In September 2026, we delivered one set of forklift with rotator to a customer in Nigeria. This equipment is specially designed for offloading mud skips. It rotates mud skips to discharge drill cuttings either into the waste pit or the feed hopper of the TDU. This is a 10-ton forklift fitted with a rotator, suitable for 6–8 ton mud skips and capable of 360° rotation.
Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU) is essential for oil drilling waste management operations. Oil sludge and drill cuttings are delivered to the TDU for final treatment via mud skips or mud tanks. Once the mud skips or mud tanks arrive at the TDU mud plant, the first task for operators is to unload the drill cuttings. The empty mud skips can then be returned to the rig site to collect newly generated drill cuttings, starting a new working cycle. Given the TDU’s processing capacity, newly received drill cuttings cannot all be treated within a short timeframe such as one or two weeks. Drilling waste management service companies typically construct lined waste pits with cement and waterproof materials to prevent oil permeation into the soil, for temporary storage of drill cuttings collected from drilling rigs. When DNV-certified offshore skips arrive at the mud plant, operators can unload the drill cuttings into the waste pit as the first step.
This scope of work includes four items of equipment: DNV mud skips or mud tanks, drilling waste pit, forklift or excavator and Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU).
DNV Mud Skips
DNV-certified mud skips are in high demand for drilling waste management. Mud skips used for offshore operations require DNV 2.7-1 certification issued by either DNV or LR. The capacity of mud skips can be customized, ranging from 4 tons up to 10 tons per unit.
To facilitate rapid removal of drill cuttings from offshore platforms, some operators opt for large cuttings tanks or cuttings barges for storage and transfer. This solution greatly improves operational efficiency.
Drilling Waste Pit
A drilling waste pit is a civil engineered pit designed to store drill cuttings transported back from the rig site.
- The dimensions of the drilling waste pit shall be pre-calculated based on upcoming new contracts and the treatment capacity of the TDU.
- The pit walls and base shall be constructed to prevent oil seepage.
- The drilling waste pit shall be fitted with a steel cover for rain protection, to avoid rising water content within the drill cuttings.
Forklift or Excavator
Forklifts fitted with rotators are widely used for mud skip handling and can significantly improve operational efficiency. Excavators can also be utilized to feed the TDU hopper.
Some customers may choose an overhead crane with a grab. The overhead crane can be mounted above the waste pit. While it carries a higher cost, it delivers faster handling for large waste pit operations.
Thermal Desorption Unit
The TDU is a key thermal treatment system for drilling waste. Using indirect heating, it separates oil and water from drill cuttings. Recovered hydrocarbons can be reused, and treated solids meet environmental requirements. It accepts cuttings delivered via mud skips and compatible handling equipment, featuring flexible throughput for both onshore and offshore drilling waste remediation.
KES Separation supplies batch-type TDUs in 5-ton, 10-ton, 15-ton and 20-ton models. Meanwhile, we also offer continuous-type TDUs with capacities of 2 t/h, 4 t/h and 5 t/h. Actual treatment efficiency is highly dependent on the water and oil content of the drill cuttings. Lower water content in drill cuttings translates to higher operational efficiency of the KESS TDU.
KES Separation also supplies mobile TDUs with a trailer-mounted design. The unit can be readily transported to the rig site for on-site operations, eliminating the need for mud skips to haul drill cuttings away from the rig. Please feel free to contact us for further information.
