Oil-based drill cuttings treated by landfarming

This paper reports on the development of a technique to sucessfully landfarm oil-based drill cuttings. The oil-based drill cuttings are a residue of diesel invert mud and rock cuttings. One of the primary advantages of landfarming oil-based drill cuttings is the disposal of waste through the use of a natural process with minimal energy input. An additional benefit is the relatively low cost as compared to other common disposal methods. Landfarming of oil-based mud cuttings does not cause air emission problems in comparison to incineration where smoke and particulate matter may be of concern, nor does it simply cover up or store waste as in a landfill. Basically, landfarming of the cuttings handles the waste on-site, and transport of the material is not usually required. The Amoco method disposes of the cuttings and mud residue by the use of the invert fluid. Also, natural dilution and leaching action reduce the high chloride levels in the water phase.