Introduction to Drilling Waste Management
Master the Lifecycle of Drilling Waste. A comprehensive introductory course designed to bridge the gap between operational efficiency and environmental stewardship. Delivered by Oilfield International Services, your trusted partner in global oilfield solutions.
Delivery: Online | Duration 4 Hrs | Sector: Oil & Gas | Price: £250+VAT
Course Overview
Drilling waste management is no longer just a regulatory box to tick—it is a critical component of cost control and operational integrity.
The Introduction to Drilling Waste Management course provides a foundational understanding of how to handle, treat, and dispose of the waste generated during drilling operations. Leveraging OIS’s global experience in fluids and environmental management, this training connects theoretical regulations with practical rig-site realities.
We move beyond the basics of "cuttings and fluids" to teach you the why and how of modern waste hierarchy, ensuring your projects remain compliant, safe, and cost-effective.
What you’ll learn:
Upon completing this course, you will be able to:
Identify Waste Streams: Distinguish between hazardous and non-hazardous drilling waste (cuttings, spent muds, contaminated water).
Understand the Hierarchy: Apply the principles of the Waste Management Hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Dispose) to real-world drilling scenarios.
Navigate Regulations: Gain a working knowledge of international environmental standards (including ISO 14001 principles) and local regulatory frameworks.
Select Treatment Methods: Evaluate different treatment technologies, from thermal desorption to cuttings re-injection (CRI).
Optimise Solids Control: Understand how efficient solids control equipment directly impacts waste volume and drilling costs.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
This course is designed for professionals who need a solid grounding in waste management principles:
New Hires & Graduates: Petroleum engineers, drilling engineers, and environmental scientists entering the industry.
Rig Crew & Supervisors: Drillers, toolpushers, and derrickmen looking to upskill in environmental compliance.
HSE Personnel: Safety officers needing specific technical knowledge of drilling waste operations.
Logistics & Supply Chain: Personnel responsible for the transport and disposal of oilfield waste.
Individual or Group Enrolment
Complete modules from the rig, the office, or at home without the cost and hassle of travel.
Instant Online Access
Quickly and confidently discuss mud reports, troubleshoot common problems, and understand how fluid properties directly impact NPT with our training.
Certificate on Completion
Immediately prove your new skills to management and add a verifiable credential to your professional profile.
FAQs
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No. This is an introductory-level course designed to build foundational knowledge. All you need is a desire to learn; we will guide you through the fundamentals.
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This course is ideal for:
This course is designed for professionals who need a solid grounding in waste management principles:
New Hires & Graduates: Petroleum engineers, drilling engineers, and environmental scientists entering the industry.
Rig Crew & Supervisors: Drillers, toolpushers, and derrickmen looking to upskill in environmental compliance.
HSE Personnel: Safety officers needing specific technical knowledge of drilling waste operations.
Logistics & Supply Chain: Personnel responsible for the transport and disposal of oilfield waste.
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This course is delivered 100% online through the OIS Learning Hub. You can access the modules on-demand, allowing for continuous learning that fits your own pace and schedule.
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We offer flexible solutions for skill enhancement across your organisation and a discounted rate for groups.
For larger groups, this course can be delivered as a private, tutor-led session (either online or in a classroom). We can also develop bespoke courses tailored to your company's specific operational challenges or assets.
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Upon enrolment, you will have 12 months to all course materials, including any updates. This allows you to revisit key concepts as needed.
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Upon successful completion of all modules, you will receive an Instant Certificate of Completion. This digital certificate can be downloaded, printed, or shared on your professional profile as proof of your personal advancement.
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OIS will set-up your staff with access to the platform, they will be able to get started straight away. For large groups, we will agree a cost and get a formal quote to you.
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Curriculum Breakdown
Course Curriculum
Module 1: The Fundamentals of Drilling Waste
What is drilling waste? (Water-based vs. Oil-based mud cuttings)
The environmental impact of improper disposal.
The "Cradle-to-Grave" approach to waste tracking.
Module 2: The Regulatory Landscape
Global standards vs. Local legislation.
Permitting, reporting, and documentation requirements.
Liability and Duty of Care.
Module 3: Waste Minimization & Solids Control
Minimizing waste at the source: Mud system maintenance.
Optimizing shale shakers, hydrocyclones, and centrifuges.
Fluid recovery techniques.
Module 4: Treatment & Disposal Technologies
Thermal Desorption Units (TDU).
Bioremediation and Composting.
Cuttings Re-Injection (CRI).
Land farming and burial: When are they acceptable?
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The OIS Learning Hub provides email and phone support directly from our trainers to assist you with any questions you may have during your training.
Register your interest
If you’re interested in broadening your knowledge and understanding of the oil industry, you're in the right place. The OIS Learning Hub is your new global source for expert-led training, from foundational principles to advanced operational mastery.
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Our Courses
Introduction to Drilling
Fluids Systems
This course is a fundamental introduction to drilling fluids. The course will begin with introdutions to rig types, well architecture, circulating system, density and pressure, before going into greater detail with different fluid system types, key functions, additives, mixing processes, fluids testing procedures and the key properties required to ensure safe and efficient drilling outcomes.
Introduction to Drilling Solids
Control Theory & Technology
This course is a fundamental introduction to Drilling Solids Control, covering the crucial equipment and processes of Solids Control, focusing on how to effectively remove unwanted solid particles ("cuttings and fines") from the drilling fluid, and to maintain "mud" performance within desired specifications, while minimising non-productive time, reducing operational costs and ensuring well bore stability.
Introduction to Oil & Gas
Well Cementing
This course is a fundamental introduction to oil & gas well cementing, covering the critical process of well cementing. The course will discsuss everything from well architectures, cement types, cement additives, cement slurry / spacer deisgn and properties, primary & special cementing operations, cement slurry evaluation, trouble shooting, surface mixing & pumping equipment.
Introduction to Drilling
Waste Management
This course provides an overview of drilling waste management, focusing on the environmentally responsible methods used to handle, treat, and dispose of the "formation cuttings", (rock fragments)and formation cuttings ‘fines’, as well as as contaminated liquid effluent such as ‘slops’ which is generated during drilling operations.