METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR STABILIZATION OF DRILL CUTTINGS
A method and composition for stabilizing drill cuttings commences by providing precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). The PCC is dried to a moisture level of about 10% or less. Drying by heat not to exceed 400° F. is preferred to prevent changes in the PCC. The dried PCC is blended with kiln dust to compose a generally uniform admixture. In the admixture, the kiln dust is not to exceed 40%. The admixture is introduced to the drill cuttings to initiate a nucleation reaction within the commixture of drill cuttings and the admixture.
1 . A composition for the stabilization of drill cuttings, the composition comprising:
precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC); and
kiln dust selected from a group consisting of:
cement kiln dust and
lime kiln dust.
2 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the PCC comprises at least one half of the composition.
3 . A method for composing an admixture for stabilization of drill cuttings comprises:
providing precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC);
drying the PCC to a moisture level of about 10% or less; and
blending the dried PCC with kiln dust to compose a generally uniform admixture, the kiln dust not to exceed 40%.
4 . The method of claim 3 wherein drying the PCC includes:
packaging the admixture to exclude introduction of moisture prior to application on drill cuttings.
5 . The method of claim 3 , wherein drying the PCC includes:
drying in a mechanical dryer at a temperature not to exceed 400° F.
6 . The method of claim 3 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes:
providing a kiln dust selected from a group consisting of:
cement kiln dust and
lime kiln dust.
7 . The method of claim 3 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes:
blending by means of a pubmill.
8 . The method of claim 3 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting a ratio of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a moisture level in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.
9 . The method of claim 3 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting a ratio of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a crude oil content in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.
10 . The method of claim 3 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting an amount of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a moisture level in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.
11 . The method of claim 3 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting an amount of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a crude oil content in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.
12 . A method for stabilizing drill cuttings comprises:
providing precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC);
drying the PCC to a moisture level of about 10% or less;
blending the dried PCC with kiln dust to compose a generally uniform admixture, the kiln dust not to exceed 40%; and
introducing the admixture to the drill cuttings to initiate a nucleation reaction within the commixture of drill cuttings and the admixture.
13 . The method of claim 12 wherein drying the PCC includes:
packaging the admixture to exclude introduction of moisture prior to application on drill cuttings.
14 . The method of claim 12 , wherein drying the PCC includes:
drying in a mechanical dryer at a temperature not to exceed 400° F.
15 . The method of claim 12 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes:
providing a kiln dust selected from a group consisting of:
cement kiln dust and
lime kiln dust.
16 . The method of claim 12 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes:
blending by means of a pubmill.
17 . The method of claim 12 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting a ratio of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a moisture level in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.
18 . The method of claim 12 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting a ratio of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a crude oil content in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.
19 . The method of claim 12 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting an amount of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a moisture level in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.
20 . The method of claim 12 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting an amount of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a crude oil content in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.