Author: GN Solids Control

Functions of drilling fluids mud desilter

Drilling fluids mud desilter is the 3nd stage solids control equipment. It is usually used after desander. For mud cleaner used for oil and gas drilling field, 4 inch deciliter cone is the most frequency be used. It can remove solid particle around 30~70 microns.

Working principle of drilling fluids mud desilter

Main part of drilling fluids mud desilter is the hydrocyclone cone (desitler cone). It is a kind of pressure device. The separation process is carried out by employing centrifugal forces. Under pressure, drilling fluid with solid particles will flow into the mud desilter cones, after high rotation, bigger and heavier particle will be threw to cone wall, then slide down till drop in apex and separated out. Clean fluids will be moved out from cone top port. So, there will be 2 rotary gas flow in the drilling fluids mud desilter cone, one is liquid contains quantity big solid flow down as cyclone, the other is smaller solid mixed with gas go up as bow wave.

The angle of the fluid entry has been specifically designed to facilitate the flow and separation. The Cones are made of high durameter polyurethane with optional steel inserts, which ensure consistent productivity.
Desilter Cones remove fine sand and silt down to 30 microns.
Desilter Cones are available of 4″ size that have a 2″ inlet and a 2″ outlet.

Available models of drilling fluids mud cleaner

From design, there are mainly 2 types of mud desilter: with under flow shale shaker or without under flow shale shaker. For different capacity, the desilter cone can be used from 4 each to 24 each. Users can choose suitable models per his jobsite detailed condition.

Vertical cuttings dryer is an important equipment for drilling waste management, especially for oil based mud drilling cuttings and synthetic based mud.

Usually, the oil on cuttings (OOC) of waste drilling cuttings will be around 20~25%. After treatment of Vertical cuttings dryer, it can be reduced to 3% ~5%. In most countries, it can be discharged directly with this dryness. After the Vertical cuttings dryer, there usually a decanter centrifuge followed to further treat the recovered drilling fluids. GN Solids Control company can offer complete solution on oil and waste based mud drilling cuttings treatment.

GN Vertical Cutting Dryer uses centrifugal force to dry drilled solids in oil or synthetic base fluids. A stainless steel screen bowl traps “wet” solids and accelerates them up to 890RPM with G force up to 420. Liquid is forced through the screen bowl openings, while “dry” solids are extracted by the angled flights attached to the cone, which rotate slightly slower than the bowl. Tungsten carbide protects the flights from abrasive solids and ensures long operational life. This aids in maintaining a constant gap between the scroll and screen bowl, which is crucial for Vertical Cutting Dryer proper operation. GN Vertical cutting dryer has been done strict balance testing for all major rotary components to minimize vibration & noisy.The Cutting Dryer is the ideal products for oil based drilling waste management.

In some case, some customer use High G dryer shaker as an alternative of GN Vertical Cutting Dryer. It can save big cost on machine. But high G shaker can only reduce OOC (oil on cuttings) to 5% ~ 10%. Users can choose the suitable machine per your jobsite condition and per the budget.

1A) As below Display one the PLC controlled Decanter Centrifuge touch screen, we can see 1 start & 1 stop button for centrifuge, 1 start and stop button for pump.

PLC Decanter Centrifuge Auto Model Operation.

1B) The VFD+PLC Centrifuge have two Mode, one is Auto Mode, if we choose Auto Model, first we set the Centrifuge Bowl speed, and Differential Speed, then press Decanter Centrifuge Start Button , The PLC will control to start the back motor first, and main motor, later we press the pump start Button, the pump will run until to the max capacity the centrifuge can handle.

1C) As set in the PLC, we can only start the Decanter Centrifuge start button to run the back drive motor first, second the main motor, finally the pump motor. If we do not follow the order of the starting, to protect the centrifuge, the pump motor will not start even we press the pump start first.

1D) Once the centrifuge is in overload, the PLC will stop the pump, and later stop the main motor, finally, stop the back drive motor.( This is present program in the PLC)

But for 1D) we can updated the PLC decanter centrifuge to following.

 1D Updated) Once is in overload, the PLC will slow down the pump to lower down the pump capacity to the centrifuge max capacity, if the centrifuge is still in overload, the PLC will stop the pump, and later stop the main motor and finally the back drive motor.

1E) When we stop the centrifuge, the stop order is: first the pump, later the main motor, finally the back drive motor, if we do not follow the order, the PLC will control not to stop the centrifuge.

Manual Mode Operation of the PLC Decanter Centrifuge

2A) If we run the centrifuge in Manual model, first we set the bowl speed, and set differential speed, and set the pump capacity. When we start, we can only follow the order to press the bowl start and the pump start, if not, no motor will start.

2B) In the manual mode, if we stop the centrifuge, it is the same like 1E). the stop order is: first the pump, later the main motor, finally the back drive motor, if we do not follow the order, the PLC will control not to stop the centrifuge.

2C) In the manual mode, if the centrifuge is in overload, the PLC will stop the pump, and later stop the main motor, finally, stop the back drive motor.( This is present program in the PLC)

But for 2C) we can updated to following.

 2C Updated) Once is in overload, the PLC will slow down the pump to lower down the pump capacity to the centrifuge max capacity ,if the centrifuge is still in overload, the PLC will stop the pump, and later stop the main motor and finally the back drive motor.

Moreover, For option, we can choose to install the temperature sensor for the bearings, and vibration sensor for the PLC Decanter Centrifuge. If the bearing increasing temperature is higher than 50C° the centrifuge will stop automatically. And if the vibration is higher than the standard, the PLC Decanter centrifuge will stop automatically. But this will be higher cost.

GN can offer customized smart control operation per user’s special requrest. For more information, contact GN group as below:

GN China: http://www.gnsolidscontrol.com

GN U.S.A:http://www.gnsolidsamerica.com

Solids control equipment was treated as an Insurance policy against catastrophe prevention. Today, the more expensive drilling fluids require a low-drilled solids concentration. The new mud systems, being used, are expensive and these drilling fluids require lower concentration of drilling solids. Today’s environmental concerns dictate the removal of drilled solids to minimize the waste. Economics play a very important part; expensive drilling fluids can be reused if solids are removed in an efficient manner. And if the waste is minimized so is the disposal cost.

Solids control equipment was historically been justified as an Insurance policy against catastrophe prevention. Today, the more expensive drilling fluids require a low-drilled solids concentration. More and more solids control system equipped with decanter centrifuge to minimize the waste discharge.

There is usually 2 decanter centrifuge for a complete solids control mud system for drilling rigs.

1) The first centrifuge we call it barite recovery centrifuge. It is a middle speed decanter centrifuge, with G force around 700~1000, and the speed is usually around 2000rpm (2200rom for GNLW452 centrifuge). It used to remove barite from the clean drilling fluids from other solids control equipment. The recovered barite will not be discharge but turn back to the drilling rig mud system. The fluids phase from this decanter centrifuge will be collected in a tank and transfer to another decanter.

2) The other decanter centrifuge usually utilize high speed and G force around 1800~2300 (3200rpm for GNLW363 centrifuge). The centrifuge is used to separate fine solids from the low gravity solids mud.

The dual decanter centrifuge can minimize the solids discharge and lower the drilling cost.

GN can also make big bowl decanter centrifuge for slurry separation or waste management. Below is the complete GN centrifuge model. For more information, contact GN group.

Decanter centrifuge widely used in oil and gas drilling field and drilling waste management field. There are mainly three types of feed pump feeding for decanter centrifuge.

Below is the details description of the 3 type feed pump. The world top solids control and waste management manufacturer – GN Solids Control also give suggestion about how to choose suitable feed pump for your decanter centrifuge.

1) Decanter centrifuge feed pump -Screw pump

Screw pump, also named as Positive Displacement Feed Pump or Meno pump. GN Solids Control Company (China top manufacturer on mud solids control and waste management equipment) chooses from German brand Netzsch, fluid touch material stainless steel. Other famous brand, like Derrick, Swaco, Brandt, also choose screw pump feed for the decanter centrifuge.

Screw pump is reliable on performance, and better on materiall, it is mainly used for waste management system. Screw pump usually mounted on the tank slope. It will occupy part of the tank usable capacity. No need remove during shipment.

2) Decanter centrifuge feed pump –Submersible slurry pump

Centrifuge feed pump submersible slurry pump mainly used for solids control system or no dig mud system, like barite recovery, HDD system, CBM drilling, micro tunneling, etc… The pump can be mounted on the tank top, no need to occupy tank space, it can save tank capacity. The pump should be put into fluids for suction.

Main advantages of the pump is that, it can allow solids side below 7~8mm. It is easy for maintenance. But as submersible slurry pump mounted on tank top, usually it is over 1 m higher than the tank top, need to be removed during shipment.

3) Decanter centrifuge feed pump –centrifugal pump (GNSB series pump)

Centrifugal pump also be used for decanter centrifuge in some cases. It is not as common as Screw pump or Submersible slurry pump. As the same with screw pump, it is usually mounted on tank slope. It will occupy part of the tank usable capacity. No need remove during shipment.

If you still have wondering on the 3 types of feed pump for decanter centrifuge, you can contact GN engineer group for help. You can contact their China base or Houston base, either one available.

Drill waste management and solids control is important for drilling rigs. It is used to recovery drilling mud, reduce drilling cost and remove discharge.

Functions of drill mud solids control

Solids control, it is the process to treat the drilling mud/fluids from drilling rig, to remove the solids and recovery usable drilling mud for drilling activity.

Equipment for drill mud solids control

It is usually said 4-step solids control and 5-step process.

4-step solids control means the treatment of shale shaker (1#), desander (2#), desilter (3#), and decanter centrifuge (4#).

The above 4-step, together with vacuum degasser, combined of the complete 5-step process.

Vacuum degasser strictly said, it is not solids control equipment, it is used after shale shaker but before mud cleaner. It is used to remove gas from drilling mud , to avoid un-expected gas make damage to drilling mud.

Functions of drill waste management

Drill / Drilling waste management is usually used after solids control equipment. It is the process to treat drilling / drill cuttings from solids control equipment, like the solids discharge from shale shaker, mud cleaner. 

Main equipment for drill waste management

High G shale shaker, vertical cutting dryer, screw conveyor, centrifuge, dewatering unit… They mainly used for drilling waste management. Customer choose suitable equipment per jobsite situations. 

Who can offer solids control and drill waste management

GN Solids Control is China made but service in U.S.A company. GN can make complete line solidscontrol equipment, and drill waste management equipment, as well as different models of replacement shaker screen (for Derrick, Swaco, Brandt…)  

 

GN Solids Control Co., Ltd is manufactures complete line of mud recycling and mixing system for oil & gas drilling, for trenchless, waster well drilling, mining, piling and micro tunneling industries. GN can offer mud recycling system with capacity vary from 150 GPM to 1000 GPM (50~240 m³ / hour).

GND series mud recycling system

GND series mud recycling unit is simplified recycling system, usually, also been refer as desander machine, desander plant for piling industry.

GND series mud system for piling industry is mainly complete with Vermeer, Ditch Witch, German T & T. GND series mud system have widely used in Australia, America, Middle east and South Asia, like Burma, Pakistan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Oman, UAE, Saudi Arab…

GND-120 mud recycling system for piling

Recently, 2 sets GND-120 piling mud recycling system have been shipped to South Asia market. The total system is compact footprint and easy for movement. Customers only need to fall down the control panel (Explosion proof), and then the total system can be shipped as a package.

Parameters of GND-120 mud recycling system for piling

Total capacity: 120m³/h  

System dimension: 2.1×1.5×2.7m

Total weight: 2700kg                                                                                                                 

Total power: 38.5kw

Separation point: 50 microns

Mud cleaner: GNZJ752D-1S (Double deck shale shaker GNZS752D)

All GN mud recycling have been test with water before delivery. Or test with barite per customers’ special requirement.

GN can also offer customized system. For more information of GN recycling system. You can contact GN freely. Or visit GN hear office in China Beijing, Brach office in America or Australia.

Double deck shale shaker and High G shale shaker is widely used for oil and gas drilling rigs site.They can be used for both mud solids control or drilling cuttings waste management.

They are both linear motion shale shaker. Many customer do not know the difference of Double deck shale shaker and High G shale shaker. Below is the explanation from world top solids control and waste management equipment manufacturer – GN Solids Control. Let GN tell you the difference of the 2 types of shale shaker and choose the suitable model for your drilling rig.

Double deck shale shaker, linear motion: GNZS703D

GNZS703D is the typical double deck shale shaker. It utilized 2 each shaker screen for top deck and 3 each shaker screens for bottom deck.

Advantages of GNZS703D double deck shale shaker

1). For the same API size and the same area bottom shaker screen. double deck shale shaker can treat a bigger capacity. The wide-meshed shaker screen on top deck can separate most big size solids before the mud enter into the bottom deck. It greatly reduce the load of bottom shaker screen.

2). For the same API size and the same screen area shaker screen. double deck shale shaker can separate the drilling mud or drilling cuttings more dryer. As there are 2 times shale shaker separation.

Disadvantage of double deck shale shaker

The double deck shale shaker have advantages of bigger advantage and dryer separation result, but it has some difficult to change shaker screen. And the cost of replacement shaker screen also higher, as there are 5 each screen for a shale shaker.

High G shale shaker, linear motion: GNZS594

GNZS594 is a high G shale shaker model, with linear motion. It uses 4 panel shaker screen. And the shaker screen interchangeable with Swaco Mongoose shale shaker, composite material. It is single deck, relative easy to change shaker screen compared with double deck shale shaker.

Conclusion

So the user can choose shaker type per your drilling rig conditions and per your applications (for solids control or for waste management). If you have a higher solids content, or want bigger capacity, and take more time for screen changing is not problem, you can choose double deck shale shaker. If you prefer fast screen changing, high G shale shaker single deck is better.

Functions of solids control equipment- shale shaker

Solids Control shale shaker is the first stage separation equipment for oilfield drilling mud cleaning system. It utilizes vibrating motor to generate vibrating strength. The vibrating strength drive the drilling mud going through the shale shaker. When the drilling mud go through the shaker screen, clean mud will filter into mud tank. Not allowable bigger solids will pass the screen surface and been discharged.

Types of solids control equipment – shale shaker

Per different motion design. There are mainly 2 types of shale shaker:

1) Linear motion shale shaker. It is the most common shaker model for oil and gas drilling solids control system

2) Balanced Elliptical motion shale shaker. It is not recommended for oil and gas drilling, as the flow capacity is big. The BEM shaker, while mud flow not equal, the motion of the shaker will be changed. And performance not good. Mostly, professional users prefer linear motion for a wide use.

Separation size of solids control equipment – shale shaker

The separation size of the shale shaker equipment depends on shaker screen size. We call it API size or mesh size. The API defers from API 20 to API 325 per API RP13 standard.

Through changing different API size shaker screen, the solids control shale shaker can separate solids size min. above 40 microns (at API 325 shaker screen)

If you do not need to separate so fine solids, you can choose more fine shaker screen, Like 800 microns @ API 20.

The common screen API size for solids control shale shaker is API60, API80, API100, API140,API160. Customer can choose the suitable size per drilling mud condition.

Features & Benefits of GN solids control equipment- shale shaker

1) Heat treatment on complete shaker deck.
2) Vibrating Motor: Italy OLI brand, IEC Ex and ATEX Option available.
3) Electrical components: SIEMENS, Schneider Brand.
4) Shale Shaker Deck Bottom Screen Support Material Stainless Steel
5) Shaker Basket Material: Q345 High Strength alloy material.

6) G force of GN shale shaker can up to 7.5G. And adjustable. It can separate the drilling fluids more dryer.

7) Deck Adjustment (AWD): -1°~+5°

AWD Angle Adjustment System for GN solids control shale shaker

GN AWD Angle Adjustment System for solids control shale shaker is the patent design. It is synchronized change for both sides. You can adjust from any side, the angle change is the same for both side.

GN have a options for AWD Angle Adjustment: Left side of the shaker is a small motor for automatic control. And there are control for the small motor on shale shaker control panel. Right side of the shaker utilize tools for angle adjustment.  GN will offer tools together with the shaker. Customer can choose any way to change the angle.

Shale shaker can also combined with desander or desilter assembly and used as mud cleaner. For more information of GN solids control shale shaker, you can visit GN website or contact GN group.

General explanation of Drilling fluids liquid mud plant

All drilling operation will require a blend of chemicals which are mixed drilling fluids commonly known as drilling mud, solids control and the circulating equipment are critical and interrelated part of the drilling operations. Drilling mud (drilling fluids) consists of a continuous liquid phase to which various chemicals and solids have been added to modify the operational properties.

Functions of Drilling fluids from liquid mud plant

The drilling mud has a host of critical functions, including controlling formation pressure, removing cuttings from the well sealing permeable formation and marinating well bore stability until the casing is cemented in the well bore and cooling and lubricating the drill bit.

Meanwhile solids control equipment separates drill solids from the drilling mud, thereby allowing it to be re-circulated down the drill pipe. Depending on the geological formation, environmental, application and well objectives, the drilling mud system are either water based or emulsion based.

The importance of liquid mud plant for drilling fluids

For environmental reasons and restriction especially in land drilling operation, the drilling mud and cutting must be handled in an environmental safe condition. Therefore instead of storing and mixing the chemicals at individual rig site, majority of the oil companies are now adapting to have a central Liquid Mud plant for drilling fluids, where the storage, handling and mixing and liquid storage are kept.

From this centre, the liquid drilling mud is distributed by road tanker to the various rig sites. After the drilling operation the road tankers will transport the used drilling mud back to the center for treatment, reprocessing and storage. The waste water and solids are transported to the Waste Management facilities for treatment and disposal.

Supplier of Drilling fluids liquid mud plant

GN Solids Control can offer complete liquid mud plant, with tanks, drilling fluids mixing system, with decanter centrifuge and varioud feeding pumps. GN Solids Control is an international manufaturer on solids control equipment, like tanks, shale shaker, mud cleaner, shaker screen ,mud agitator, mud gun, decanter centrifuge, and waste management equipment, like big bowl decanter centrifuge, vertical cuttings dryer, screw conveyor… GN can make customized liquid mud plant for different area and market, like U.S, Europe, Canada, Romania, Russia, Kazakstan, Ukran, Pakistan, UAE, Oman, Libya, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Qatar, South Africa, Sudan, Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, Tunisia, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Australia,