Screw Conveyors ( Augers ) are commonly used to move drilled cuttings and associated fluid. They can be arranged to collect the cuttings (usually relatively dry oil-based cuttings) from the individual pieces of solids control equipment and convey them to another area of the drilling rig where they are used to load cuttings boxes (skips). The standard screw conveyor is composed of an auger or screw housed in a flanged, U-shaped trough with bolt-on covers. It is powered by an electric motor and equipped with an appropriate gearbox. The motor must be sized to provide enough horsepower and torque to permit the transport of cuttings at a rate at least equal to the maximum rate at which they are delivered to the screw. The feed and discharge ends are fitted with flanges and ports to allow the cuttings to flow into and out of the conveyor without plugging. For multiple screw sections, hanger bearings are used to support the ends of the screw sections where they are joined. Operating parameters such as loading, housing enclosures, and length of the section are all considered in determining the required bearing type.
Continue reading “SCREW CONVEYOR – DRILLING WASTE EQUIPMENT”
