A drilling fluid surface system design concept is proposed that resolves the Environmental, occupational hygiene and safety issues associated with conventional designs. Automation of the chemical handling and dosing system is the central element of the concept which, when fully integrated into the system, permits a significant reduction in the surface volume requirements. This, in turn, results in weight and capital cost savings, offsetting the cost of the processing and treatment plant, and a smaller overall footprint for the system.

Adoption of the design philosophy results in a safe, healthy working environment in which all of the waste streams are managed so as to minimise the overall environmental impact of the drilling process.

Keywords:
upstream oil & gas, capital cost, implication, occupational hygiene, society of petroleum engineers, solid control equipment, drilling fluid management & disposal, drilling fluids and materials, operation, spe 23362
Subjects:
Drilling Fluids and Materials, Drilling fluid management & disposal
Copyright 1991, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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