What Does
Drilling Waste Reduction Mean?
Drilling waste reduction refers to the set of techniques aimed at reducing the generation of waste products during the drilling process. It also involves mitigating or eliminating the adverse impact of waste on the environment.
Drilling waste can be potentially toxic and may come in the form of:
- Lubricants
- Spacers
- Oil and water based drilling mud
- Drilling cuttings
- Spent chemical products
Trenchlesspedia Explains Drilling Waste Reduction
Most activities associated with drilling can generate waste products, which can be potentially toxic to the environment. The most significant source of this waste typically comes from the disposal of cuttings and excess drilling fluid.
In order to comply with various environmental laws, it is now essential for drilling companies to leave the site both environmentally and aesthetically pleasing upon the completion of activities.
Some of the strategies for reducing drilling waste are:
- Source reduction
- Waste recycling
- Drilling fluid reuse or recovery
- Proper disposal
In addition, drilling techniques such as directional drilling, slim-hole drilling, coil-tubing drilling and pneumatic drilling are specifically aimed at generating less waste.