Method and composition for stabilization of drill cuttings
View Patent ↗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 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 blend of drill cuttings and the admixture.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein drying the PCC includes:
packaging the admixture to exclude introduction of moisture prior to application on drill cuttings.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein drying the PCC includes:
drying in a mechanical dryer at a temperature not to exceed 400° F.
4. The method of claim 1 , 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.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes:
blending by means of a pubmill.
6. The method of claim 1 , 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.
7. The method of claim 1 , 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.
8. The method of claim 1 , 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.
9. The method of claim 1 , 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.