A drilling fluid mud gun, a specialized device, works in conjunction with a drilling fluid agitator to agitate sediment and drilling fluid in dead zones within a drilling fluid tank.
Drilling Fluid Gun Categorization
Based on their structure, drilling fluid mud guns are categorized into two main types:
1. Fixed Drilling Fluid Guns
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Usage: Commonly used internationally in solids control system tanks.
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Installation: Operators mount them at two opposite corners, approximately 200 mm from the tank bottom.
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Mechanism: The nozzle is parallel to the longitudinal tank wall, which creates a rotation of the drilling fluid layer for agitation.
2. Rotary Drilling Fluid Guns
Rotary drilling fluid guns are further divided into manually adjustable and self-rotating types.
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Manually Adjustable Types: These can be further classified as oscillating or rotary types.
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Common Use in China: Manually adjustable rotary drilling fluid guns are the most commonly used type in China.
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Installation: Operators fix them to the top of the tank, with the gun rod extending into the tank. The nozzle is typically 200 – 300 mm from the bottom.
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Mechanism: The gun’s rotation creates a rotation of the drilling fluid layer, achieving the agitation purpose.
2. Installation, Use, Operation, and Maintenance of Drilling Fluid Mud Guns
1) Installation of Drilling Fluid Mud Guns
1. Operators should design and install the length of the drilling fluid gun barrel according to the depth of the drilling fluid tank.
2. Operators should install a medium-pressure valve at the front of the drilling fluid gun to control the medium-pressure drilling fluid entering the gun.
3. Operators should securely fix rotary drilling fluid guns to the tank surface, orienting them perpendicular to it.
4. Operators should coordinate the drilling fluid gun’s arrangement with the agitator‘s position in the tank.
2) Use of Drilling Fluid Guns
For self-rotating drilling fluid guns, simply opening the valve in front of the gun will automatically rotate it.
For oscillating drilling fluid guns, the operator needs to manually move the handle to control the nozzle position, thereby achieving the function of agitating the drilling fluid and removing
Operators use drilling fluid guns in conjunction with agitators; however, drilling fluid guns alone cannot solve the problem of solid suspension in drilling fluid.
3) Maintenance and upkeep of mud guns
Oscillating and self-rotating drilling fluid guns should have their bearings lubricated regularly to prevent seizing.
Regularly check the seals of the mud gun to prevent leaks due to poor sealing.
