BaraCRI™ cuttings reinjection system saves operator USD 120K per month

Challenge: Operator seeks more efficient cuttings processing system

An operator in the Gulf of Mexico was managing 45 platforms in a shallow location offshore Mexico. The cuttings treatment and disposal process depended on using cuttings boxes to store and then transport cuttings to shore for disposal. The cost of these operations was high, and the logistical challenges of transporting cuttings boxes sometimes caused delays in drilling.

A competitor had been providing cuttings management services to the operator continuously for nine years. When the contract was put out for bid, the Baroid team developed a proposal that demonstrated a clear understanding of the requirements and issues related to the project. Their recommendation focused on BaraCRI™ cuttings reinjection (CRI) as a solution to greatly reduce the number of cuttings boxes required for future operations.

To ensure that drilling could continue during the CRI system installation, Baroid personnel established a temporary contractual arrangement to send the non-aqueous fluid (NAF) cuttings to shore for conventional treatment until the CRI operation commenced.

Solution: Baroid establishes CRI system to serve entire operation

Establishing a CRI program that could serve the entire operation required the assistance of experienced personnel, sourced both locally and from the global workforce. The project was designated as a “critical first well,” and a project manager was assigned to supervise all support lines and ensure that the installation followed the proper sequence in a timely manner.

The equipment was mobilized from multiple locations around the world. In addition, some of the equipment was manufactured in Mexico. The Halliburton supply chain group coordinated with third-party vendors to acquire over 1,000 cuttings boxes that would be needed to support the operation, all meeting the Mexican standards for offshore equipment.

Then the CRI systems were modified to process cuttings from all 45 platforms at this location. The system capacity was increased by incorporating the BaraStream™ SupaVac™ SV400 cuttings collection and pumping system and screw conveyor to transport cuttings to the mixers – and by preparing the slurry in parallel, using an additional tank. These changes made it possible for the system to handle up to 42 cuttings boxes a day (262 tons per day).

Result: CRI operation decreases need for cuttings boxes, saving significant costs

The CRI operation has been a success, with zero nonconformities, and no health, safety, or environmental (HSE) incidents. It has also greatly improved efficiency, with zero nonproductive time (NPT) associated with the process.

The number of cuttings boxes required was decreased by 400 units, saving an estimated USD 120,000 per month – USD 720,000 over a period of six months.

Greatly reducing the number of required cuttings boxes resulted in reducing the time required for returning empty boxes to the platforms.