Lessons Learned from Cuttings Treatment at Offshore Wells in the Campos Basin

Abstract

The main wastes associated with well drilling activity are drilling fluids and cuttings. With regard to drilling fluids, the oil industry has invested in more environmentally friendly formulations to reduce environmental impact. For offshore operations, cuttings are generally disposal at sea after meeting environmental criteria of government agencies. This paper presents the lessons learned in the operation of the cuttings collector system and the collection of cuttings associated with water based mud in cutting boxes in Campos Basin wells. The main advances to reduce the non-productive time of the cuttings collector system were the use of hybrid boats and the increase of the screw conveyor reliability. To collect cuttings associated with water-based mud, the drilling fluid + cuttings mixture needs to be treated to prevent H2S generation.