Cuttings Blower (CCB)

The CCB* unit is the prime mover of the CleanCut*

system from M-I SWACO* for the containment
and bulk transport of drill cuttings.
The CleanCut Cuttings Blower is an 8-ft3 (0.23-cm3) pressure vessel with an inlet valve, an
outlet valve and a feed hopper mounted on top. It can convey cuttings at rates of up to 28
tons/hr (25 mT/hr) over the distances and heights typical of an offshore installation.

Features
Environmentally sound design. Once drill cuttings enter the feed hopper of the CCB unit, they
are brought into a closed system and isolated from personnel. Cuttings are then discharged
by compressed air.

Safety. The CCB unit is supplied in a hazardous-area configuration as standard and is quiet
and clean in operation. Small footprint. The blower has a footprint of less than 5 x 5 ft (1.52 x
1.52 m), minimizing the space required for cutting-sconveying equipment.

Flexibility. The CleanCut blower can be used to convey cuttings in a variety of applications,
Features
including filling ISO-Pump* units and skips, and feeding cuttings re-injection installations and
■■ Environmentally sound, compact
cuttings dryers.
design
■■ Closed system Efficiency. The CCB unit will convey cuttings at 28 tons/hr (25 mT/hr) in a typical installation,
■■ Field-proven reliability and can transport a sufficient distance to reach any part of an offshore rig. It can also
achieve significant vertical lifts of material, and can be used to convey materials other than
■■ Configured to Zone I hazardous-area
cuttings.
specification
■■ Pneumatically operated Reliability. The blower is an extremely reliable device that uses compressed air to move
material. It is proven in oilfield service with OBM-and WBM-contaminated cuttings.
Benefits
Ease of use. A level probe is normally fitted to ensure optimum cycling efficiency, resulting
■■ Reaches any area of an offshore rig
in automatic operation under normal circumstances. The unit can also be run on a variable
■■ Conveys cuttings in a variety of timer if required.
applications
■■ Saves valuable rig-floor space Benefits
• Compact design saves valuable rig-floor space.
■■ Level probe in feed chute maximizes • Efficient blower moves a maximum amount of material with a minimum of equipment.
efficiency in operation • Closed system minimizes worker exposure to drilling fluids and reduces slippery areas.
■■ Minimizes worker exposure to drilling • The unit can be used in Zone I hazardous environments with no modifications, providing
fluids safety in an economical package.
■■ Reduces slippery areas • Operates at low noise levels.
■■ Operates at low noise levels
 Application
The CCB unit is the first component of the CleanCut system, receiving cuttings from the
shaker ditch and conveying them to ISO-Pump units, skips or other destinations. A typical
configuration includes one CleanCut blower, but two may be used in parallel where very high
rates of cuttings generation are expected.

The installation and cuttings-feed arrangements for the blower are key to the survey and
installation process. Ideally, the unit should be installed directly under the shaker ditch.
Availability of sufficient height is an important consideration as well; augers may be used to
supply the CCB unit where necessary.

The blower is pneumatically operated.

How It Works
Gravity feeds material into the CleanCut blower via a feed chute assisted by air pulses, and
vibration if required. Once the unit has been loaded with material, the inlet valve is closed by
a two-stage sealing mechanism. First, the spherical valve section is rotated to block the flow
of material. Second, an inflatable ring seal is activated to create a pressure-tight seal around
the inlet.

Once sealed, the vessel is pressurized, and compressed air activates the material in the
vessel and discharges it in a batch.

A level probe in the feed chute maximizes efficiency in operation. The probe signals when
one full batch is available in the chute and automatically triggers a conveying cycle. The CCB
unit can also be operated on an adjustable timer. Cycle time should be varied according to
the material type and ROP.

The blower is normally discharged through a 5-in. (127-mm) steel pipe; 5-in. (127-mm) NB
flexible hose can be used in some applications.

All exposed internal faces are coated for corrosion resistance and lower friction coefficient,
and a low-friction plastic liner is fitted to the feed chute.

The CleanCut Cuttings Blower is configured to Zone I hazardous-area specification including

controls. All valves are pneumatically operated.

P.O. Box 42842

Houston, Texas 77242-2842
Tel: 281·988·1866
1·800·654·0660
This information is supplied solely for informational purposes and M-I SWACO makes no guarantees or
warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the accuracy and use of this data. All product
Fax: 281·988·1888
warranties and guarantees shall be governed by the Standard Terms of Sale. www.miswaco.com
E-mail: questions@miswaco.com
©2003 M-I L.L.C. All rights reserved. *Mark of M-I L.L.C.
MS-04106 7/04 Litho in U.S.A.