FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in general, relates to a method and device for real-time measuring the weight and volume of discharging particulate material generated, particularly during offshore exploration and production operations, to achieve accurate data for control of wellbore cleaning, according to the preamble of the independent claims The present invention also relates to process heat recycling in order to increase the capacity of thermal extraction of material.

Particularly, the present invention relates to a method of real-time measurement of the weight and volume of discharging particulate material in order to give the operator an accurate measure of the amount of particulate material, typically drill cuttings, that have been removed from the well.

Particularly, the present invention also relates to recycling of process extracted components hot oil to feed material to preheat and make the material in a better condition for feeding into the process. The heat can also be capture from other external thermal sources to preheat the thermal process feed material.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a method to control of discharging particulate material generated during exploration and production operations according to the preamble of claim X and to a method for comparing the theoretical calculated discharging material to the actual measured discharging of material. This in order to do real-time calculation of efficiency of the operations. This is critical as if the efficiency is too low and too much of the material is not removed the operational risk of packing off material down hole will increase and the drilling operation can be at risk of stopping and total failure. The well recovery process can be very demanding and will be very costly.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of obtaining higher process capacity as the feed material is preheated to a higher temperature and therefore will require less retention time in the process chamber to achieve the required temperature for component extraction.

WEIGHING OF VIBRATING CHUTE

The particulate material will be separated from the carrier drilling fluids at a separator on location (typically known as shakers) and the drilling fluids will be recirculated back to the process. The particulate material will normally drop down into a mechanical auger (screw conveyor) and transported out to deck for temporary storage. The present invention comprises a chute suspended on weighing device that will accumulate the weight to a pre-set and adjustable weight. When pre-set weight is achieved the invention both opens a valve into the cyclone blower and start the vibration motor that will initiate a material conveyance into the cyclone below. When the pre-set weight has been filled into the cyclone, the valve will close and the material will be blown with air out of the self-cleaning cyclone to storage tank, that control weight the material. Should the separator overflow with liquid, the secondary weighting and storage tank will allow for re-separating and re-calibration of material received, to give operation accurate numbers to control the process.

RECYCLING OF PROCESS EXTRACTED COMPONENTS In a typical thermal extraction process, the volatile components such as oil and water, are flashed off the drilled particulate material at certain temperatures, the process temperature is typically provided by an external heat source or internal material friction heat by rotating the process chamber crushing the material and creating friction heat between the particles. The external heat can be from electric heaters or other heat sources on location heat exchanged into the process. Present invention recycles the typical extracted oil component back into the feed material to achieve a pre-heated temperature and make particulate material feedable or pumpable into the thermal extraction process.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that during offshore drilling operations, that drilling wastes such as drill cuttings, chemicals, proppants, metallic wear materials, petroleum residuals and the likes are generated. All these are generally particulate material, sometimes paste-like, heavy and sticky.

The environmental regulations have these days made it mandatory, for disposal of such material commonly known as drill cuttings. Hence, there is a need for efficient transport, treatment and disposal of these drill cuttings.

Disposal of such drill cuttings by filling up boxes or skips on the rig and thereafter crane lifting and dropping on boats for transportation and final disposal are known. The final weight of cuttings is only known after lifting the box in the crane, normally several hours after they have been filled. Attempts have been made to overcome the above disadvantages by causing drill cuttings to move through a conduit applying pneumatic fluids so that such cuttings can be conveniently carried to a proper separation/disposal apparatus. For example, PCT patent application published under no. WO/2004/083597 discloses applying positive pressure through a pipe by means of pneumatic fluids, for moving drilling fluids to a separation apparatus. These prior art apparatus or applications do not include any form of real-time accumulated weighing and have therefore limited value to the drilling operation.

The present invention provides real-time hole cleaning efficiency from real-time weight data captured immediately when drilled cuttings are coming to surface. These data are critical to avoid loading/leaving drilled cuttings in the well, creating unsafe situation with danger of excessive torque, sticking the pipe and possibly loosing that wellbore, resulting in expensive side-track or section re drilling. Drilled cuttings consist of drilled formation particles/material in various size and typically covered or contaminated by drilling fluids, that being water-based or more common various types of oil-based drilling fluids. After the formation is cut the formation cuttings are transported by the moving (pumped) drilling fluids up the outside of the bottom hole assembly and drill pipe, known by person skilled in the art as the annulus. As it moves from horizontal to vertical hole sections and up towards the surface, the cuttings will often be broken down into smaller size cuttings, but the total weight of the material drilled and transported will be the same. As the person skilled in the art will understand; longer and more horizontal drilling sections require more optimized drilling fluids.

The drilled cuttings will be totally covered by drilling fluids when it reaches the surface and the separator/shale shaker/MudCube® screen will let the drilling fluid trough the screen and separate the cuttings out over the screen with a reduced amount of drilling fluids when it enters the present invention weighting device. The % of drilling fluids can vary from typical 5-10% up to 25-30% depending on the efficiency/vibration/opening area/size of the screen. A data base of correlations between depth, hole size, formation and screen size will give the PLC and data program a relatively accurate value that will be used to calculate/calibrate the exact weight of the dry cuttings. The accurate data is taken from a retorte apparatus, which consist of an evaporation test method to remove and measure volume fraction of liquid and weight fraction of the dry material of the original wet cuttings.

The database will correct the wet weight measured in the weighing device removing the % liquid to give operations and correct weight of cuttings removed from the wellbore. The present invention module program can show hole cleaning efficiency by comparing the dry weight actually removed with the theoretical weight drilled, correct for the hole wash-out factor (enlargement outside the drill bit size) and by subtracting and taking into account the time to surface, calculate how much cuttings that is actually left in the hole. This will allow the operation drilling team to adjust various drilling parameters like; drilling fluids rheology, pump rate, rotation speed but not limited to, in order to optimise the ROP (rate of penetration or speed of drilling). This will also enable the operation drilling team to make necessary operational decision to avoid increasing the risk of problems like excessive torque and possible getting stuck. The program function can be a stand-alone system or input to existing programs that display drilling data to the drilling team.

The present invention meets these needs by providing a real-time weighing method of such drill cuttings by applying an automatic chute weighing that is independent of how fast the pre-set weight is achieved. The weighing apparatus can be situated under each separator unit or at the end of a conveyer that collect material from several separator. When pre-set weight is achieved, the chute will vibrate, valve open, cuttings will be discharged into the cyclone blower and thereafter valve closed. The difference between the before and after weight is totalized in the PLC control program. The sequence is controlled according to how fast the material is generated, and according by means of specially designed circuits to perform specific functions as described hereinafter.

In the present invention the automatic weighing and pneumatic actuation is combined with a control system to record real-time weight data that will be compared with the theoretical data to generate the operation process cleaning efficiency. The self-cleaning cyclone will by using pneumatic air transport the material from the cyclone via pipe or hose to the temporary storage tank. The tank is sitting on weighing cells and will confirm the second control weighing. Should for some reason one of the first weighing devices fail the secondary weighing will create a backup data and still ensure full real-time operational efficiency control. Further the secondary tanks can if liquid overflow is experienced direct the material for re-processing and calibration of the real material accumulation.

In the present invention, thermal extraction of the liquid mud components adhered to the wet cuttings, will be extracted off the cuttings in order to make the inert part dischargeable offshore or onshore at dedicated areas. By first weighing and moving the material in a much drier form to dedicated storage tanks, the initial thermal process will receive dryer feed material that can create a problem with the feeding process. In a typical process, significant amounts of additional drilling fluids are added in order to make the drilled cuttings material feedable or pumpable. The material feed can be provided by means of screw conveyors, hydraulic or electrical piston pumps or similar pumping devices that push the material into the process chamber. To lubricate and make the pumping process more efficient, the extracted and hot oil from the oil scrubber or condensers can be recycled into the feed material in order to pre-heat the feed and thereby increase the speed of the thermal heat process and increasing the process throughput and thereby reduce the necessary deck storage capacity, making the process more efficient. By processing the cutting on location, the whole process becomes more independent on weather conditions.

US 5963404A relates to methods and apparatus for the uninterrupted transfer of oil and gas well drill cuttings from a collection point, such as a shale shaker through, to several types of various configured on rig and off rig receptables. Two or more hoppers are arranged for alternating receipt and discharge of cuttings, the cuttings being continuously drawn to the hoppers by a suction force from an upstream blower. This publication also mentions the use of vibration devices with a vessel or hopper for particulate material and real time controlling the weight of the material in vessel. A similar device is also known from CN108357721 A.

US 2008/0196942 relates to a system for determining produced oil solids volume including a receiving vessel for receiving drill solids and a pressure vessel coupled to the receiving vessel. The receiving vessel has an isolation valve system to control the flow of drill solids between the receiving vessel and the pressure vessel, and the pressure vessel is adapted to allow a compressed gas to convey drill solids from the pressure vessel to a discharge line. The system also includes a skid having a plurality of weight sensors for weighing the drill solids in the pressure vessel, wherein the pressure vessel is disposed on the plurality of weights sensors and a programmable logical controller operatively couples to at least the plurality of weight sensors for calculating the weight of drill solids in the pressure vessel. According to this publication, the weight sensors are placed underneath the complete unit. This implies that when drill solids are feed into the top of the vessel (via the chute), the total weigh will increase. When opening the valve system to the pressure vessel and the material drops down, the total weight of the system and the particulate material will not change. When blowing out the particulate material from the pressure vessel and simultaneously feeding new particulate material to the top of the vessel, the increase of the weight will not be correctly registered. According to present invention, since the weight sensors are provided on the upper tank/chute only, it will be possible to register the exact weight of the particulate material supplied to the tank. When the particulate material is discharged from the tank to the pressure vessel, the weight of this material can also be exactly registered.

W02004083597 relates to a method for moving drilled cuttings material, comprising the steps of applying pneumatic fluid under positive pressure to the drilled cuttings to continuously move the drilled cuttings material through a conduit to a separation apparatus, and continuously separating drilled cuttings from a substantial portion of the pneumatic fluid. A method for moving drilled cuttings comprising the step of receiving wet drilled cuttings from shale shakers, centrifuges and hydro cyclones, comprising the step of drying the wet drilled cuttings to produce dry drilled cuttings, and moving the dried drilled cuttings using a positive pressure through a tube to a tertiary apparatus.

WO201 6/085349 (NO20141422A) describes a methods for discharging particulate material generated during exploration and production operations comprising feeding particulate material to at least one container having a storage tank with a top portion and a bottom portion, and a control valve at the bottom portion of the tank is kept closed during such inflow of particulate material into the tank. When opening the control valve for allowing particulate material to get discharged from the tank into an evacuation unit operatively connected to the lower portion of the tank, the tank is simultaneously vibrated by means of vibration means such as motors, which are connected directly to the tank, in order to assist the discharge of particulate material from the lower portion of the tank into the evacuation unit. The evacuation of material from the evacuation unit to a transport vessel is enhanced by cyclone motor, created by the evacuation unit. The tank is placed on weight cells to control the weight of particulate material in the tank.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is the principal object of the present invention to provide a real-time weight and volume control measure of how efficient discharging of particulate material generated from exploration and production operations is, by comparing the theoretical calculated values with the actual measured data.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a pneumatically controlled method for efficient discharging of particulate material generated from exploration and production operations which is not only rapid and cost effective, but also simultaneously efficient.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pneumatically controlled device for discharging particulate material which has a simple construction and mode of operation. All through the specification including the claims, the words “vessel”,

“tank/container”, “particulate material/drill cuttings”, “evacuation tank/blower”, “cyclone”, “storage tank”, “valve”, “frame”, “vibrations”, “flat/cylindrical”, “conical hopper” are to be interpreted in the broadest sense of the respective terms and includes all similar items/devices/methods in the field known by other terms, as may be clear to persons skilled in the art.

Restriction/limitation, if any, referred to in the specification, is solely by way of example and understanding the present invention. Further, the terms “chain stopper unit” and “mooring system/unit” have been mentioned to refer to the same features.

These and further objects are achieved by a method for real-time measuring weight and volume of discharging particulate material generated in oil and gas exploration and production operations, to determine borehole cleaning efficiency, said method comprising the following steps:

- leading drilling fluids and drilled particulate material to a separation device, and separate the drilling fluids and particulate material;

- returning the separated drilling fluids to a drilling operation or storage;

- leading the separated particulate material to a chute with a chute vibration motor weight cells and a bottom valve, said chute is placed on weight cells;

- fill the chute until a predetermined weight of particulate material in the chute has been reached;

- recording the weight of the particulate material in the chute;

- open the bottom valve and transfer the particulate to a cyclone blower:

- close the bottom valve and open the cyclone blower outlet valve;

- supply pressurized gas into the cyclone blower and blow the particulate material out of the cyclone blower via an outlet pipe and into a secondary weighing device.

Further preferred embodiments of the method are given in the dependent method claims.

The invention also relates to a device for real-time measuring weight and volume of discharging particulate material generated in oil and gas exploration and production operations, said device comprising:

- a separation device for separating drilling fluids and particulate material into a fluid flow and a particulate material flow;

- a chute with a chute vibration motor, weight cells and a bottom valve, said chute is placed on the weight cells;

- a bottom valve in the lower part of the chute;

- a cyclone blower with a supply of pressurized gas;

- an cyclone blower outlet valve at the lower part of the cyclone blower. Further preferred embodiments of the method and device are given in the dependent claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a real-time method of weighing of discharged particulate material, during exploration and production operations. It comprises of a top portion of which has a vibrating chute for in flow of particulate material. The chute is suspended on weighting cells that can absorb the vibration, simultaneously weighing the material. Below the chute a cyclone blower evacuation unit. The device has a weight control operatively connected to it which is equipped to cause in flow at a specific pre-set weight and out flow of material to and from the evacuation unit after the cyclone is filled. Preferably, the evacuation unit is a cyclone separator such as a blower and the weight control are operatively connected to the device by means of a computer cable from the PLC control system.

More preferably, the weight control has at least a pre-set weight for opening/filling the blower and a second weight for closing valve and emptying the blower. The weight signal adapted will control the actuated in flow of air into the blower by means of a compressed air source operatively connected to the device. The present invention also provides a method for discharging particulate material generated during exploration and production operations, by applying the device as described herein.

Preferably, the weight control device also actuates outflow of material from the blower into two or more containers through a tube attached to tube coming out of the blower and the weight control simultaneously actuates respective handles of diverter valves, meant for diverting materials into one or more of the receiving containers/tanks. More preferably, the receiving containers have frames connected with tube and quick release couplings and fixed to the deck with locks, such that one or more of the frames with the respective receiving containers, can be lifted quickly when required.

The present invention also consist of a program can show hole cleaning efficiency by comparing the dry weight actually removed with the theoretical weight drilled, correct for the hole wash-out factor (enlargement outside the drill bit size) and by subtracting and taking into account the time to surface, calculate how much cuttings that is actually left in the hole. This will allow the operation drilling team to adjust various drilling parameters in order to make necessary operational decision to avoid increasing the risk of drilling problems. The present invention program function can be a stand-alone system or input to existing programs that display drilling data to the drilling team.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Having described the main features of the invention above, a more detailed and non-limiting description of a preferred embodiment, with reference to the drawings is provided below.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the primary sequence weighing device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention described.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the secondary sequence weighing device under tank according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention described.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the secondary sequence weighing device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention described Figure 4 is a perspective view of the primary and secondary sequence weighing devices according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention described.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a secondary withing device feeding the hot oil recycling feeding the process blender feeding tank prior to the thermal extraction process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following describes the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in figures 1 to 5. The preferred embodiment is purely exemplary for the sake of understanding the invention and non-limiting.

In all the figures, like reference numerals represent like features. Further, when in the following it is referred to “top”, “bottom”, “upward”, “downward”, “above” or “below”, “right hand side ” or “left hand side” , “upper portion”, “lower portion” and similar terms, this is strictly referring to an orientation with reference to the sea bed, where the sea bed is considered to be horizontal and at the bottom. Flowever, the seabed and other features associated with a hydrocarbon drilling/production unit are not shown, as those are not consequential to the present invention.

It should also be understood that the orientation of the various components and their numbers may be otherwise than shown in the drawings, without deviating from the principle of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the primary sequence weighing device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention described.

The particulate material drilled in the wellbore and transported out together with the drilling fluids enters the particulate/fluids separator (1) typically known as a shale shaker or a device marketed under the trademark MudCube® (2). The drilling fluids (3) is separated from the particulate material over a vibrating and/or rotating mesh screen and returned to the drilling process. The particulate material will fall (4), normally by gravity into the weighing device chute (5). The weighing device chute (5) is suspended on vibration dampers (6) and connected to the weigh cells (7) in order to protect the weigh cells (7) from high vibration. The weigh cells are connected and supported by the installation typical steel structure (8). The chute (5) has vibration motors (10) fixed to the chute (5) in order to enable vibration to assist conveying particulate material towards the outlet of the chute and into the evacuation device, the cyclone air blower (12). When the pre-set weight is achieved the control system will open the inlet valve (11) and let the particulate material into the evacuation cyclone blower (11) and prepare for moving by a compressed gas (typically air) out and into a secondary weighing device and storage tank, shown in Figure 2-4. As the material inlet valve (11) closes, the compressed gas (air) will be fed through the air inlet pipe (14) and the air inlet valve (15) will open and blow the gas into the cyclone blower body in a circular motion, as the material outlet valve (16) will open and the compressed gas (air) will create a cyclone movement of the particulate material inside the body (12) and out through the outlet valve (16) and further through the material outlet pipe (17) towards and into the secondary weighing device and storage device on installation deck, see Figure 2-4. Additional functions described below are added to assist the particulate material movement in the cone (see Patent N0339852). Should the cone for some reason be plugged with material that are not free flowing into the cyclone blower (12), a controlled recoil pressure can be applied inside the cyclone body by ensuring the inlet valve (11 ) is in closed position.

The outlet valve (16) will be closed and the pressure inside the cyclone blower (11) can be increased inside the cyclone body based on what the control system dictates. A pressure sensor (22) located after the air inlet valve (15) will measure the pressure and tell the control system when to close the air inlet valve (15). The air will then be released upwards inside into the vibration chute (5) when the material inlet valve (11) opens. The recoil pressure will be controlled in the lower range in order to not recoil too hard upwards to the shale shaker. The chute (5) will also have a cleaning feature with a branched pipe with alternative rotating cleaning nozzles (23) to ensure full efficiency of the chute. The cleaning nozzle (23) can be fed with either gas (air) or liquid with similar cleaning effect. The all moving / actuated parts; vibration motor (10), cyclone blower inlet valve (11 ), material inlet (15) and outlet valve (16), weighing cells (7), are all electronically connected to a typical but not limited to Remote IO (18). This enable signals via Profinet or similar cable (19) from each main device to a central PLC (20) and control panel (21). Each individual component will have its own code and can be activated / deactivated in pre-programmed sequences also added learning from previous operations. Meaning holes section, drilling fluids system, downhole drilling parameters, drilled formation type, separator type (shaker/MudCube®, etc.), screen type/size/opening area, vibration speed. The weight sensor will be monitored, and the data will be stored and analysed in the control system computer in order to calculate and provide critical weighing data back to the drilling team. This data can be displayed through the data network on remote monitors for critical operations. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the secondary sequence weighing device with a tank according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention described. The material tank (24) is suspended in the frame (25) with the tank suspension (26) on vibration dampers (27). The frame is strengthened with frame suspension supports (28) that can hold the weight of a full and vibrating tank. The particulate material is flowing into the secondary weighing device / storage tank (24) through the material inlet pipe (29) in direction of the arrow (30). The transport gas (air) is as the particulate materials drop by gravity down into the tank, the air is vented out though the vent air outlet pipe (32) in the arrow direction (32) to a safe area. The secondary weighing and storage tank (24) will weigh the particulate material to compare and calibrate the primary weighing signal. Should the first weighing contain a too high concentration of liquid due to separation device, typical shale shaker screen failure, the second tank (24) has the ability to reprocess the particulate material simply by transporting it back over a fully functional shale shaker for reprocessing and re-calibration.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the secondary sequence weighing and evacuation device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention described. The evacuation system on the secondary weighing device operates identical to the primary device in evacuation modus, ref Patent N0339852.

The particulate material tank (24) is in this embodiment suspended on top of the evacuation unit (37) from Figure-2. The evacuation unit have electronic weigh cells (36) resting on structure (39). The weigh cells (36) are continuously monitoring the total weight of the tank. The material inside weight is simply a Gross - Tare weight calculation.

All the moving / actuated parts; vibration motor (33), cyclone blower material inlet valve (11), gas (air) inlet valve (15) and material outlet valve (16), weighing cells (36) with locking, are all electronically connected to a typical but not limited to Remote IO (18). This enable signals via Profinet or similar cable (19) from each main device to a central PLC (20) and control panel (21). Each individual component on this secondary device will have its own code and can be activated / deactivated in pre-programmed sequences also added learning from previous operations. Meaning high weight transport to vessel or controlled feed into other processes on board the installation; like cuttings dryers, cuttings thermal/liquid treatment and similar technologies but not limited to. The weight sensor will be monitored, and the data will be stored and analysed in the control system computer in order to calculate and provide critical weighing data back from the process to the drilling team. This data can be displayed through the data network on remote monitors for critical operations.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the primary and secondary sequence weighing devices according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The embodiment in Figure 4 show how the primary (40) and secondary (41) weighing device can be connected in any number and configuration to create a complete system. The primary weighing devices (140 chute and/or cyclone blower can also be installed under a typical material auger or screw conveyor that can be moving particulate material from several fluid/material separation devices, known by the skilled person as typical shale shakers or MudCube®. The primary weighing device (40) can also receive particulate material from many other types of fluid/particle separators, like drum cleaners, cuttings dryers, decanters, air flotation devices, particle flocculation separation and similar but not limited to.

Alternatives to secondary storage devices can be selected, and particulate material can then be moved from primary weighing device (40) and discharged into the alternatives. The primary weighing device (40) can also feed directly into online process like grinding and re-injection systems, thermal mechanical processing or microwave cleaning of particulate material, typical but not limited to. The secondary weighing device (41 ) can as above feed directly into the same as mentioned above, storage and process technology

All the primary (40) and secondary (40) weighing devices components can be connected on each device to a remote IO (18) that will convey the control / measuring signal between the primary weighing devices (40), secondary weighing devices (41) via a Profinet or other type cable (19) to the main PLC /CPU control panel (20). From here the signals will be processed. Control signals will be released back to the Remote IO (18) and data signals will be released to the computer network (21 ) for data sharing or in order to give remote access to the PLC / CPU (20) for remote operations.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the secondary sequence weighing devices (40) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention then feeding the wet cutting (50) into the inlet chutes (51) and blending it with recycled hot oil (63) into the thermal feeder/blender tank (53). The tank has a blending/kneading mechanism (52) in order to prepare the material for pumping (54) via the feed line (55) into the thermal extraction process chamber (56). By use of the internal friction or external heating elements or heat exchanged, the oil and water will be evaporated and extracted from the dry material discharged (65) to sea or landfill. The vapour (57) will be directed to the oil condenser (59), where the hot oil will be directed via an insulated tank (62) prior to be added back into the feed tank (53), either directly (63) or via the inlet chute (51 ), The evaporated water will be led into a steam condenser (61 ) and cooled back down to water, that can be checked for discharges. DESCRIPTION OF HOLE CLEANING EFFICIENCY

Real-time hole cleaning efficiency is critical to avoid loading/leaving drilled cuttings in the well, creating unsafe situation whit danger of sticking the pipe and possibly loosing that wellbore, resulting in expensive re-drilling. The method of calculation of hole cleaning efficiency are depending on several factors.

Drilled cuttings consist of drilled formation particles/material in various size and typically covered or contaminated by drilling fluids, that being water-based or more common various types of oil-based drilling fluids. After the formation is cut the formation cuttings are transported by the moving (pumped) drilling fluids up the outside of the bottom hole assembly and drill pipe, known by person skilled in the art as the annulus. As it moves from horizontal to vertical hole sections and up towards the surface, the cuttings will often be broken down into smaller size cuttings, but the total weight of the material drilled and transported will be the same. As the person skilled in the art will understand; longer and more horizontal drilling sections require more optimized drilling fluids, that will balance between not fracturing the formation by to high ECD (equivalent circulation density) and the rheology (primarily the low-end rheology readings), carrying capacity of the fluids to remove cuttings from wellbore and up to surface.

The drilled cuttings will be totally covered by drilling fluids when it reaches the surface and the separator/shale shaker/MudCube® screen will let the drilling fluid trough the screen and separate the cuttings out over the screen with a reduced amount of drilling fluids when it enters the weighting device. The % of drilling fluids can vary from typical 5-10% up to 25-30% depending on the efficiency/vibration/opening area/size of the screen. A data base of correlations between depth, hole size, formation and screen size will give the PLC and data program a relatively accurate value that will be used to calculate/calibrate the exact weight of the dry cuttings. The accurate data is taken from retorte which is an evaporation test method to remove and measure the liquid and dry material of the wet cuttings.

The database will correct the wet weight measured in the weighing device removing the % liquid to give operations and correct weight of cuttings removed from the wellbore.

The program can show hole cleaning efficiency by comparing the dry weight actually removed with the theoretical weight drilled, correct for the hole wash out factor (enlargement outside the drill bit size) and by subtracting and taking into account the time to surface, they can see how much cuttings that is actually left in the hole. This will allow the operation drilling team to adjust various parameters like; drilling fluids rheology, pump rate, rotation speed but not limited to, in order to optimise the ROP (rate of penetration or speed of drilling). The program function can be a stand-alone system or input to existing programs that display drilling data to the drilling team.

DESCRIPTION OF THE HOT OIL RECYCLING BENEFITS The recycled hot oil will replace any added costly drilling fluids that will increase the waste being processed. The elimination of added so called lubrication fluids will not only reduce the storage requirement on location (reducing the variable deck load) and deck area occupied, but significantly increase the thermal process throughput making it more attractive. The hot oil will in the end be available for reuse in the drilling fluids. Secondly the addition of hot oil instead of drilling fluids will improve the extraction process as oil evaporation has less energy requirement then drilling fluids that contain both water and particulate material.

LIST OVER OF REFERENCE NUMERAL

1. Drilling Fluids and drilled particulate material

2. Particle and fluid separator (typical Shaker / MudCube)

3. Separated fluid return to the drilling process

4. Separated particulate material return

5. Chute

6. Chute vibration damper

7. Weigh cells

8. Structure suspension

9. Rubber compensator

10. Chute vibration motor

11. Material inlet valve (dome or gate)

12. Cyclone blower body

13. Material outlet bend

14. Air Inlet pipe

15. Air inlet valve

16. Material outlet valve

17. Material outlet pipe

18. Remote 10 and motor starter panel

19. Profinet cable

20. PLC / CPU Main control panel

21. Computer network for data sharing

22. Pressure sensor

23. Rotating Cleaning Nozzle

24. Material tank body

25. Tank frame

26. Tank suspension

27. Vibration damper

28. Frame suspension

29. Material inlet pipe

30. Inlet direction

31. Vent air outlet pipe

32. Outlet direction

33. Vibration motor

34. Material tank cone

35. Tank guides

36. Weigh cells with locking

37. Evacuation unit frame

38. Installation deck

39. Structure suspension

40. Particulate material weighing device

41. Material storage tank

42. Tank weighing system

43. Material evacuation device

44. Material pipe from weighing device to tank

50. Material inlet to discharge chute

51. Material discharge chute

52. Material blender

53. Material feeder tank

54. Feeding pump

55. FEEDING LINE INTO THE THERMAL EXTRACTION PROCESS 56. Thermal extraction process

57. Vapor extraction line

58. Vapor inlet to condenser/scrubber

59. Condenser/scrubber unit 60. Condenser/scrubber unit outlet

61. Steam condenser

62. Insulated hot oil receiver tank

63. Hot oil outlet (pump w/ volume control)

64. Steam condenser water outlet 65. Dry material outlet for discharge