OBM Ultrafine Solids Removal

As oil-based muds are reused from well to well, a buildup of ultra-fine low-gravity solids occurs in drilling fluid systems. This buildup causes an increase in mud viscosity, which can lead to reduced rate of penetration (ROP) and solids removal efficiency. Petro-Claim™ recovers base oil from spent oil-based mud on-site for reuse in the mud system.

Petro-Claim uses electrokinetics to effectively separate the ultrafine drilled solids out of oil-based mud (OBM) and recover valuable base oil. Using proprietary coated electrodes, Petro-Claim applies a low-power electrical field to the OBM, destabilizing the molecular bonds between the solids and the oil. Through the destabilization process, the solids and water settle out as a result of gravity, and Petro-Claim automatically recovers the oil. The result is a clear and clean base oil—free of solids and water—resulting in significant savings in mud dilution and waste disposal costs.

Petro-Claim is a proven, cost effective on-site approach to removing colloidal and ultrafine LGS of less than 6 microns (too fine for removal by traditional solids control equipment). No other treatment works as efficiently or as effectively, and—unlike competitors’ systems that use heat or chemical approaches—Petro-Claim doesn’t dilute the fluid or alter the original properties of the base oil, which means once it leaves the Petro-Claim, it’s ready for reuse.

Petro-Claim is installed on a compact, rugged, portable DNV 2.71 skid designed for easy setup. The Class I Div. 1 Petro-Claim is suitable for use on land and offshore. It uses no consumables and requires less than 100 kW of electricity to operate.

Uses

• As a piece of solids control equipment downstream of a centrifuge to further remove ultrafine LGS smaller than 6 microns
• Process solids-laden cuttings dryer effluent rather than sending to a centrifuge or directly to the mud system
• Process waste OBM, recovering expensive base oil for reuse rather than disposal
• Reduce excess fluid volume at the rigsite or central mud plant
• Inventory management and recycling at mud plant
• Recover oil at the waste disposal facility

Features/Benefits

• Integrated pumps built into skid
  • Easy to use
• Easy installation with winch truck, forklift, or crane
  • Rapid mobilization and installation
• Remote telemetry (optional)
  • Enables Petro-Claim to be operated from anywhere
• High-torque electrode wiper assembly
  • Keeps the Petro-Claim clean
• Low energy use (1 to 2 kW/m3 of fluid processed)
  • Economical energy cost of operation
• No consumables
  • No associated consumable parts costs
• No chemicals required
  • Ensures safety and oil suitable for reuse
• Multidirectional screw auger and progressive cavity pump
  • Nonplugging unloading
• Nonsacrificial electrodes with proprietary coating
  • Low operating costs
• Electro-separation
  • Removes colloidals and ultrafine solids smaller than 6 microns; no chemicals required
• Nitrogen Purge System
  • Prevents oxidation and scale formation
• Low-level/high-temperature oil shutdown switch; low cell pressure and high pump pressure automatic shutdowns
  • Ensures safety
• Easy, one-person operation
  • No additional manpower required
• Works on all oil-based mud types
  • Increased flexibility
• Integrated spill containment
  • Environmental compliance
• Wireless performance monitoring
  • Ease of monitoring