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 composing an admixture for stabilization of drill cuttings comprises:
providing precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), a synthetically formed CaCO 3 ;
drying the PCC to a moisture level of about 10% or less; and
blending the dried PCC with hydrated lime, also known as calcium hydroxide {Ca(OH) 2 }, to compose a generally uniform admixture, the hydrated lime, not to exceed 50%.
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 hydrated lime includes:
blending by means of a pugmill.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein blending the dried PCC with hydrated lime includes selecting a ratio of dried PCC to hydrated lime based upon a moisture level in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein blending the dried PCC with hydrated lime includes selecting a ratio of dried PCC to hydrated lime based upon a crude oil content in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein blending the dried PCC with hydrated lime includes selecting an amount of dried PCC to hydrated lime based upon a moisture level in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein blending the dried PCC with hydrated lime includes selecting an amount of dried PCC to hydrated lime based upon a crude oil content in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.
9. 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 hydrated lime, also known as calcium hydroxide {Ca(OH) 2 }, to compose a generally uniform admixture, the hydrated lime not to exceed 50%; and
introducing the generally uniform admixture to the drill cuttings to initiate a nucleation reaction within the blend of drill cuttings and the admixture.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein drying the PCC includes:
packaging the admixture to exclude introduction of moisture prior to application on drill cuttings.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein drying the PCC includes:
drying in a mechanical dryer at a temperature not to exceed 400° F.
12. The method of claim 9 , wherein blending the dried PCC with hydrated lime includes:
blending by means of a pugmill.
13. The method of claim 9 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting a ratio of dried PCC to hydrated lime based upon a moisture level in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.
14. The method of claim 9 , wherein blending the dried PCC with hydrated lime includes selecting a ratio of dried PCC to hydrated lime based upon a crude oil content in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.
15. The method of claim 9 , wherein blending the dried PCC with hydrated lime includes selecting an amount of dried PCC to hydrated lime based upon a moisture level in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.
16. The method of claim 9 , wherein blending the dried PCC with hydrated lime includes selecting an amount of dried PCC to hydrated lime based upon a crude oil content in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.