Decanter Centrifuge is one of the most common and well known equipment in drilling mud solids control project. It is often used as the fourth stage solids control equipment to remove the ultimate fine solids. To some extent, the performance of the centrifuge determines the success of the project.
How to define the capacity of the horizontal sedimentation decanter centrifug
Most of the oilfield application decanter centrifuge manufacturers worldwide claim the capacity which is tested by using the water. Take the GNLW363BG small bowl centrifuge as an example, the nominal capacity is 132GPM, this capacity is for water and the actual treating capacity would be various according to the drilling mud condition or other factors. That is why when customer asks how is the capacity of the centrifuge, GN always asks the user to provide as much information of the drilling mud as possible. Usually, the solid content percentage and distribution, the mud density and viscosity is necessary required.
How to select the suitable decanter centrifuge according the purpose
The decanter centrifuge is classified as middle speed and high speed, GN team recommended to select the decanter centrifuge rotation speed according the project purpose.
a. For barite recycling, the G force 700-1000, RPM around 2000
b. For High gravity solid separation, the G force 1000-2000, RPM 2500
c. For low gravity solids separation, the G force 1800-2300, RPM 3200
How to adjust the centrifuge technical parameters for proper operation
There are some parameters of the centrifuge during operation need to be given more attention for smoothly working and specified performance result. The parameters here involved would be the bowl speed, the differential speed, the feeding flow rate and liquid discharge port plate adjustment.
- If you want a large treating capacity, then you need raise the differential speed by raising the bowl speed.
- If you want the liquid as clean as enough, you need raise the bowl speed, reduce the differential speed, and raise the liquid discharge plate to a high position, thus the mud would stay in the bowl for longer time, and the liquid pool would be deep. More solids would be sediment towards the bowl wall. Then liquid discharged out would have less solid particle.
- If you want to the discharged solid material much dryer, you can raise the bowl speed, reduce the differential speed, and lower the liquid discharge part plate position. Then the liquid would be discharged quickly, and the solid may have a long distance for dewatering when getting out through the cone slope at the small end of the bowl.
- A proper feeding flow rate is also important for well performance of the centrifuge. Always, the operator would try several times with different flow rate to choose a best one. This can be implemented only by the variable speed control pump.
GN Solids Control could provide decanter centrifuge for both fixed speed and Variable speed. For more information, please feel free to contact with us.