Drilling mud tank cleaning equipment can generally be divided into two categories: internal anti-settling cleaning tools and external or shutdown deep-cleaning equipment. Their primary purpose is to prevent solids settlement and remove residual drilling mud from the tank.
Core Cleaning Equipment
Mud Gun (Mud Tank Cleaning Gun)
The mud gun is the most important internal tank cleaning tool. It uses high-pressure fluid jets to wash dead zones and corners at the bottom of the tank, preventing mud solids from settling.
According to operating pressure, mud guns can be classified into:
- Low-pressure mud guns: ≤ 1.6 MPa
- Medium-pressure mud guns: 1.6–3.2 MPa
- High-pressure mud guns: ≥ 3.2 MPa
Mud gun nozzles feature either fixed or 360-degree rotating designs. Operators commonly pair these mud guns with centrifugal sand pumps to drive continuous fluid circulation and tank cleaning.
Automatic Mud Tank Cleaning System
Automatic tank cleaning systems are designed for deep cleaning during equipment shutdowns. These systems typically integrate:
- High-pressure water pumps
- Clean water storage tanks
- Solid-liquid separation units (such as hydrocyclones and filtration systems)
The cleaning water can be recycled and reused, significantly reducing manual cleaning time and improving operational efficiency.
Mobile High-Pressure Cleaning Machine
Mobile high-pressure cleaning units are used together with long-reach spray lances or robotic arms to remove stubborn mud deposits from tank walls and accumulated sludge at the tank bottom.
They are particularly suitable for localized deep cleaning of large drilling mud tanks.
Auxiliary and Related Equipment
Mud Agitator
Although the primary function of a mud agitator is mixing, it also plays a critical role in the cleaning process by continuously agitating the drilling fluid and preventing new solids from settling.
It serves as the foundation of maintaining a “dynamic clean” condition inside the mud tank.
Sludge Transfer Pump (Submersible Slurry Pump)
During cleaning operations, sludge transfer pumps are used to remove the dense slurry suspended by mud guns or high-pressure cleaning equipment.
The collected slurry is then transferred to the solids control system for further separation and treatment.
Desander and Desilter Integrated Unit (Mud Cleaner)
Strictly speaking, a mud cleaner is a solids control and purification device rather than a cleaning tool. However, by continuously removing fine solids from the drilling fluid, it indirectly reduces the amount of solids entering the mud tank and minimizes sediment buildup.
As a result, the frequency of mud tank cleaning can be significantly reduced.
Conclusion
A complete mud tank cleaning solution typically combines several types of equipment, including mud guns, mud agitators, sludge pumps, automatic tank cleaning systems, and mud cleaners. By integrating these devices, drilling operators can effectively prevent solids accumulation, maintain optimal mud properties, reduce downtime, and improve overall drilling efficiency.
