BAKER HUGHES - Drilling Fluids Reference Manual

FLUIDS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
A simplified version of a cutting box requirements calculator can be found in the toolbox section of
the BakerHughesDirect website.
Bulk Transport Systems: These are systems that use larger containers to store and transport the waste
between the rig and the final disposal site. A loading/unloading system is installed on both ends to
transfer the waste to the sealed containers. Usually, pneumatic equipment such as blowers (pushing
action) and vacuum units (pulling action) is employed for this operation.
Cuttings Fixation
Cuttings fixation, also known as cuttings stabilization, blends dry material with the moist cuttings to
achieve bonding and drying. Three materials are commonly used in the blending process; activated
lime, fly ash, and kiln dust. The availability and cost of the blending material will determine which
one is the most economical to use, with lime the material of choice. The EPA recognizes that
activated lime does an excellent job in solidifying non-hazardous waste and recommends it for use in
oilfield and industrial applications.
The bonding material is blended with the "cuttings" in ratios that promote stabilization of the wet
cuttings. The blending process is performed using a pug mill auger and feed hopper, allowing proper
mixing of the bonding material with the cuttings. This "stabilized" material can then be used as road
fill, made into bricks for building purposes, or is buried in pits and covered.
Bioremediation
Bioremediation uses naturally occurring micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, or yeast to degrade
harmful chemicals into less toxic or non-toxic compounds. These micro-organisms break down a
wide variety of organic compounds (hydrocarbons) found in nature and are considered nature's
recyclers. Certain species of soil bacteria process hydrocarbons as a food source converting the
contaminants into carbon dioxide, water and fatty acids.
The micro-organisms are applied to the contaminated soils through tilling or spraying. Nutrients can
then be added for enhanced activity of the micro-organisms and to promote the biodegradation of the
hydrocarbons. Third party companies provide the equipment and services for the successful
bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soil and water.
Landfarming
Land farming or land treatment is an economical technique for the mixing of the appropriate type of
drilling solids and liquids with the soil found at that location. This eliminates the transfer of the waste
material to another site and typically enhances the soil's productivity.
Soil samples should be analyzed to determine the condition of the location prior to the drilling
operation and establish background parameters. During the operation, appropriate drilling wastes can
be stacked on location or stored in pits, while material containing contaminants such as salt or oil
should be contained separately. Once drilling operations are complete, the waste material can be
applied to soil and ploughed until dryness and adequate mixing has occurred. Samples are tested to
meet the state regulatory requirem ents , i. e. 29-B Louisiana. In some cases, fill material is added to
meet the state specifications.
BAKER HUGHES DRILLING FLUIDS
REFERENCE MANUAL
REVISION 2006 14-27