The vertical cuttings dryer is aimed to reduce the liquid content of drill cuttings which is safe to discharge to the environment or as preparation for bio-remediation. The typical discharge criteria are expressed as Oil on Cuttings (OOC) or Retained Oil on Cuttings (ROC). The criteria may be set at a local/national level by economical or legislative requirements.

The cuttings dryer can also capture and return valuable drilling fluids from the mud losses of the shakers. The returned fluids can be pumped back into the active mud system.