Method and composition for stabilization of drill cuttings

Abstract

A method and composition for stabilizing drill cuttings commences by providing precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). The PCC is dried to a moisture level of about 10% or less. Drying by heat not to exceed 400° F. is preferred to prevent changes in the PCC. The dried PCC is blended with kiln dust to compose a generally uniform admixture. In the admixture, the kiln dust is not to exceed 40%. The admixture is introduced to the drill cuttings to initiate a nucleation reaction within the commixture of drill cuttings and the admixture.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . A composition for the stabilization of drill cuttings, the composition comprising:
 precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC); and   kiln dust selected from a group consisting of:
 cement kiln dust and 
 lime kiln dust. 
   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the PCC comprises at least one half of the composition. 
     
     
         3 . A method for composing an admixture for stabilization of drill cuttings comprises:
 providing precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC);   drying the PCC to a moisture level of about 10% or less; and   blending the dried PCC with kiln dust to compose a generally uniform admixture, the kiln dust not to exceed 40%.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein drying the PCC includes:
 packaging the admixture to exclude introduction of moisture prior to application on drill cuttings. 
 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein drying the PCC includes:
 drying in a mechanical dryer at a temperature not to exceed 400° F.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes:
 providing a kiln dust selected from a group consisting of:
 cement kiln dust and 
 lime kiln dust. 
   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes:
 blending by means of a pubmill.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting a ratio of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a moisture level in the drill cuttings to be stabilized. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting a ratio of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a crude oil content in the drill cuttings to be stabilized. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting an amount of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a moisture level in the drill cuttings to be stabilized. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting an amount of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a crude oil content in the drill cuttings to be stabilized. 
     
     
         12 . A method for stabilizing drill cuttings comprises:
 providing precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC);   drying the PCC to a moisture level of about 10% or less;   blending the dried PCC with kiln dust to compose a generally uniform admixture, the kiln dust not to exceed 40%; and   introducing the admixture to the drill cuttings to initiate a nucleation reaction within the commixture of drill cuttings and the admixture.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein drying the PCC includes:
 packaging the admixture to exclude introduction of moisture prior to application on drill cuttings. 
 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein drying the PCC includes:
 drying in a mechanical dryer at a temperature not to exceed 400° F.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes:
 providing a kiln dust selected from a group consisting of:
 cement kiln dust and 
 lime kiln dust. 
   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes:
 blending by means of a pubmill.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting a ratio of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a moisture level in the drill cuttings to be stabilized. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting a ratio of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a crude oil content in the drill cuttings to be stabilized. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting an amount of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a moisture level in the drill cuttings to be stabilized. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein blending the dried PCC with kiln dust includes selecting an amount of dried PCC to kiln dust based upon a crude oil content in the drill cuttings to be stabilized.