US4063386A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Restoration of drilling mud-pits
Assignee: Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine Production SA
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Filing: 1976-12-23
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Granted: 1977-12-20
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Expires: 1996-12-23
Abstract
Abstract Restoration of drilling mud-pits which have served for purification treatment of drilling effluents in the search for hydrocarbons on terra firma by covering the floc of the mud-pit with a layer of water-absorbent material, particularly a natural cellulosic material, before filling the hollow or basin in with earth. The process makes it possible to firmly stabilize the refilled ground and make it cultivatable; it represents a substantial economy over known methods.
Inventors
- 👤 Bernard Tramier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 11:23
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02F; E02F5/00; E02F5/22; E02F5/223; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S47/00; Y10S47/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
33 words
Method for the restoration of drilling mud-pits comprising the covering of the floc in a mud-pit with a dry material capable of absorbing water from said floc, and covering said material with earth.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
33 words
Method for the restoration of drilling mud-pits comprising the covering of the floc in a mud-pit with a dry material capable of absorbing water from said floc, and covering said material with earth.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
Method according to claim 1, in which said absorbent material is a natural cellulosic material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
Method according to claim 2, said cellulosic material is sawdust or wood chips.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
Method according to claim 3, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the layer of absorbent to the thickness of the layer of floc is 0.2 to 1.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
Method according to claim 2 in which the cellulosic material comprises straw, corn cobs, leaves or stalks.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
Method according to claim 2, in which said absorbent material comprises cork or peat.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
Method according to claim 2, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the layer of absorbent to the thickness of the layer of floc is 0.2 to 1.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the absorbent material comprises chips of foam of polyurethane, polystyrene, polyethylene, or polypropylene.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
Method according to claim 1, the absorbent material comprising textile or paper waste.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the quantity of absorbent material is such that it can absorb all of the water from the floc.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
Method according to claim 10, wherein the quantity of absorbent material is 0.1 to 0.5 kg per kg of water to be eliminated from the mud-pit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
Method according to claim 11, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the layer of absorbent to the thickness of the layer of floc is 0.2 to 1.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
Method according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the layer of absorbent to the thickness of the layer of floc is 0.2 to 1.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
Method according to claim 11, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the layer of absorbent to the thickness of the layer of floc is close to 0.4.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-12-19 | 1981-06-20 | 1981-12-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-12-19 | 1985-06-20 | 1985-12-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-12-19 | 1989-06-20 | 1989-12-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |