12. MUD 10 system

The MUD 10 system is effectively a vibrating centrifuge designed to process cuttings delivered straight from the shakers by screw conveyor. The system has a high throughput and can handle cuttings at the maximum rates generated in drilling and has the advantage of also coping with shaker overflow. The fluid recovered by the unit requires secondary processing with a decanting centrifuge to produce re-usable drilling mud. The solids waste leaving the unit will typically have an oil on cuttings (OOC) level reduced to approximately 2 - 4%. This can equate to the recovery of 100 - 150 bbls of drilling mud per 1000 ft drilled which represents a significant saving when expensive drilling muds are being used.

Rental for a unit is in the order of £2 to 3000 per day, with the requirement of a second, decanting centrifuge adding possible additional cost. The unit would probable also require an additional operator, approximately £1000 per day.

If the system is used in conjunction with a total containment system for a ship to shore operation there will be a benefit from reducing the total volume of material to be transported. It should be recognised, however, that the very dry solids produced may be harder to handle. Further, if the cuttings are to be processed on shore for base oil recovery the financial advantage of recovering mud on the rig is reduced.

The M.U.D. 10 unit is not efficient for processing hydrated cuttings. When drilling soft shales and chalks the efficiency of the unit will be reduced unless other, granular cuttings are added into the feed stock.