Treatment and Disposal Technologies for Oil-Based Drilling Cuttings: An Overview and Prospects

Oil-based drilling cuttings result from using mineral oil in drilling mud during oil and gas extraction. The primary aim of treating these cuttings is to efficiently recover drilling fluids for resource use. Thereby, it can reduce the environmental impact. This paper reviewed the physical and chemical properties of oil-based drilling cuttings and evaluated the pros and cons of various treatment and disposal technologies. Emphasis was placed on the principles of solid waste management: reduction, resource recycling, and safety. Current research highlights applicable scenarios and future directions. The following recommendations were made. It is recommended to use a combination of “mechanical dehydration (water <15%) + deep detoxification” to achieve over 95% recovery of hydrocarbons and 98% removal of total organic carbon. Additionally, it is necessary to establish a comprehensive lifecycle monitoring chain. Finally, expanding the regional centralized governance model is necessary for petroleum. This work promoted policy innovation, addressed environmental risks, and encouraged technological advancements in treating and disposing of oil-based drilling cuttings.