Solids control equipment is a key piece of equipment used in drilling engineering to separate solid particles from drilling fluids. Its main purpose is to remove harmful solid phases and preserve useful solid phases to meet the performance requirements of drilling processes for drilling fluids.
Core Functions:
Reducing drilling torque and friction, minimizing annular pressure fluctuations, and increasing drilling speed.
Reducing equipment wear, extending drill bit life, and preventing differential pressure sticking.
Main Equipment Components:
1. Mud Shale Shaker (Primary Solids Control)
Separates coarse particles larger than 74 microns through high-frequency vibrating screening.
Core Components: Vibrating motor, multi-layer screen.
2. Desander (Secondary Solids Control)
Separates sand-sized particles of 45-74 microns using a hydrocyclone.
Relies on centrifugal force to throw the solid phase against the cylinder wall for discharge.
3. Desilter (Three-stage Solids Control)
The hydrocyclone separates mud-sized particles of 10-44 microns.
Treats drilling fluids containing clay or colloidal particles.
4. Horizontal Screw Centrifuge (Four-stage Solids Control)
Separates fine particles or colloids of 2-7 microns.
Used for barite recovery or treating non-weighted mud.
Other Auxiliary Equipment:
Drilling Fluid Cleaner: Combines the desilter with an ultra-fine screen for barite recovery.
Sand Pump: Provides high-pressure power for the hydrocyclone.
Mud Agitator: Maintains drilling fluid homogeneity.
