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A solids control system allows you to remove large drilled solids from your drilling fluid without significantly impacting the rheology or viscosity of your mud. Using the solids control system to your advantage can save you money and time while ensuring the safety of your workers and the environment. In this article, you will learn about the various systems you can use to achieve this goal, including Hydrocyclones, Centrifuges, and Shakers.
Centrifuges
Using centrifuges in a drilling fluid application is a great way to improve the quality of your drilling fluid. However, if you don’t choose the correct centrifuge for the job, you could have unsatisfactory results if so, you need to find some companies that might help you for example Diamond T are experts in technical expertise and deep equipment inventory to ensure maximum drilling fluid returns, time-saving efficiencies, and environmental best-practices. The wrong selection can result in waste volumes that are significantly higher than they should be, mud conditioning costs that are increased, and unacceptable drilling performance.
Choosing the correct centrifuge can be difficult because the type of drill bit you use, the fluid-on-cuttings restrictions, and the wellbore geometry are all critical factors. It’s common for operators to rely on retort analysis for determining the correct centrifuge model for their application, but retort analysis does not measure the change in plastic viscosity.
Shakers
Increasing efficiency and decreasing non-productive time is essential in today’s drilling rigs. Solids control automation is now being developed to address these demands.
Shakers are an essential part of the solids control system. They help recover valuable drilling fluid and separate drilled solids from the mud. They also provide a safe way to dispose of drilled fluid. However, the effectiveness of this equipment depends on how clean the drilling fluid is.
In addition to the shale shaker, other solids control equipment is required. These components include screens, mudloggers, and additional solidification materials. The best solids control package will also meet strict environmental regulations.
Hydrocyclones
During the drilling process, the use of hydrocyclones has become a standard feature in solids control systems. These simple mechanical devices remove debris by separating solids based on size, density, and weight.
These devices are made of wrought iron, composite material, and polyurethane. They are strong, durable, and hold up well during the drilling process.
The hydro cyclone’s primary function is to separate solids from the mud. They use centrifugal force to accelerate particles to the wall of the unit. The particles are then expelled, while the clean fluid flows through the bottom of the hydrocyclone and into a waste pit.
Centrifugal Pumps
Regardless of the type of solids control equipment you use, centrifugal pumps play an important role in your drilling mud system. A pump is designed for different operating conditions and can handle a variety of liquids and temperatures.
When you use a centrifugal pump, it will generate feed pressure and accelerate the mud through a series of impellers. This enables it to pump liquids from tank to tank.
The design of a centrifugal pump is determined by the flow profile. If the shape is not correct, you may experience unbalanced pump suction inlet loading. This can cause premature pump failure.
Study Of The Solids Control System, Mud Properties, & Correlation To The Drilling Operation
Developing efficient solids control equipment can reduce drilling fluid management costs and decrease the amount of waste drilled. The oil and gas industry is increasingly attempting to drill deeper, longer wells. Keeping pace with this trend, new solutions are being sought.
One of the ways to evaluate the performance of solids control equipment is to examine the results of low-gravity drilled solids in the mud system. The results provide evidence that the system is working properly.
The upper limit of the solid fraction in the fluid is approximately six percent by volume. This is important in maintaining hydrostatic pressure. The lower the solid content, the lower the mud density, which prevents gas influx from migrating into the wellbore.
Removing Large Drilled Solid Particles Without Significantly Impacting Drilling Fluid Solids
Often, removing large drilled solid particles from drilling fluid is a critical step in the mud recycling process. This process allows the mud to gradually degrade and eventually transform into colloid size, allowing it to move more efficiently through the drill string. This process may be costly, but it can result in significant cost savings.
In this study, we investigated how to remove large drilled solid particles from drilling fluid without significantly impacting the overall drilling fluid solids. Using a weighing system, we were able to evaluate the differences in rheological properties of different weighting agents and determine their effect on the density and viscosity of the mud.
Mud Circulation Reduces Viscosity & Rheology
Various studies have been conducted in the field of mud rheology. Among the essential properties of drilling, muds are apparent viscosity, gel strength, yield point, and consistency index. These properties are critical in the transport of drilled solids. In addition, they affect the ability of a wellbore to support a fracturing process.
The most common types of mud are oil-based and water-based. Although both types of mud have their advantages, both have drawbacks. In oil-based muds, environmental concerns are a significant issue. Also, abrasive solids cause excessive wear on equipment. Moreover, a high mud weight can lead to a loss of circulation in the wellbore, increasing the risk of differential sticking.
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