A method and apparatus for handling the drill cuttings removed from the
drilling mud of an oil and gas well drilling rig is disclosed. The
apparatus and method utilize a shaker for separating drill cuttings from
the mud, conduit for transporting the drill cuttings so separated to an
extruder where the separated cuttings are crushed and compacted into a
plurality of discrete compacted pellet-like bodies of a substantially
uniform size. Once extruded into pellets, the pelletized cuttings are
transported by conveyors to fill collapsible, sealable storage bags that
have be positioned on bag racks. When filled the storage bags are filled
and then ultimately delivered to a desired location for disposal or
further handling.
