A problem arises with drilling wells - drill cuttings. To solve it, innovative methods, specialized machinery and equipment are used. In this area, technologies are being improved for the neutralization of this dangerous substance. Disposal of drill cuttings is required by companies performing drilling, as well as enterprises to create pits and tunnels.
What it is?
Drill cuttings - an aqueous suspension having a solid part, which consists of rock breakdown substances and well walls. The substance is captured by a slurry pipe during core drilling. He has 4 types of waste:
- waste concrete;
- clay;
- liquid soil;
- groundwater.
High-quality disposal is necessary, since these products adversely affect nature. It is enough to use an effective removal method so as not to harm the environment.
Drilling is the impact of special equipment on soil layers, due to which a well appears to extract valuable resources. The work process is carried out in different directions, which are determined by the location of the soil or mountain formation: it can be horizontal, vertical, inclined.
With the help of such work, a cylindrical void in the form of a straight hole or a well appears. The diameter may vary depending on the purpose, but it is smaller than the length parameter. A well begins on the surface of the soil. The walls are called trunks, and the bottom is the face. After the extraction of valuable resources, various harmful wastes remain, which are important to dispose of correctly and in a timely manner. This will prevent the negative impact on the environment.
Harmful effects on nature
High-quality disposal of drill cuttings is an important task, since the environmental safety of Russia and the whole world depends on it. The penetration of this substance into water bodies can lead to pollution of the oceans.
The ingress of petroleum products causes a violation of the nitrogen balance of bottom soils, which causes a violation of the root system of aquatic plants. This is a violation of the ecosystem, which affects the life of all living things in a body of water and in nearby territories. Therefore, the disposal of drill cuttings is necessary.
Classification
When disposing of drill cuttings, the classification of substances is important. Substances are divided according to quantitative and qualitative characteristics. The most important properties include:
- Physicochemical.
- The composition of the solutions.
- State of aggregation.
The physicochemical parameters of the solution used with drilling are determined by the geological composition of the rocks being drilled and the tasks that the auxiliary components of the solution must perform. In addition to cooling and lubricating the tool, the involved wells facilitate the removal of drilled rock to the ground.
The solutions used consist of temperature stabilizers, surface-active components, anti-foam additives, specific gravity weighting agents, and fluidity improvers. Based on these substances, a technology for the utilization of the solution is created. In addition to inorganic components in the waste solution there are metals, paraffin deposits.
According to the state of aggregation, the solutions are liquid (high fluidity), semi-liquid and solid. The main property of the ratio of the solution is the percentage of solid and liquid phases.
- Up to 40 - fluid and liquid solutions.
- 40-85% - pasty and semi-liquid.
- From 85% - solid.
Disposal Methods
There are various options for disposing of drill cuttings, but there is no universal method. The main ones include:
- Thermal. Disposal by burning in special furnaces at high temperatures.
- Physical. Thanks to the centrifuge and foculation, liquid and solid substances are separated, and then neutralization and disposal are carried out separately.
- Chemical. This disposal of drill cuttings is carried out using chemical components. Solvents, clay, water glass and other reagents are also used. The substance is extracted to solid.
- Chemical-physical. A set of chemicals is selected that give substances certain properties. Then the components are processed in special equipment.
- Biological. Using this method, the waste is treated with special microorganisms. This leads to decomposition of the sludge into substances that can be disposed of safely for nature. An advantage is the possibility of using the microorganism at the disposal and disposal site.
Disposal of drill cuttings in such ways is considered safe. A suitable option is selected based on the types of harmful substances.
Ways
Ways to dispose of drill cuttings are as follows:
- Injection of the mixture into underground formations.
- Application for mixtures that are useful in construction.
- Transportation in the landfill.
Quality standards
In addition to disposing of the used solutions and the resulting sludge, modern companies that perform such work must solve the tasks of the prompt elimination of oil spills. Another popular service is the elimination of the old sludge barn located in the work area. The disposal of drill cuttings in Surgut is in demand, since the drilling sphere is in demand in that area.
Processing benefits
Companies that perform environmental work use their vehicles and equipment with production, as well as apply their technology and equipment. Usually they have landfills for landfill. It is such an organization that must conduct the disposal and processing of drill cuttings. She is responsible for the whole process, as well as for the consequences.
Some companies from the resulting substances create building blocks, paving slabs, artificial stone and other building materials. The formed components are used in the construction and repair of roads, in the manufacture of concrete. The liquid substance of the solution with additional processing becomes suitable for reuse in drilling.
Almost complete processing of drill cuttings, fluids and slag is carried out. And there is almost no waste. In addition to environmental safety in the area of work, these activities are cost-effective for the company. This is due to a decrease in the volume of tasks to eliminate sludge pits, as well as savings on fines for pollution and storage of waste in the field.
