Inventors:
Ricky W. Davenport - Lafayette LA
International Classification:
B02C 1912
Abstract:
An in-line grinder has been developed which can be configured to perform in a variety of applications through the use of an adjustable rotor/stator assembly, removable shear bar, and a variety of interchangeable stator-rotor configurations. A unique drive system utilizing a mechanical seal cartridge provides maximum sealing with a minimum of shaft deflection and run-out, thereby improving performance. These improvements collectively allow the grinder to be configured for optimum sizing of solids to a predetermined particle size for a broad range of materials. It has been demonstrated that a class of in-line grinders such as that described herein is applicable for sizing drill cuttings for injection into a subsurface formation by way of an annular space formed in a wellbore. The cuttings are removed from the drilling fluid, conveyed to a shearing and grinding system that converts the cuttings into a viscous slurry with the addition of water and viscosity enhancing polymers. The system in its simplest form comprises a slurry tank, a pump, and the instant in-line grinder.