Utilization of spent drilling fluids in soil fertility enrichment composition

• Published in: Desalination and water treatment 2017-05, Vol.76, p.358-363
• Main Authors: Gluzinskaa, J., Rusekb, P., Borowikb, K., Paszeka, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Environment protection; Soil conditioner; Spent drilling fluids; Waste utilization
• ISSN: 1944-3986
• DOI: 10.5004/dwt.2017.20611

Wastes from a few plants were used as the components for manufacturing an agent to enrich soil fertility. These included spent drilling fluids, sewage sludge, biomass, and ash. The physico-chemical properties of the wastes were evaluated to calculate their propensity for fertility as well as to fulfil EU legal requirements for environmental protection. The developed technology involves a few steps. Unit operations used in the proposed technology were adjusted to actual conditions in order to obtain economic and ecological advantages. The filtration process allows to obtain sludge stream water containing less than 35% w/w. The clear filtrate may be used to prepare sealing–fluid used in drilling (for water circulation). The resulting product of the projected composition meets the requirements of measures for improving soil properties. Wastes are recovered as valuable streams and can be used in soil remediation techniques. The results of the leaching tests indicate that the tested waste streams are not dangerous to the environment in terms of susceptibility to leaching ingredients like heavy metals and inorganic ions, the levels of which are regulated by law. Therefore, they can be discharged into the soil–water environment.