply supplied by a compressor (not shown) under approximately 7 Bar and, in another aspect, 4 Bar, is supplied through the air supply hose 6 through the air inlet 5 to a space in the pressure vessel 2 supplied above the surface of the drill cuttings. The hydraulic speed motor

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39/68 variable 12 is activated to drive the screwed conveyor

11. An air supply, for example, under approximately 7 Bar or slightly less, is provided via the air supply inlet 19 in the discharge box 18. The same or slightly lower pressure in the lower chamber 18a of the discharge box 18 than the pressure applied above the drill debris prevents the drill debris from moving backwards from the screwed conveyor 11 back into the pressure vessel 2. The hydraulic cylinder and piston 26 are activated to move the movable frame 21 back and forth front to facilitate the movement of the drilling debris to the opening 9. The chamfered edges on the sides of the members 22, 23, 24 of the mobile structure 21 ensure that by moving away from the opening 9, the components of the mobile structure slide under the drilling debris and by moving towards opening 9, the correct opposite angle or blade profile surfaces pull the drilling debris towards opening 9. The detri drill bits move through opening 9 to the screwed conveyor 11, which moves the debris along towards the lower chamber 18a of the discharge box 18. Towards the end of the screwed conveyor, a double helix blade can be arranged to facilitate the breaking of drilling debris. The fingers 17 can also be provided to facilitate the breaking of the drill cuttings, which then fall into the discharge box 18 and are pushed through the opening 20 for the flexible hose 63 in the storage container 65 in the supply boat 64.

[0102] The supply boat then transports the bank loaded with storage containers 66 to the

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40/68 coast. Storage containers can be lifted from the supply boat 64 and placed on train cars, flat boats or directly at the processing site. Alternatively, the drilling debris can be discharged in the same way as described above with respect to the movement of the debris from a rig a short distance from the beach to the supply boat 64.

[0103] An alternative feed container 70 is shown in Figure 16, which can be used in place of the evacuation tank 52 shown in Figure 3A. The container 70 has a debris inlet 71 which leads from a hopper or other container (not shown), into a pressure vessel 72 through a filling valve 73. The lower end of the pressure vessel 72 is provided with a frustate portion - conical 74 leading to a discharge opening 75. The discharge opening is provided with a discharge valve 76 to selectively open or close the opening 75. The discharge valve 76 and the filling valve 73 are in a fixed relationship by a piston 77 extending from the discharge valve 76 through the filling valve 73 to an actuator cylinder 78. The piston 77 can be driven pneumatically, hydraulically or using a stepper motor to open and close the filling valve 73 and the discharge valve 76, which are arranged so that they operate substantially out of phase. An air supply inlet 81 is arranged on top of the small pressure vessel 72 to supply air under pressure, for example, of approximately 7 Bars, although it can be supplied at a pressure of between one and ten Bars. Aeration ports 79 are provided on the wall of the frusto-conical portion 74 to prevent

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41/68 the adhesion of drilling debris on the walls and to prevent bridging of drilling debris around the discharge opening. The fingers or bristles 80 extend radially from piston 77 into the small pressure vessel 72, which are moved up and down in union with the valves to clean any drilling debris trapped in the walls or in the form of a bridge near the discharge opening (however for bristles 80, tank 70 is similar to the prior art tank).

[0104] In use, the filling valve 73 and discharge valve 76 cycle substantially out of phase, so that the filling valve 73 is open to allow the small pressure vessel 72 to be loaded with drilling debris under gravity from hopper 51 while discharge valve 76 is closed to prevent drill debris from entering feed line 60. Fill valve 73 is closed so that a dose of drill debris is trapped in the small pressure 72. The discharge valve 76 is opened by actuation of piston 77, which closes the filling valve 73. The air under pressure, for example, between 1 and 8 Bar, passes into the small pressure vessel 72 and applies positive pressure at the top of the drilling debris load to push a dose of the drilling debris out into the feed line 60. The valves can go through different cycles times per minute with a relatively small pressure vessel. With a 0.3 cubic meter pressure vessel, the valves will cycle once or twice a minute or every two minutes. Supply line 60 (as shown in figure 2) leads to entry 7 of the

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42/68 storage container 1, which is arranged in the equipment a short distance from the beach 49 or, if it is a land-based equipment, close to the equipment, for example, within 300 meters, although it can be far in up to three four kilometers. Ventilation is provided as needed via ventilation line 82.

[0105] This type of feed container 70 was manufactured by Klockner-Becroit and shown and described on pages 290-291 of the book entitled “Pneumatic Conveying of Solids - a theoretical and practical approach” [Pneumatic Solid Transport - a theoretical and practice] by Klinzing and Marcus, published in 1997.

[0106] Figure 6 illustrates a system 150 that provides an improvement to the systems and devices as disclosed in the present, as well as the systems disclosed in: North American Patent 6,702,539 issued on March 9, 2004; Britain's Application No. 9913909 filed June 16, 1999; North American Order 10 / 018.124 filed as PCT / GB00 / 02158 order on June 14, 2000; and European Patent EP 1,187,783 B1, published on September 24, 2003.

[0107] The flow of drilling debris in a tube 157 in containers 151. Each container 151 has a lower conical shape portion 155 with a lower opening 158. Adjacent to each opening 158, there is an apparatus 160 (which is similar to any apparatus or system disclosed herein to facilitate the movement of drilling debris from a tank or container, for example, among others, the apparatus disclosed in figures 1A to 1D, for example, with a movable structure 21 and / or a movable member 102 and associated motion mechanisms equipped with a motor. The apparatus 160 moves the

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43/68 drilling debris in a pipe 159 (for example, similar to pipe 19, United States Patent 6,702,539) from which drilling debris can be introduced into any tank or container suitable for transportation, such as storage containers 1 or containers 31 shown in US-A-6,702,539. Containers 31 of US-A6.702.539 may have apparatus such as apparatus 160 to facilitate the movement of debris.

[0108] Optionally, compressed gas (for example, air and / or nitrogen or other inert gas) can be introduced into containers 151 with or after the flow of drilling debris into containers 151 on line 157. Optionally, compressed gas is introduced in a line 161 in the containers 151 for application in and / or above the drilling debris as previously described and / or mentioned for any configuration described herein. Optionally, compressed gas is applied to lines 162 of apparatus 160 as described above in the system of figure 1A. Optionally, the compressed gas can be applied to the interior of line 159 with one or more devices 163 in order to facilitate the flow of drilling debris material through line 159. Each device 160 can optionally have a moving member (for example, example, similar to structure 21 or member 102) to facilitate the movement of drilling debris from containers 151.

[0109] Figures 3A to 3C illustrate a feeding device 470 for feeding debris (for example, from vibrating tables or dryers for storage containers), which has a pressure vessel 472 with a non-conical bottom portion 474 that has two

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44/68 inclined sides 475. In certain aspects, the pressure vessel 472 has a capacity of between 0.15 cubic meters and 1 cubic meter, and, in a specific aspect, 0.33 cubic meters. Drill debris enters the pressure vessel 472 of an upper inlet hopper 476 through an opening 477. An inlet valve 478 (for example, a ball valve) selectively controls the entry of drilling debris into the pressure vessel 472 and , in one aspect, provides a preselected dose of drilling debris, for example, in one aspect, 0.15 cubic meters to 1 cubic meter, and, in a specific aspect, 0.3 cubic meters.

[0110] Optionally, a movement member 482 (for example, similar to movement member 102 or structure 21 described above) is movable through movement apparatus 484 (shown schematically; for example, any movement apparatus disclosed herein) for facilitate the movement of drilling debris to and through opening 479 and from the container. Optionally, a auger device 480 (for example, similar to any auger apparatus described herein and, in one aspect, similar to the conveyor 11, figure 1A) can be used with the container 472.

[0111] Figures 7A, 7B and 7E show a storage container 200 in accordance with the present invention, which has a pressure container 202 (for example, similar to storage container 2, figure 1A) with a spherical cap 204 , a generally cylindrical wall 206 and a floor 208. Drilling debris 220 is fed into container 202 through an inlet flow 210 through

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45/68 of which are controlled by a 212 valve. The 212 valve can simply be a tongue check valve that allows drill debris to enter pressure vessel 202, but does not allow drill debris or air under pressure exhaust from the pressure vessel 202. Optionally, the compressed gas is introduced through a gas inlet 214.

[0112] A structure 230 (for example, similar to structure 21, figure 1A) slides on the floor 208. Structure 230 includes a solid closing portion 232, but that can be perforated or made of canvas. The closing portion 232 selectively closes an opening 234 on the floor 208, which is located above a screen conveyor 236 (similar to conveyor 11, Figure 1A) which is rotatable mounted on a tube 240.

[0113] As shown in figure 7A, the closing portion 232 closes the flow, prevents or reduces the flow to the screwed conveyor 236 when the movement apparatus 250 is in the fully retracted position. This closed position is assumed when the storage container 200 has drilling debris being stored in it, to prevent the drilling debris from settling on the screwed conveyor tube 240. It is possible, if the drilling debris is resting on the screwed conveyor 236 for a very long period, that the drilling debris can be placed and inhibit and prevent the screwed conveyor from turning when the discharge of the drilling debris starts. This closed position is also assumed when the storage container 200 is empty, so that drilling debris is prevented from falling onto the conveyor

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46/68 screwed 236 and become compacted on the screwed conveyor 236. As shown in figure 7B, the structure 230 was moved by the movement apparatus 250 (similar to any movement apparatus disclosed at present) and the opening 234 is no longer blocked and receiving the flow of material from the container 202. The flow of debris from the container 202 to a waste discharge end 242 of the tube 240 is facilitated by the screw conveyor 236.

[0114] As shown in figure 7E by arrows 263, the conveyor 236 can be operated in reverse to circulate the debris within the container 202 so as to produce a more homogenized mass of debris. Arrows 264 indicate the rotation of the conveyor 236 in the direction resulting from the debris moving from the container 202.

[0115] Optionally, the tube 240 may have an inclined end plate 247 to facilitate the movement of the debris towards the conveyor 236 and, when the conveyor is operated in reverse, to facilitate the movement of the debris in and within the container 202. Optionally, tube 240 has an inclined end plate 248 next to the discharge end of the tube and which pushes the material down towards the discharge chamber 245 and out of the tube 240. Optionally, compressed gas is supplied to an inlet 243 to promote the movement of drilling debris from the discharge chamber to the discharge end 242 of tube 240.

[0116] As shown in figures 7C and 7D, a storage container 500 has a pressure container 502 (for example, similar to the storage container

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47/68 storage 2, figure 1A) with a spherical cap 504, a generally cylindrical side wall 506, and a floor 508, further including a plurality of aeration nozzles 561 through a floor 508, which injects gas under pressure into a container 502 (in certain respects, up and / or down on conveyor 536). The same compressed gas supply that supplies gas to inlet 514 can be used to supply gas to nozzles 561 or a separate compressed gas source can be used. The drilling and air debris inlets are not shown in figures 7C or 7D. The fluid pressurized through the nozzles 561 can be of the same pressure or of a higher pressure than the pressure used to transport the drilling debris. Through the application of a pneumatic fluid through the air nozzles 562, the drilling debris is aerated. This is important when the drill debris is stored in the pressure vessel 502. The dry drill debris is aerated and moved through the screwed conveyor 536. When the drill debris is aerated, they act more like a fluid and therefore the transport of drilling debris is more predictable. This can also facilitate the removal of blockages in the conveyor and can also be used to purge and clean the screwed conveyor 536 at any convenient time, such as when the storage container 500 is empty. Optionally, the storage container 500 includes a plurality of aeration nozzles 562 projecting into the tube 540 and supplying gas under pressure to the tube 540 in order to promote the movement of the debris, to prevent the consolidation of the debris and to hinder the formation of spacers . In one aspect

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48/68, there are a plurality of aeration nozzles along the entire length of tube 540. When the closing member 532 is in a closed position, air diffuses beyond the edges of the closing member 532 (and, if perforated through the perforations in it) and aerate debris that is moving beyond the 530 frame.

[0117] A mobile structure (for example, similar to structure 230, figure 7A) when dealing with wet debris, dry debris or wet support debris, provides control of the discharge rate (from the discharge end 242) through the control of the amount of material flowing to the conveyor 236. Airy dry debris, for example dry debris by a dryer, facilitates the movement of debris making the debris act more like a fluid and carry out the debris transport more predictable.

[0118] Figure 8A shows an apparatus 600 in accordance with the present invention for storing and moving drilling debris [which may be damp, dry or damp support debris (moisture)], which have an optional 610 vortex dryer , feeder 620 and a conveyor system 650. The vortex dryer 610 supplies drilling debris to the feeder 620. The feeder 620 has a pressure vessel 622, which provides drilling debris to the conveyor line 632. The feeding system 620 may, in certain respects, be similar to the apparatus shown in figures 3B or 4 or similar to any evacuation tank or storage container disclosed herein.

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49/68 [0119] Referring to figure 8A, the compressed gas to facilitate the transportation of debris is supplied from a compressed gas source 602 on a line 627 to a supply vessel 622, which is identical to the supply apparatus 470 shown in figure 3A to 3C. The compressed gas in line 627 passes in a line 612 (with flow controlled by a valve 615) to a discharge box 624. A small amount of compressed gas is applied to the top of the pressure vessel 622 through valve 616 to prevent the debris is pushed back into the pressure vessel 622 of a feeder screwed into the bottom of the pressure vessel 622, which feeds the discharge box 624. The debris discharged from the discharge box 624 is driven by the compressed gas inside and through a conveyor line 632 from which the debris flow to an additional processing apparatus (for example, another vortex dryer) or to a storage container, such as storage container 1 shown in Figure 1A or to waste boxes from prior art located on equipment, on the shore or on a boat.

[0120] A plurality of pressure monitors 640 is separated along the conveyor line 632, each including a pressure gauge and in communication with a control system, for example, a PLC control system 680. A plurality of pressure devices gas injection 690 is separated along conveyor line 632 to selectively inject gas under pressure into conveyor line 632, as instructed by the PLC controller 680. Gas is supplied in a line 613 to 690 devices. A valve 614 controls flow on line 613. The

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50/68 valves 614, 615, 616 are in communication with and controlled by the PLC controller 680. The motorized screw feeder of the device 600 is in communication with and controlled by the PLC controller 680.

[0121] Each device 690 includes a single pass check valve 691 through which air flows to the conveyor line 632, the single pass check valves 691 prevent drilling debris from entering and blocking the pneumatic line 613; a controllable valve 692 that selectively controls the flow of fluid on the conveyor line 632; and a regulating valve 693 that selectively allows pneumatic fluid under pressure to enter through and into the conveyor line 632 when the pressure differential between line 613 and the pressure at point 640 is less than a predetermined difference in order to maintain a constant pressure drop along the conveyor line.

[0122] The monitoring and control system maximizes productivity in a safe way, that is, avoiding the connection and impulse of the solids in the conveyor line in an uncontrolled way. The use of the 690 and 640 apparatus, in one aspect, ensures that the debris is kept alive and moving within the 632 conduit. The pressures are monitored at strategic points along their entire length. The observed pressures are maintained by modifying the debris feed rate and / or assisting the air flow for continuous performance (and, in some aspects, optional). To minimize the general pressure drop with respect to conduit length 632, conduit length and / or density

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632 is controlled, which is in the dense flow phase mode, in which the entire cross section of the conduit has been filled.

[0123] The denser the space, the higher the wall friction, thus the higher the pressure required to drive the space down to conduit 632. Also the space-length-to-pressure ratio required to drive a space is exponential; that is, the pressure required to transport a series of spaces separated by air "dampers" is much less than necessary for the sum of the lengths of the series of spaces.

[0124] The feed device dose debris 620 in a 632 conduit in spaces, the size of which is determined by the auger or screw outside diameter, rod size and ditch. The feed rate is directly proportional to the rotational speed of the screw. The aeration located inside the screw transport / discharge chamber ensures that the debris has “life” and the ease of control / interruption / start of the screw speed controlled by the PLC 680 controller offers close control in the creation of spaces. This control is based on the pressure regime within conduit 632, which is largely dependent on the flow mode.

[0125] In one respect, the nominal prescribed values are used within conduit 632 with respect to the maximum pressure drop across conduit 632, one prescribed at a low value for the dilution phase, for example, 2 bar, which is used for dry drilling debris, and the other for non-dry debris that is larger, for example, 4 bar. In a specific aspect, in the dense phase, the drilling debris moves along the conveyor line to

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52/68 approximately 10m / s; and in the sparse or dilution phase, the drilling debris moves along the conveyor line at approximately 30 m / s. The PLC 680 controller increases the screw speed to the required speed in order to feed the conveyor line 632, so that the pressure drop is maintained to a defined level between the 690 units. For example, with four 690 units spaced equidistant along the length of a straight conveyor line 632, the conveyor line 632 is dosed with a first dose of the drill debris from feeder 620. The air supply 602 is activated and the drill debris plug moves along the line shipping company. The initial pressure is set to, for example, 4 bar and the pressure at the end of the conveyor line is expected to be slightly above atmospheric when the plug reaches the end. The 690 units regulate the pressure in the line, so that there is a reasonably constant pressure drop between the 690 units. The pressure drop is, for example, 0.5 bar between each unit, so that after the first 690 unit , the pressure is regulated to 3.5 bar, after the second unit, the pressure is regulated to 3 bar after the third unit, the pressure is regulated to 2.5 bar and after the fourth unit, the pressure is regulated to 2 bar , so that the pressure at the end of the conveyor line 632 is expected to be approximately 1.5 bar and that there is a reasonable degree of certainty in knowing that the plug will discharge from the end of the conveyor line into the storage container. If the pressure drop is within a certain percentage, for example, 30%, and in one aspect, 15%, and in a specific aspect, 10% of that

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53/68 was expected, the regulator opens line 613 and allows air under pressure, regulated by regulator 693 to enter the conveyor line at the correct pressure.

[0126] A standard PID loop “PID loop (Integral-Differential Proportional) is used so that if the pressure drop exceeds the desired prescribed value, the screw feeder speed is reduced or interrupted accordingly. Feedback from pressure monitors 640 along the line, which are strategically located slightly upstream of vertical curves / elevators or any other areas known to create turbulence within the conduit, is used for the purpose of triggering air assist valves on the device 690 if necessary. An air assist valve is located at a turbulence point downstream of a pressure monitor and if the pressure in the monitor falls below a given percentage value compared to the sensor immediately upstream, for example, 80%, then the air is fed directly from the source 602 through the auxiliary passage line 613 which moves the entire length of the conduit 632 to the associated aid point. The pressure setting for the air aid is set to, for example, 90% of the pressure value on the 640 monitor immediately upstream, and if this pressure is reached, then the air aid is also directed to the next injection point. immediately downstream and consequently. Each valve 691 can supply an associated gas injection nozzle 699 (for example, see figure 8B).

[0127] Figures 9A to 9C illustrate a [0128] feeding apparatus 700 in accordance with the present invention, which is similar to the feeding apparatus

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54/68 feed 470 shown in figure 3B, still incorporating a hopper 720 with a vibrating motor 725 to vibrate the portion of the damper hopper 721 and still an air injector 772 and modified discharge box 753. A control system 701 is in communication with the sensors in the hopper portion 721 and the pressure vessel portion 740. The hopper 720 comprises the damping hopper 721; an optional vibrating motor 722 for vibrating the damping hopper 721 and its contents; an expansion joint 722; and a valve 723 in an outlet opening 724 for controlling the flow of drilling debris from hopper 721 to the storage container system 740. Conveyor apparatus 700 is used, for example, to move drilling debris from from the vibrating tables to the storage containers, and, in a specific aspect, the pressure vessel 740 has a storage capacity of approximately 0.3 cubic meters.

[0129] The pressure vessel portion 740 may be similar to the storage vessels shown in figures 1A, 3B-D, 7A and 8A. The pressure vessel portion 740 has a vessel 742 that receives the drilling debris through an inlet 743. A vent valve 744 selectively ventilates vessel 742 and a relief valve 745 relieves pressure on vessel 742 at a predetermined level. A conveyor 750 transports the drilling debris from the container 742 to a discharge box 751 and the debris exits through a discharge end 752 of a pipe 753 to flow in a conduit (not shown; for example, similar to conduit 632, figure 8A). A 760 engine / gear system rotates the conveyor 750.

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55/68 [0130] The compressed gas from a source 770 supplies gas under pressure in a line 771 to an inlet 772 in the discharge box 753; on a line 773 to an inlet 774 at the discharge end 752 of the discharge box 753; on a line 775 to an inlet 776 in the discharge box 751; and in a line 777 to an inlet 778 of the pressure vessel 742. The inlet 778 can be of a very small diameter, as this is simply to balance the pressure inside the pressure vessel 742 with the pressure in the box 751 or at the end of discharge 752. Each line has a single-pass check valve 779. Optionally, the hopper 721 is mounted on 782 isolation / non-vibration assemblies.

[0131] All operating components of the transport device 700 are in communication with (see dotted lines) a controller 701 (for example, similar to controller 680, figure 8A).

[0132] Each line 771, 773, 777 has a flow control valve that turns on / off 771a, 773a, 777a, respectively (for example, similar to valves 692); a pressure regulator 771b, 773b, 777b, respectively (similar to pressure units 690; pressure set manually or by a control system; the set pressure effectively defines the maximum operating pressure of the system, for example, 2 BAR for dry debris or 4 BAR for wet debris from shale vibrating tables); and flow control valves 771c, 773c and 777c, respectively, which control the rate of change in pressure (for example, they may be needle valves, orifice plates or similar devices).

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56/68 [0133] Via line 777, gas is supplied to vessel 742 at a pressure equal to the pressure of the gas supplied to discharge box 753 on line 771 and to the gas supplied on line 773 to discharge box 751, so that the pressure drop across the conveyor (screw feeder) 750 is negligible. Therefore, the feed rate of the debris from the system 700 is determined by the rpms of the conveyor 750. In one aspect, the gas is inserted downstream of a discharge valve 752a in line 773. With the discharge valve 752a closed, the container 742 can be vented to the atmosphere, allowing replenishment of container 742, while debris is being transported downstream of discharge end 752.

[0134] The control system shown in figures 9A to 9C can be used for any power supply device

or container in storage revealed in gift. [0135] THE figure 10 shows one system 800 in conformity with the present invention, what has a dryer

debris 801 which dries drilling debris, such as a vortex dryer or debris dryer of the type disclosed in GB-A-2,297,702. The vortex dryer 801 can be powered and located immediately below the discharge end of a shale vibrating table (not shown) or at the end of a ditch (not shown). However, the drill debris to be dried is dried in the 801 debris dryer for a defined period or within a limited range of time. Accordingly, if the drilling debris is very moist, for example, if the shale vibrating tables have been “covered in particle size, in which case a substantial amount of

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57/68 drilling fluid would wash the vibrating table in the debris dryer with the drilling debris, some or all of the drilling debris will not be sufficiently dry to transport with the pressure vessel or will simply require additional drying, further processing or to be stored and transported in and from a special storage container. In this way, an 802 transport system with augers 803, 804 driven by an engine / gear system 805 selectively delivers drilling debris to a storage container 810 or pressurized feeding device 820, based on measurements by a sensor humidity sensor (or sensors). Non-wet debris goes to the 820 pressurized feed device; if “wet” debris is felt, augers are reversed and debris is transported to storage container 810 (which can be similar to storage container 1). An 821 sensor (or sensors) senses the moisture content of the drill cuttings. If the 821 sensor senses “moisture” (for example, greater than 1, 3 or 5% moisture content), then the auger is inverted and moves the debris into the “wet” 810 debris storage container; and, if the debris is dry (for example, less than 5% moisture or oil content), the auger is set for forward movement and debris is delivered to the pressurized feeder 820, which pushes the debris to a dry debris box 825, which can be similar to the debris storage container 1. In a specific configuration, once the debris has moved from the storage container 810, they can be moved to the dry debris box 825.

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Optionally (as is the case for any moisture sensor or sensor device in any system of the present), the 821 sensor can have a protective dome 821a for components outside a hopper and a protective dome 821b for components 821c inside a hopper 822 Such a dome 821b protects the 821c sensor components from falling drill debris down into a hopper. The multiple sensors 821 can be used separately around the hopper 822 (as is the case in any system in accordance with the present invention with the humidity sensor apparatus). In certain respects, such sensors are effective with the amount of drilling debris that is at least 2.5 cm (one inch) thick and has an area of at least twenty to twenty-six square centimeters (three to four square inches) ). Such sensors can produce continuous readings for more accurate use by an 829 control system that is in control communication with the 800 system components, as indicated by the dotted lines.

[0136] The 829 control system can change the debris flow from the 825 system (for example, to properly dry debris) to the 810 system (for example, to relatively wet debris). In any system of the present, a first storage device or a "dry" storage device can be a storage container, a ship's compartment, or an equipment compartment or reservoir or on the legs of an equipment. Such a storage facility, in any case, may have, in accordance with the present invention, a pneumatic positive pressure system and a

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59/68 lower aeration to aerate the material from drilling debris beneath the material (for example, through a perforated lower limb or plate) producing a dilution phase material that is more easily transported. In a specific aspect, wet-content sensors are the same as Model MCT 300, MCT 600 and MCT 101-T sensors from Process Sensors Corporation, Milford, Massachusetts. As is the case with any pressure vessel in any system of the present, a debris vessel 820a from system 800 can be, in volume, between 0.05 m ³ to 0.2 m ³ .

[0137] Figure 11 shows a system 830 in accordance with the present invention, in which a conveyor 831 equipped with a motor / gear system 832 feeds the drilling debris to two vortex dryers 833. The debris processed by the vortex dryers 833 are fed by transport systems 834 to a hopper 835 of a feed system 836 (similar to system 820, figure 10). One of the 833 vortex dryers has a screen that covers if the drilling debris is “close in size (“ close size means the size of the debris generated by the drilling that has a size distribution similar to that size of the mesh screen openings of the screens in the sieving apparatus, particles of close size can stick to the screen openings, obstructing a screen), at which point the flow of wet drilling debris flows out of the vortex dryer. This is observed by an 831 humidity sensor that sends a signal to the second vortex dryer, which is started, which has a screen with a different screen size than the first vortex dryer, and therefore can handle this size of

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60/68 particle. The 836 system produces the processed debris that leaves an 837 conduit.

[0138] Figure 12 shows a system 850 in accordance with the present invention, similar to the system in figure 11 that has a transport system 851 equipped with a motor / gear system 852 that transports drilling debris from vibrating tables shale, hydrocyclones and / or centrifuges for the 853 vortex dryers, which in turn feed the dry debris through a trough 854 to an 856 feeder (similar to the 836 feeder) that feeds the debris at an outlet conduit 857. Vortex dryers 853 have hoppers 854 below them that feed the feeder 856.

[0139] Figure 13 shows a system 900 in accordance with the present invention for drilling rig R in which drilling debris (for example, from shale vibrating tables, centrifuges) flows into a feeding device 906 ( similar to the feeder 820, 836, 856) with a vortex dryer 907. Feeder 906 processes the debris and feeds it into a storage container, which can be of the type shown in figures 1A, 1C or 7A) . If the reading of the humidity sensor on the 906 feed device indicates that the drill debris is dry, a controller (not shown) diverts the flow of drill debris from the 906 feed device to the 910 internal bulk handling storage units. built in equipment R or internal keeper 911 on supply vessel B (if a supply vessel is available). If the reading

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61/68 of the humidity sensor indicates that the drilling debris is wet, so the controller diverts the flow of the drilling debris to the wet storage container 1 on equipment R or to vessel B. Bulk-handling storage units built in equipment R and the internal keeper in supply vessel B are capable of handling dry bulk material, but not wet bulk material. In this way, by assessing the dryness of the drilling debris, it is possible to store the drilling debris in the internal bulk handling storage units 910 built in the R equipment or in the internal detent 911 on the supply vessel B. The wet drilling debris can be loaded and stored in a storage container of the type shown in figure 1 or processed again in a debris dryer, such as a vortex dryer or a debris dryer of the type disclosed in WO 2004/000762 and GB-A2.297.702 and the humidity is tested again.

[0140] Figure 14 shows a system 920 in accordance with the present invention, in which the vibrating shale tables 921 feed the material for drilling debris on a conveyor belt or screwed conveyor 922 which feeds the material in a 923 vortex dryer. , which feeds the dry material to a pressurized screw feeding device 924 (similar to the screw feeding device shown in figures 8A, 9A and 10 to 12). The material processed through the pressurized screw feeder 924 is transferred to a line 925. The fluid recovered from the vortex dryer 923 flows in a line 926 to a holding tank

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927 from which it is pumped by a 928 pump on a 929 line to a 930 centrifuge. The solids from the 930 centrifuge are conveyed on a 931 line for disposal and the pumped liquid on a 932 line to a 933 holding tank. pump 934 pumps the liquid from the holding tank 933 on a line 939 to a sludge return system 935 (with valve 936 closed and valve 938 open); or back to the vortex dryer 923 on a line 937 (with valve 936 open and valve 938 closed).

[0141] Figure 15 shows a system 950 in accordance with the present invention, in which a pressurized screwed feeder 952 selectively feeds the drilling debris material to the dry debris storage containers 953 or to a tank storage container “Wet” 954. A moisture meter 955 located in hopper 968 senses the moisture content of the drill debris material and controller 960, in communication with the moisture meter 955, controls a bypass valve 956 so that debris properly dried go to storage containers 953 with the flow to the “wet” tank system 954 turned off; as well as the wet debris goes to the 954 wet tank system with flow to the 953 storage containers off. Optionally, each storage container 953 has its own associated bypass valve 957 so that that flow in each box is selectively controlled by controller 960.

[0142] In certain respects, the 952 pressurized screwed feeding apparatus is similar to the apparatus in figures 8A and 26; the storage container

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63/68 wet 954 is similar to the wet storage container in figure 10; and the storage containers 953 are similar to the storage containers in figures 1B, 3B and 10. Controller 960 controls the motors of each conveyor in the 950 system.

[0143] In each of the systems in figures 10 to 15, an adequate control system controls the various components and is in communication with the humidity sensors, valves, conveyors and engines.

[0144] A method for moving drilling debris from a rig offshore in the water to a boat in the water adjacent to said rig offshore, said drilling debris loaded with the drilling fluid, the method including drill drilling feed from a drilling operation to a debris processor, the debris processor comprising a rotary annular screen apparatus, processing the drill debris with the debris processor producing the processed drill debris and secondary material, secondary material including drilling debris and drilling fluid, processed drilling debris including drilling fluid, feeding the processed drilling debris from the debris processor to the positive pressure evacuation tank apparatus, the pressure evacuation tank apparatus positive pressure with a tan that receiving the processed drilling debris from a debris processor, feeding the secondary material from the debris processor to the secondary apparatus, and supplying pressurized air to the tank of the evacuation tank apparatus

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64/68 positive pressure to expel the drilling debris from the tank and propels the drilling debris to a tertiary apparatus. In a specific aspect, the secondary device is the settling centrifuge device, the method further including processing the secondary material with the settling centrifuge device, producing secondary drilling fluid and secondary drilling debris. In one aspect, before feeding the drill debris from the debris processor to the positive pressure evacuation tank apparatus, the drill debris is fed to the laminator to break up the agglomerations of the drill debris and then feed it from the laminating apparatus to the positive pressure evacuation tank apparatus.

[0145] In one aspect, in methods characterized by the fact that the secondary device is the settling centrifuge device, the methods include processing the secondary material with the centrifuge device, producing secondary drilling fluid and secondary drilling debris, recycling said secondary drilling fluid for reuse in a drilling operation, feeding said secondary drilling debris into a laminating apparatus to break up the agglomerations of said secondary drilling debris, feeding the secondary drilling debris from the laminating apparatus to the drilling apparatus. positive pressure evacuation tank; and / or before feeding the drilling debris from the debris processor to the positive pressure evacuation tank apparatus, feeding said drilling debris into the rolling apparatus to break up the agglomerations of said

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debris in drilling and then feeding those debris in drilling starting of the laminating apparatus at the device in evacuation tank positive pressure. [0146] One method to move the debris material in

drilling, drilling debris material including drilling debris and drilling fluid, the method includes feeding the drilling debris material into the debris processing apparatus, the debris processing apparatus including rotary void screen apparatus, material processing drilling debris with the debris processor producing processed drilling debris and secondary material, secondary material including drilling debris and drilling fluid, said processed drilling debris including drilling fluid, transporting the fluid under positive pressure processed drill debris from the debris processor to the flow conduit apparatus, applying positive pressure air to the flow conduit apparatus in order to continuously move the processed drill debris through it, continuously moving the detri drilling bits processed with air under pressure into the separator, and with the separator continuously separating the processed drill debris from the air.

[0147] A system for moving drilling debris, the system having the movement apparatus for moving the drilling debris, the debris processing apparatus for processing the drilling debris to feed the tank apparatus, the debris processing apparatus including the rotary annular screen device, the

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66/68 tank apparatus for receiving the drilling debris from the debris processing apparatus, the flow conduit apparatus for receiving the drilling debris from the tank apparatus, the pressurized fluid apparatus for applying positive pressure air to the drilling debris and to continuously move the drilling debris through the flow conduit apparatus and to the separation apparatus, and the separation apparatus to continuously receive the drilling debris through the flow conduit apparatus, the separation apparatus to separate the drilling debris from the air.

[0148] A method for transporting a slurry, the slurry including drilling debris loaded with fluid, the method including feeding the slurry to a debris processor, the debris processor comprising a rotary annular screen apparatus, reducing the weight of the said slurry with the debris processor by removing fluid from the slurry, the debris processor producing the material produced which includes drilling and fluid debris, feeding the material produced from the debris processor into a container, applying a compressed gas to the container to cause the produced material to flow out of the container, the container including a conical hopper portion which, at least during the discharge of the produced material, forms the lower section of the container and the cone angle below a critical value required to achieve the mass flow of the material produced.

[0149] Systems and methods for moving material that has a low density of slurry (for example, with a specific gravity of between 2.3 and 4.0 and, in one aspect,

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67/68 approximately 2.7 or less) and a high particle density (for example, 2 lbs / gallon - 4 lbs / gallon or greater) with a positive pressure pneumatic fluid, for example, air or steam. In other respects, the debris to be treated, for example, from shale shaking tables, has a specific gravity of 1.8 (1800 kg / m3; 15 lbs / gallon) and certain high-density debris has a specific gravity 2.5 (21 lbs / gallon). In a specific aspect, the material is a slurry that includes drilling debris from a well hole, well debris fluids, drilling muds, water, oil and / or emulsions with the debris present depending on the weight percentage variation of the fluid paste. “Density of the slurry refers to the material from the well in an air flow and“ particle density refers to the material prior to its inclusion in the air flow.

[0150] In certain respects, systems and methods provide continuous or almost continuous transport of material.

[0151] Systems with storage facilities for solids to be moved and apparatus for mixing heavy solids to be conveyed with a pneumatic fluid, for example, among others, air or steam, with a positive pressure, that is, above the pressure atmospheric. In another aspect, the speed for moving solids is reduced using, for example, a separating device, and then the solids are collected in the collection device (for example, tanks, boxes, storage containers). In certain aspects, self-discharge tanks are used that have a positive pressure solids removal system. Such tanks may have systems for

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68/68 measure the amount of solids in the tanks and provide an indication of this amount.

[0152] In one aspect, the device reduces the density of a slurry of the material. Such an apparatus includes the slowing / separating apparatus.

Figure legend

Figure 4

4.1: Entry of material

4.2: Upper air intake

4.3: Supply valve

4.4: Cuneiform dosing valve

4.5: Ventilation

4.6: Air conveyor

4.7: Pipeline

4.8: Passage for ventilation

Figure 7D

7.1: Compressed gas

Figure 8A

8.1: Control panel

8.2: Driving line

Figure 9A

9.1: Entry of butchers

Figure 10

10.1: Progressive assignment

Figure 14

14.1: Progressive assignment 14.2: Disposal.

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Claims (40)

1 . “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, used in a system to transport drill cuttings from drilling pile processing equipment to a storage container (500), the system comprising a pressure vessel (472) and at least minus a storage container (500), the pressure container containing material from drilling waste and gas under positive pressure, a source of compressed gas (611), a compressed gas inlet (616) to apply compressed gas to the material of drilling debris, the pressure vessel (472) which has a first opening (743) through which the drilling debris material is insertable into the pressure vessel (472) and a second opening (752) through which the drilling material drilling debris is passable out of the pressure vessel (472) for positive pressure pneumatic conveying (837) to convey the material l of drilling debris for said at least one storage container (500), said at least one storage container (500) comprising a pressure vessel (2) holding material for drilling piles and gas under positive pressure, a compressed gas inlet (5) to apply compressed gas to the drilling waste material, the pressure vessel (2) having a first opening (7) of the storage vessel through which the drilling waste material is insertable into the drilling vessel pressure (2) and a second opening of the storage container (9) through which the drilling waste material is passable from the pressure container (2), Petition 870180031106, of 4/17/2018, p. 6/29 2/11 characterized in that the system also comprises an auger (750) inside the pressure vessel (472) and movable adjacent to the second opening (752), or a small pressure vessel (472) which further comprises two sides (475 ) that incline towards each other to facilitate the passage of the drilling debris material subjected to compressed gas through the second opening (752) in said positive pressure pneumatic conveying conduction (837) and mechanical movement device of the storage container (21, 26) comprising a movement element of the storage container (21) and a latch of the storage container (11) within the pressure container (2) and movable adjacent to the second opening of the storage container (9) for facilitate the passage of the drilling pile material subjected to compressed gas through the second opening of the storage container (9). 2 . “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DETRITES MATERIAL, according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a box (18) to receive the material of drilling debris that passes through the second opening of the storage container (9), the box having a debris outlet (20) for connection to a flexible hose (63). 3. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to claim 2, characterized by further comprising a compressed gas inlet from the transport line (19) to apply compressed gas to the drilling debris to facilitate the movement of the debris from drilling through said debris outlet (20). Petition 870180031106, of 4/17/2018, p. 7/29 3/11 4. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to claim 3, characterized in that the compressed gas inlet of the storage vessel (5) is located in the pressure vessel (2) to allow the gas under positive pressure flow through it to prevent drilling debris from being expelled behind the box (18) in the pressure vessel (2) during unloading. 5. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure vessel (472) and the pressure vessel (2) are tested to withstand a working pressure of at least 2 Positive pressure bar. 6. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pressure vessel (472) and the pressure vessel (2) are tested to withstand a working pressure of at least minus 4 Bar of positive pressure. 7. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pressure vessel (472) and the pressure vessel (2) are tested to withstand a working pressure of at least minus 7 Bar of positive pressure. 8. "APPLIANCE FOR THE RETENTION AND LOADING OF DRILLING DETRITES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second opening of the storage container (9) has a length Petition 870180031106, of 4/17/2018, p. 8/29 4/11 and the moving element (21) comprises an elongated member (22), with a length substantially equal to or greater than the length of the second opening (9). 9. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DETRITES MATERIAL, according to claim 8, characterized in that said elongated element (22) has a molded edge to facilitate the movement of the drilling debris material to the second opening. 10. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVIT MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second opening of the storage container (9) has a width and the movement element (21) is movable by one side to side across said width. 11. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement element (21) comprises a frame (21) that has a control axis (25) connected to at least least one curved outer perimeter portion (22). 12. “APPLIANCE FOR THE RETENTION AND LOADING OF DRILLING DETRITES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement element (21) comprises a frame (22) that has an external perimeter portion generally in the form of an eye. 13. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVIT MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screwed conveyor (11) of the storage container is arranged below said second opening (9). Petition 870180031106, of 4/17/2018, p. 9/29 5/11 14. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DETRITES MATERIAL, according to claim 13, characterized in that the screwed conveyor (11) is arranged in a tube (10). 15. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a motor for rotating the screw conveyor (11) of the storage container. 16. “APPLIANCE FOR THE RETENTION AND LOADING OF DRILLING DEVIT MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a motor for turning said screw (750). 17. “APPLIANCE FOR THE RETENTION AND LOADING OF DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to any one of the previous claims, characterized by also comprising the projections (17) located at the end of the storage container block (11) to facilitate the release of said drilling debris from the rod (13). 18. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage container field (11) comprises at least one blade (14) with a constant or variable pitch . 19. “APPLIANCE FOR THE RETENTION AND LOADING OF DRILLING DETRITES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by further comprising a ventilation valve (8a) to prevent the storage container (2) from being over pressurized. Petition 870180031106, of 4/17/2018, p. 10/29 6/11 20. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a cover (532) to selectively cover the second opening (9) of the storage container (2). 21. “APPLIANCE FOR THE RETENTION AND LOADING OF DRILLING DETRITES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage container (2) has a substantially flat internal base (3). 22. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DETRITES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said storage container (2) has a substantially vertical wall. 23. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVIT MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said storage container (2) has a vaulted top (4). 24. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage container (2) is generally cylindrical with a generally circular base (3), the second opening (9) of the storage container extending through the generally circular base (3). 25. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first opening (743) of the pressure vessel (500) has Petition 870180031106, of 4/17/2018, p. 11/29 7/11 a valve (478) on it to control the entry of drilling debris. 26. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVIT MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first opening of the storage container (7) has a non-return valve (8) to prevent drill bits come out through the first opening of the storage container (7). 27. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said small pressure vessel (472) has a capacity between 0.15 cubic meters and 1 cubic meter. 28. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said storage container (2) has a capacity of at least three cubic meters. 29. “APPLIANCE FOR THE RETENTION AND LOADING OF DRILLING DETRITES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by further comprising a moisture content sensor (821, 831, 955) to detect the moisture content of the drilling debris . 30. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to claim 29, characterized in that it further comprises a hopper (835) in which said moisture content sensor (821, 831, 955) is located in said hopper (835). Petition 870180031106, of 4/17/2018, p. 12/29 11/11 31. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DETRITES MATERIAL, according to claim 29, characterized in that said moisture content sensor is located inside the pressure vessel. 32. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to claim 29 or 30 or 31, characterized in that it further comprises a controller (701) for collecting data from said moisture content sensor (821, 831, 955 ) and means (802, 805, 956, 957) for deflecting drilling debris in response to the data. 33. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to claim 32, characterized in that said means (956, 957) comprise one or both: a bypass valve (956, 957) to bypass said piles drilling; and a screw conveyor (802). 34. "DEVICE DRILLING MATERIAL FOR RETENTING AND LOADING MATERIAL, according to any one of claims 29 to 33, characterized in that said storage container (500) is for storing wet drilling debris, the system further comprising a additional storage (800) to store dry drilling debris. 35. “APPLIANCE FOR THE RETENTION AND LOADING OF DRILLING DEVICES MATERIAL, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said storage container for storing dry debris is an internal bulk storage container for a drilling platform or retention inside a boat or barge. Petition 870180031106, of 4/17/2018, p. 13/29 9/11 36. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DETRITES MATERIAL, according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a box (624) for receiving the material of drilling debris that passes through the second opening of the pressure vessel (622 ), the box having a waste discharge outlet for connection to the conveyor line (632). 37. “APPLIANCE FOR THE RETENTION AND LOADING OF DRILLING DETRITES MATERIAL, according to claim 36, characterized by also comprising a compressed gas inlet of the transport line (627) to apply compressed gas to the drilling debris to facilitate the movement of the drilling debris through said debris discharge outlet. 38. “APPLIANCE FOR RETENTING AND LOADING DRILLING DETRICITIES MATERIAL, according to claim 37, characterized in that the compressed gas inlet of the storage vessel (616) is located in the pressure vessel (622) to allow the gas under positive pressure flows through it to prevent drilling debris from being expelled from the box (624) in the pressure vessel (622) during discharge. 39. “APPLIANCE FOR THE RETENTION AND LOADING OF DRILLING DETRITES MATERIAL, characterized in that the storage container comprises a body, the body comprising a hollow container (2) with an interior space to receive the drilling debris material (DC) and the from which the drilling debris material can leave the body; a first opening (7) through which the drilling waste material is introduced into the hollow container (2); an Petition 870180031106, of 4/17/2018, p. 14/29 10/11 second opening (9) through which the drilling debris material is distributable from the hollow container (2); a movement apparatus, the movement apparatus comprising a movement member (21) within the hollow (2) and movable container adjacent to the second opening (9) to facilitate the passage of the drilling debris material to the second opening (9); an inlet (5) in the body through which compressed gas under pressure can flow into the body to facilitate the passage of drilling debris material through the body, the movement apparatus further comprising a power apparatus (26) connected to the movement member (21) to move the movement member (21), the second opening (9) having a length and the movement member (21) comprises an elongated member (22) with a length substantially equal to the length of the second opening (9), where the second opening (9) has a width and the moving member (21) is movable back and forth along said width, and a transport device (11) located below the second opening (9), the conveying apparatus (11) including a conduit (10) for receiving material from drill cuttings that passes through the second opening (9). 40. “APPLIANCE FOR THE RETENTION AND LOADING OF DRILLING DETRITES MATERIAL, characterized in that the container comprises a body, the body comprising a hollow container (472) with an interior space to receive the material from the drilling waste and from which the material of drilling debris can leave the body; a first opening (477) through which the drilling waste material is introduced into the hollow container (472); a second Petition 870180031106, of 4/17/2018, p. 15/29 11/11 opening (479) through which the drilling debris material is passable into the hollow container (472); a movement apparatus, the movement apparatus (484) comprising a movement member (480) within the hollow container (472) and movable adjacent to the second opening (479) to facilitate the passage of the drill debris material through the second opening (479); an outlet opening through the body, through which the drill cuttings material can exit the hollow container (472), and in which the container body has two sides (475) that slope towards each other. Petition 870180031106, of 4/17/2018, p. 16/29 d> 3 2/15