VERTI-G Cuttings Dryers

Uses high-speed centrifuge for maximum in liquid/solid separation

The M-I SWACO VERTI-G cuttings dryer incorporates a high-speed vertical centrifuge that achieves maximum liquid/solid separation in large-volume processing. This mechanism makes the VERTI-G one of the industry’s best performing and most dependable cutting dryers. The VERTI-G gives operators a critical advantage in meeting increasingly stringent environmental rules for cuttings disposal.

The VERTI-G employs either auger or roto valve feed. In the VERTI-G process, cuttings are conveyed from the shakers to the dryer through a variety of site-engineered conveyance systems, including:

• Gravity feed
• Pneumatic transfer
• Vacuum transfer
• Screw conveyors

The flow of cuttings into the VERTI-G centrifuge is PLC-controlled and continuously fed to yield optimum liquids/ solids separation. Once cuttings are introduced into the dryer’s charge hopper, widely spaced, independently adjustable flights continuously direct cuttings to the screen surface. Flights are tungsten carbide coated to reduce wear and ensure optimum tolerance.

Flights within the VERTI-G dryer create a rolling action that promotes further separation and prevents screen plugging. Under high G-forces created by the large cone diameter, liquids/ solids separation occurs instantly as cuttings make contact with the finer-mesh, high-capacity centrifuge screen while producing cleaner return fluid and drier solids discharge.

Solids are discharged at the screen bottom and fall by gravity into the water-flushed cuttings trough and shunted overboard or collected for onshore disposal. Processed liquids pass through the screen and then exit through one of two effluent openings. The fluid is collected and pumped to the M-I SWACO decanting centrifuge for final processing and reuse in the active mud system.

In addition to helping operators around the world meet environmental demands, the VERTI-G cuttings dryer improves overall cost-efficiency. Valuable drilling fluids can be recovered from cuttings, as well as whole mud lost from shaker failure and rig motion. The VERTI-G cuttings dryer is effective with oil-, and synthetic-base drilling fluids and minimizes waste volume, dramatically reducing disposal costs

Features and Benefits

Superior environmental performance

• Highly effective liquids/solids separation minimizes fluid content of cuttings prior to offshore discharge
• Drilling-fluid testing and an analysis available through M-I SWACO to monitor system effectiveness
• Improved fluid separation reduces waste disposal volumes in zero-discharge applications and significantly lowers organic loading levels on the sea floor
• Improved drilling-fluid recovery
• Effective separation reclaims high percentages of fluid from cuttings; also recovers whole mud lost from shaker failure, rig motion and screen blinding
• Valuable recovered fluids can be added back to the active mud system

Safety Features

• Explosion-proof motors and start/stop boxes are certified for use in Class I, Division I areas
• Integrated, custom-built stands and walkways reduce risk to personnel

Operational advantages

• Experienced M-I SWACO personnel m maintain peak operating efficiency
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), with automatic warning indicators, monitors temperature, torque, oil levels and total operating hours; prevents gear and bearing damage from inadequate lubrication
• High-capacity, continuous-feed units have the throughput to keep up with drilling operations
• Lifting hoist on stand allows unit maintenance without interfering with rig crane
• Tungsten-carbide-coated, independently adjustable flights reduce wear and ensure optimal tolerance
• Horizontal screens allow higher wiping efficiency and less plugging
• Finer-mesh screens provide more open area

Ease of maintenance

• Flushing system prevents solids buildup in the recovery area and minimizes shutdowns for cleaning
• Normal wear parts are easily accessible from the top of the unit; belts are easily changed without removing gear assembly
• Interchangeable tungsten-carbide rotor blades protect rotor and gearbox from excessive erosion, minimizing main component failure