Four Stage Operation
Follow the process by clicking on the four graphics in turn (below left)
For many years, the problem of personnel having to enter mud-pits or tanks for cleaning purposes has been a major safety concern to Oil Companies, Rig Owners, Unions and Health and Safety authorities.
Although automated cleaning head systems have been tried and have a degree of success in cleaning the pit walls, they are less effective at dealing with the main problem. This is the build-up and compaction of solids on the floor, beneath pipework and in the corners of the pit. Also, they do not recover the dead volume or waste material from the tank.
This invariably leads to personnel having to enter the pit to manually break-up and remove material that the automatic system cannot deal with. Typically, these systems add significant levels of fluid during the cleaning process. This creates large volumes of waste material which has to be handled, removed, stored, transported and re-injected or shipped to shore for processing. This all represents additional cost and risk for the business.
In addition to the safety and cost factors involved, lengthy procedures have to be followed regarding Work Permits and Risk Analysis for pit entry.
Total Reclaim Systems Ltd, have developed and patented the TRS PitGun System, which effectively recovers dead volume and cleans and removes waste material from the mud pit or confined space without the need for personnel entry.
This equipment significantly reduces the volume of waste material created, reduces costs and eliminates safety risks.
By placing the control of the remotely operated cleaning jets directly with an operator outside the tank, he can control the volume, pressure and direction of the specially designed jet nozzles. He may then concentrate on problematic areas such as solids build-up, pipework and difficult areas of penetration.
The floor orientated, height adjustable, mechanically anchored jet head can access areas not previously possible without vessel entry.
TRS, who are North Sea market leaders in the specialist area of mud pit clean-ups, have incorporated their highly successful Reclaim Pump Unit to drive the system. This means that the PitGun is independent of the rig s pumping systems. The PitGun firstly recovers the majority of dead-volume OBM for reuse.
It then minimises the waste fluid being created by jetting through the special nozzles with the fluidised dead volume or base oil.
This reduces the viscosity of remaining OBM, displaces solids from the pit walls and slurrifies solids on the floors.
The slurry is then directed by the operator, to specially designed, portable vacuum drum strainers, again powered by the Reclaim pump, which removes the waste material to a tote-tank, consolidation pit or vessel.
If the pit already has a sump, or access to the master dump line, these may also be used.
Finally, the pit is thoroughly cleaned by the PitGun with cleaning fluid (sea-water/detergent), which also may be re-circulated and recovered by the Reclaim pump to reduce the volume of the waste material.
The equipment is compact, portable and can be rigged as required on location in a short period of time.
Rig, or incumbent service company personnel may be trained by TRS to operate this equipment to avoid the need for additional personnel on location. The PitGun may also be easily moved from pit to pit as required.
In addition to the significant personnel safety and environmental benefits of the TRS PitGun, there are tangible cost and time benefits regarding operational efficiencies and work permit/shut-down savings.