Lessons Learned From Treating 500,000 Tons of Oil-Based Drill Cuttings on Five Continents

Abstract

Abstract As Yogi Berra is fond of saying, "it ain't over till it's over". During any oil-based mud drill cuttings treatment project, the task is not complete until the solids are clean and permanently disposed, the oil is clean and reused, and the water is clean and recycled or discharged. The project is over when the wastes pass the auspices of the local environmental rules and are no longer an environmental risk. Thermally desorbing the liquids from the drilled solids is the easiest part of the job. It's the little things that really make the difference between a successful project and a total failure. This is true not only for the treatment company, but also for the oil company that is generating the cuttings. In most cases for these projects to benefit all, they must be approached as a partnership between the waste generator, the treatment company and the environmental agency. Anything else can lead to problems. Our experience covers five continents and the successful treatment of more than 500,000 tons of oil-based drill cuttings. We will share data concerning many of our projects. Some problems will tend to be light hearted while others will be more complicated. Problems have arisen due to inadequate planning while others have been born due to an interpretation of the regulations. This paper will cover topics including transporting and storing oil-base drill cuttings, the need to pre-treat for a consistent homogeneous feed, re-hydrating the dried solids and separating the liquids into useable oil and dischargeable water. All of these pre and post treatment activities have a great deal to do with the success of a project. Understanding the complete job and having an agreement between the treatment company, the oil company and the regulatory agencies prior to beginning the project is essential. Even when you have done your homework, unexpected problems arise. We will share some of our problems and how they were overcome, thereby decreasing the environmental risks as well as the financial risks associated with oil contaminated cuttings.