The Key Role of Mud Cleaner

In oil drilling operations, the cleanliness of drilling fluid directly affects drilling efficiency, wellbore stability, and equipment lifespan. As drilling depth and complexity continue to increase, traditional desanders and desilters alone are often insufficient to meet the requirements for efficient purification. The mud cleaner, which integrates both desanding and desilting functions into a single unit, has become an indispensable component in modern solids control systems. Leveraging its in-depth research in drilling fluid solids control technology, Xi’an Kosun has accumulated extensive experience in the design, manufacturing, and application of cleaners, providing reliable purification solutions for global oil and gas drilling projects.

The primary function of a mud cleaner is to further remove medium-to-fine particles that shale shakers are unable to separate, typically with particle sizes between 20 and 74 microns. If these fine solids are not removed promptly, they can increase drilling fluid viscosity, cause density fluctuations, and consequently raise drill torque, accelerate wear, or even lead to stuck pipes and wellbore collapse, creating serious safety risks. By combining centrifugal separation with screening, the cleaner efficiently removes solid particles without altering mud properties, maintaining smooth flow and stability in the drilling fluid circulation system.



During operation, pre-treated drilling fluid first enters the hydrocyclone separation unit of the cleaner. The high-speed rotation generates centrifugal force, which forces the heavier solids outward. The separated upper liquid layer then passes through a fine mesh screen for secondary filtration, ensuring that the discharged fluid is even cleaner. Xi’an Kosun’s drilling fluid cleaners feature an optimized fluid dynamics design, with low flow resistance, high separation efficiency, and stable overall operation. Even under high solid-loading conditions, the equipment maintains continuous, high-efficiency purification.

Compared with single-function devices, drilling fluid cleaners offer significant advantages, including a compact structure, strong processing capacity, and ease of maintenance. They can substantially reduce the load on downstream centrifuges, decrease the overall energy consumption of the mud treatment system, and extend the service life of drilling fluid, ultimately lowering drilling costs at the source. By incorporating a modular design concept, Xi’an Kosun ensures that cleaners can flexibly integrate with different solids control system layouts, whether for onshore drilling or offshore platforms, providing easy installation, commissioning, and maintenance.



In addition, Xi’an Kosun has carried out comprehensive optimizations in material selection and manufacturing processes. The main body of the equipment is made of wear- and corrosion-resistant steel, while the hydrocyclones are constructed from high-performance polymer polyurethane, offering excellent impact resistance and extended wear life. The screen section uses high-strength stainless steel composite screens, ensuring long-term screening accuracy and stability. Some models are also equipped with intelligent monitoring systems, which can real-time monitor pressure, flow, and vibration, providing operators with accurate data support and further enhancing system safety and automation.

The stable operation of drilling fluid cleaners not only improves mud circulation purification efficiency but also effectively protects the wellbore, reduces drill bit wear, and extends equipment lifespan, thereby increasing drilling efficiency while lowering costs. With over 30 years of industry experience, Xi’an Kosun adheres to the philosophy of “quality as the foundation, innovation as the guide”, continuously optimizing product performance and improving after-sales services to provide efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective drilling fluid cleaning solutions for global oilfield clients.

Looking forward, Xi’an Kosun will continue to focus on innovation in solids control technologies, helping the oil drilling industry move toward safer, more efficient, and greener operations.

Choosing the Right Vertical Degasser

In the mud circulation systems of oil drilling, the fluid treatment processes of chemical production, and even the wastewater purification workflows of the environmental industry, harmful gases hidden within fluids remain an “invisible hazard” that threatens production efficiency, product quality, and operational safety. As a core device for solving this issue, choosing the right vertical degasser not only significantly improves fluid purity but also ensures the stable operation of the entire production line.

Faced with a wide range of vertical degasser products on the market, how can enterprises make the right selection? With years of deep expertise and hands-on experience in industrial fluid treatment, Xi’an Kosun has summarized the key factors for accurate equipment selection.

The first step in selecting a vertical degasser is to align it closely with your actual fluid-handling requirements. Xi’an Kosun recommends first determining the maximum circulation capacity of your fluid (in cubic meters per hour or gallons per minute) to ensure that the degasser’s processing capability fully meets, or slightly exceeds, the real operational demand.

The drive motor, serving as the power source of a vertical degasser, directly affects the equipment’s operational stability and energy efficiency. Xi’an Kosun exercises strict quality control in motor selection, precisely matching the motor power to the degasser’s processing capacity for each model. This ensures sufficient power without overloading, while avoiding unnecessary energy waste caused by oversized motors.

Notably, Xi’an Kosun uses high-quality motors from leading industry brands, which feature low noise, excellent stability, and high energy efficiency. Over long-term operation, these advantages help significantly reduce energy consumption and overall operating costs for enterprises.


The layout of industrial sites is often complex and varied, making ease of installation an important factor when selecting equipment. Xi’an Kosun fully considers this requirement from the very beginning of its design process. The company’s vertical degassers feature a modular structure with a compact footprint and well-optimized layout, allowing for seamless integration into existing production systems. They can also be easily adapted to different site configurations, significantly reducing installation difficulty and construction time, enabling the equipment to be put into operation quickly and efficiently.

From demand matching to core components, from power systems to intelligent configurations, and from site adaptability to operational reliability, every selection detail impacts a company’s productivity and safety. As a specialized manufacturer dedicated to the R&D and production of industrial fluid treatment equipment, Xi’an Kosun remains customer-oriented, leveraging technological innovation and strict quality control to provide the oil drilling, chemical, and environmental protection industries with more efficient, durable, and intelligent vertical degasser solutions.

If you are still unsure about which vertical degasser best suits your needs, contact Xi’an Kosun today. Our professional technical team will provide one-on-one selection guidance, helping you choose with confidence and operate with peace of mind.

Key Equipment in the Solids Control System – Working Principle and Selection of Vacuum Degasser

The vacuum degasser is a specialized solids control device used in oil and gas drilling to handle gas-contaminated drilling fluid. It is also known as a negative-pressure degasser or drilling fluid degasser.

In petroleum and natural gas drilling operations, gas intrusion into the drilling fluid is one of the critical factors affecting well control safety and operational efficiency. The vacuum degasser can rapidly remove various gases that have entered the drilling fluid, playing a vital role in restoring mud density and stabilizing mud properties. It is therefore an indispensable technical device for ensuring the safety of drilling operations.

1. Working Principle

The vacuum degasser operates based on Henry’s Law, which states that the solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to its partial pressure. The device establishes and maintains a negative-pressure environment within a sealed container, reducing the partial pressure of dissolved gases and forcing the gases to come out of the drilling fluid.

The working process can be divided into three key steps:

Establishing the Vacuum Environment:

A vacuum pump or ejector pump creates and maintains a stable negative-pressure state inside the degasser tank. This vacuum serves as the driving force for the entire separation process.

Gas–Liquid Separation Process:

Gas-contaminated drilling fluid is sucked into the tank under vacuum. It passes over specially designed umbrella plates or baffles, which spread the fluid into thin liquid films. During this process, dissolved gases rapidly come out of solution and expand, achieving efficient separation.

Orderly Discharge:

The separated gases are safely vented through the vacuum system, while the purified drilling fluid returns to the circulation system, restoring its density and regaining its functional properties.

2. Key Points for Selecting a Vacuum Degasser

Clarify Production Requirements

The first step in selecting a vacuum degasser model is to fully understand the specific production requirements. Key factors to consider include the characteristics of the drilling fluid, required processing capacity, and working environment conditions. Different production scenarios place varying demands on equipment performance, and accurate requirement analysis forms the foundation for proper selection.

Processing Capacity

Processing capacity is a decisive parameter for selection, referring to the cubic meters of drilling fluid the equipment can treat per hour. The rated capacity should exceed the maximum expected drilling fluid circulation rate and include a sufficient safety margin. Inadequate capacity may result in incomplete degassing, which can compromise well control safety.

Consider the Working Pressure Range

The working pressure range is an important factor affecting degassing efficiency. Different production processes have specific pressure requirements, and the selected equipment must be capable of operating within this range. Proper pressure settings are critical to achieving effective gas removal.

Evaluate Equipment Reliability

Focus on stability and durability during selection. Stable equipment ensures continuous and reliable operation, while durable equipment maintains performance over long-term use. Both factors directly impact production efficiency and operating costs.

Refer to Actual Application Feedback

Before finalizing a model, it is advisable to review its performance in real-world applications. Examining how the equipment operates under similar conditions and considering user feedback provides valuable insights to guide selection.

Recommended Selection Process:

Analyze well conditions → Determine processing requirements → Choose performance parameters → Optimize power configuration → Verify equipment quality

3. Engineering Application Value Analysis

In drilling engineering projects, deploying a vacuum degasser offers clear technical and economic benefits:

Enhancing Safety Levels: Serves as an active well-control measure, providing an additional reliable technical barrier for drilling operations.

Ensuring Operational Continuity: Reduces non-productive time caused by gas-contaminated drilling fluid, thereby improving overall drilling efficiency.

Optimizing Lifecycle Costs: Compared to potential costs from well-control incidents and production losses, investing in the equipment offers significant cost-effectiveness. The use of energy-saving technologies, such as ejector pumps, can further reduce operational energy consumption.

Conclusion

In drilling operations under deep, ultra-deep, and complex geological conditions, the vacuum degasser has evolved from an auxiliary device into a core piece of equipment for well-control safety. Its rigorous technical principles, reliable engineering design, and clear application value make it an indispensable component of modern drilling fluid purification systems.

As its application continues to expand, the vacuum degasser has surpassed the role of a single-function device, becoming a strategic element for ensuring drilling safety and enhancing operational efficiency. From conventional oil and gas exploration to unconventional resources such as geothermal and coalbed methane drilling, its ability to efficiently remove dissolved gases and stabilize drilling mud has become increasingly prominent.

Therefore, selecting a technically mature and reliable model based on specific operating conditions, and integrating it scientifically into the system, is not only a critical step in risk management and efficiency optimization for drilling projects, but also a key foundation for safe control of high-risk drilling operations and maximizing economic benefits.

One article read solids control system

In industrial fields such as oil drilling, shale gas development and mine exploration, the performance of drilling fluid (also known as mud) directly affects drilling efficiency, downhole safety and operation costs. The solids control system is precisely the core support system that ensures the continuous and stable operation of drilling fluid. As a professional enterprise deeply engaged in solid control equipment and system solutions, Xi ‘an Kosun, with years of industry experience, not only has a profound understanding of the technical essence of solid control systems, but also can tailor efficient and reliable solid control solutions for customers in different scenarios, helping the industry achieve green and efficient drilling operations. ​

In simple terms, a solids control system is a comprehensive equipment system that removes solid impurities (such as cuttings, sand grains, colloidal particles, etc.) from drilling fluid through classification separation and purification treatment, while recovering useful components (such as weighting agents, chemical treatment agents). During the drilling process, the drill bit breaks the formation rock, generating a large amount of cuttings. These cuttings circulate back to the surface with the drilling fluid. If not removed in time, it will lead to an increase in the viscosity and abnormal density of the drilling fluid, not only increasing the drilling torque and energy consumption, but also may cause safety hazards such as well gushing and well leakage, and even damage the drilling equipment. The core function of the solids control system is to “purify” the drilling fluid returning to the surface through scientific technological processes and professional equipment, restoring its performance to a state that meets the drilling requirements, achieving recycling and reuse. This not only reduces the waste of drilling fluid and lowers operation costs but also avoids environmental pollution caused by discarded drilling fluid, which is in line with the modern industrial green development concept.

A complete fixed control system is not merely the simple superposition of a single device, but is composed of multiple core devices and auxiliary facilities with complementary functions working in coordination. This is also the focus of Xi ‘an Kosun in system design and integration. From the perspective of the process, the drilling fluid first enters the vibrating screen, which serves as the “first line of defense”. Through the high-frequency vibrating screen, large rock cuttings with a particle size greater than 75μm are filtered out, initially reducing the solid content. Subsequently, the drilling fluid containing medium and fine particles enters the desander, where the sand impurities ranging from 44 to 75μm are removed by cyclone separation technology. Then, the desilter comes into play, focusing on handling fine solid phases ranging from 15 to 44μm, further enhancing the cleanliness of the drilling fluid. For ultrafine particles with a particle size less than 15μm and colloidal substances, a horizontal screw centrifuge is used to deeply separate them through the centrifugal force generated by high-speed rotation, and at the same time, valuable weighting materials such as barite are recovered. All kinds of equipment work closely together to form a complete closed loop of “hierarchical purification – recycling”. ​

In scenarios such as sludge dewatering and industrial wastewater treatment in the environmental protection field, solid control systems also play a significant role. Xi ‘an Kosun can customize dedicated solid control solutions based on the composition characteristics of different types of wastewater and sludge. Through equipment such as horizontal screw centrifuges, it can achieve efficient solid-liquid separation, helping environmental protection enterprises improve treatment efficiency and meet discharge standards.

With the continuous improvement of the industry’s requirements for drilling efficiency, safety and environmental protection, the importance of solids control systems has become increasingly prominent. As a professional service provider in the solid control field, Xi ‘an Kosun has always closely followed the technological development trend and constantly innovated its products and solutions. From single equipment supply to complete system integration, from the initial scheme design to the later operation and maintenance services, Xi ‘an Kosun provides customers with “one-stop” solid control services, helping them achieve efficient, safe and green production in drilling operations.

From energy development to mining, and then to construction and environmental protection treatment, Xi ‘an Kosun’s solids control systems always take scene requirements as the core. Through technological innovation and customized services, they provide efficient and reliable solids control support for customers in various industries. In the future, Xi ‘an Kosun will continue to focus on the field of solids control technology, providing more advanced systems and better services to safeguard the high-quality development of industries such as oil drilling.

Mud Recycling System Treatment Process: Efficient, Eco-Friendly Drilling Waste Management

In modern drilling operations, managing drilling mud waste is both an environmental obligation and a cost-saving opportunity. A mud recycling system treatment process ensures sustainable reuse of drilling fluids while minimizing environmental impact. This article explores how advanced mud recycling systems work, their benefits, and why they’re essential for compliant, efficient drilling operations.


How Does a Mud Recycling System Work?

The mud recycling treatment process involves multiple stages to separate, clean, and reuse drilling fluids:

1. Solid-Liquid Separation

  • Shale Shakers: Remove large cuttings (≥75μm) from drilling mud via vibration screening.
  • Decanter Centrifuges: Further separate fine solids (5–10μm) using centrifugal force.
  • Key Benefit: Extends mud lifespan, reduces disposal costs.

2. Chemical Treatment & Stabilization

  • Polymer Flocculants: Bind ultrafine particles for easier removal.
  • pH Adjustment: Optimizes mud properties for reuse.
  • Key Benefit: Maintains mud viscosity and lubricity.

3. Dewatering (Optional)

  • Filter Presses: Reduce moisture content in separated solids for landfill compliance.
  • Evaporation Pits: Natural drying for arid climates.

4. Clean Mud Reintroduction

  • Recycled fluids are reinjected into the active mud system.
  • Key Benefit: Cuts fresh mud consumption by up to 70%.

Why Invest in a Mud Recycling Treatment System?

✅ Cost Savings

  • Reduce fresh mud purchases by 50–80%.
  • Lower waste transportation/disposal fees.

✅ Environmental Compliance

  • Meets EPA, OSHA, and regional drilling waste regulations.
  • Minimizes groundwater contamination risks.

✅ Operational Efficiency

  • Fewer drilling interruptions for mud replacement.
  • Consistent fluid properties enhance ROP (Rate of Penetration).

Industry Applications

  • Oil & Gas Drilling (Onshore/Offshore)
  • HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling)
  • Geothermal Well Construction
  • Mining & Tunneling Projects

Choosing the Right Mud Recycling System

Consider these factors:

  • Throughput Capacity (50–500 m³/h systems available)
  • Automation Level (Manual vs. PLC-controlled)
  • Mobility (Skid-mounted, trailer, or modular designs)

Pro Tip: Look for ISO 9001/14001-certified suppliers with field-proven


FAQs About Mud Recycling Systems

Q: How much waste can a recycling system reduce?
A: Up to 90% of drilling waste volume through solids removal and reuse.

Q: What’s the ROI of a mud recycling unit?
A: Typically 6–18 months via mud cost savings and reduced disposal fees.

Q: Can it handle oil-based mud (OBM)?
A: Yes, but requires additional thermal or chemical treatment modules.


Conclusion

mud recycling system treatment process transforms drilling waste from a liability into a resource. By investing in this technology, operators achieve:

  • Lower costs
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Smaller environmental footprint

Ready to upgrade your drilling waste management?
 Contact KOSUN for a free consultation on customized mud recycling solutions!

KOSUN Solids Control System: The Complete Guide to Efficient Drilling Waste Management

Introduction to Solids Control in Drilling Operations

The KOSUN Solids Control System is an integrated solution designed to remove drilled solids, maintain optimal drilling fluid properties, and reduce environmental impact in oil & gas operations. As a leading manufacturer with 30+ years of experience, KOSUN delivers reliable solids control equipment for both onshore and offshore applications.

This comprehensive guide covers:
✔ Core components of KOSUN solids control system
✔ How the 5-stage purification process works
✔ Key benefits over conventional systems
✔ Industry applications and case studies

5-Stage Solids Control Process by KOSUN

1. Shale Shakers (Primary Removal)

  • Function: Remove large cuttings (74+ μm)
  • KOSUN Advantage:
    • Linear/elliptical motion models
    • API-compliant screen design
    • 20-30% higher throughput than industry average

2. Desanders & Desilters (Secondary Removal)

  • Particle Removal Range:
    • Desanders: 45-74 μm
    • Desilters: 15-44 μm
  • KOSUN Technology:
    • Hydrocyclone clusters with wear-resistant liners
    • Optimized cone geometry for 98% separation efficiency

3. Decanter Centrifuges (Fine Solids Removal)

  • Critical for:
    • Weighted mud recovery
    • Colloidal solids (<15 μm) removal
  • KOSUN Models Feature:
    • Variable frequency drive (VFD) control
    • G-force up to 3,200 × g
    • 30% lower power consumption

4. Degassers (Gas Removal)

  • Handles:
    • Entrained gases (H₂S, CH₄)
    • Foam suppression
  • KOSUN Vacuum Degasser:
    • 99% gas removal efficiency
    • Integrated with mud gas separator

5. Centrifugal Pumps & Mud Tanks

  • Closed-Loop System:
    • 500-3,000 GPM capacity range
    • Corrosion-resistant steel construction
    • Customizable tank configurations

Industry Applications

Oil & Gas Drilling

  • Reduces drilling fluid costs by 40-60%
  • Improves ROP by maintaining optimal mud weight

HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling)

  • Compact skid-mounted units
  • Meets urban environmental regulations

CBM & Shale Gas Operations

  • Handles high clay content formations
  • Recovers 85%+ of expensive synthetic mud

KOSUN vs Conventional Systems

ParameterKOSUN SystemStandard Systems
Solids Removal Efficiency95-98%80-90%
Fluid Recovery Rate90%+70-80%
Power Consumption15-20% lowerIndustry average
FootprintModular compact designBulky layout
Automation LevelIoT-enabled monitoringManual controls

6 Key Advantages of Choosing KOSUN

  1. Proven Reliability: 3,000+ installations worldwide
  2. Custom Engineering: Site-specific solutions for:
    • Arctic conditions (-50°C)
    • Desert operations (50°C+)
    • Offshore platforms
  3. Cost Savings:
    • 30% reduction in waste disposal costs
    • 50% longer equipment lifespan
  4. Environmental Compliance:
    • Meets API RP 13C standards
    • Reduces drilling waste volume by 60%
  5. Smart Monitoring:
    • Real-time solids analysis
    • Predictive maintenance alerts
  6. Global Support:
    • 24/7 technical assistance
    • Local spare parts warehouses

Case Study: North Sea Offshore Project

Challenge: High-pressure well with expensive synthetic-based mud
KOSUN Solution:

  • Customized 5-stage system with:
    • Dual-motion shale shakers
    • High-G centrifuges
      Results:
      ✔ 92% drilling fluid recovery
      ✔ $2.8M saved in mud costs
      ✔ Zero environmental incidents

How to Select the Right System

Consider these factors:

  1. Well Parameters: Depth, formation type, mud weight
  2. Flow Rate Requirements: 500-5,000 GPM options
  3. Mobility Needs: Skid-mounted vs trailer-mounted
  4. Automation Level: Basic vs smart IoT systems
  5. Future Expansion: Modular design capabilities

Black Rhino Decanter Centrifuge: The Ultimate Solution for Efficient Solids Control

Revolutionize Your Separation Process with Industry-Leading Centrifuge Technology

In today’s demanding industrial and environmental applications, the Black Rhino Decanter Centrifuge stands as a game-changing solution for superior solids-liquid separation. Engineered for peak performance in the most challenging conditions, our advanced centrifuge technology delivers unmatched efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness across multiple industries.

Why Choose Black Rhino Decanter Centrifuge?

✔ Unparalleled Separation Efficiency – Achieves up to 99.9% solids recovery with precise G-force control
✔ Heavy-Duty Construction – Robust stainless steel design withstands corrosive and abrasive materials
✔ Energy-Smart Operation – Innovative motor technology reduces power consumption by up to 30%
✔ Low Maintenance Design – Easy-access components and wear-resistant materials minimize downtime
✔ Smart Control Systems – Optional IoT-enabled monitoring for real-time performance optimization

Cutting-Edge Technical Specifications

  • Capacity Range: 5-150 m³/h depending on model
  • Bowl Diameter: 300-600 mm options available
  • G-Force: Adjustable up to 3,500 x g
  • Materials: 316L stainless steel, tungsten carbide protection
  • Differential Speed: 5-30 rpm with infinite adjustment

Industry-Proven Applications

Oil & Gas Sector

  • Drilling mud processing
  • Barite recovery
  • Slop oil treatment
  • Cuttings dewatering

Environmental Services

  • Municipal sludge dewatering
  • Industrial wastewater treatment
  • Contaminated soil remediation
  • Dredging operations

Mining & Minerals

  • Tailings management
  • Kaolin clay processing
  • Mineral recovery
  • Process water clarification

Food & Biotech

  • Starch separation
  • Yeast processing
  • Brewery byproduct recovery
  • Protein concentration

Smart Features That Set Us Apart

🔹 VFD Control System – Precise speed adjustment for optimal separation
🔹 Quick-Disassembly Design – Reduces cleaning and maintenance time by 50%
🔹 Anti-Vibration Technology – Smooth operation even at maximum G-force
🔹 Custom Configurations – Tailored solutions for specific material challenges

The Black Rhino Advantage

Our decanter centrifuges deliver measurable benefits:
✅ 40% Longer Service Life than conventional centrifuges
✅ 30% Lower Operating Costs through energy efficiency
✅ 20% Higher Throughput with optimized separation dynamics
✅ Zero Fluid Loss ensuring maximum product recovery

Engineered for Your Success

Whether you’re processing drilling fluids, treating wastewater, or recovering valuable materials, the Black Rhino Decanter Centrifuge provides:

  • Reliability – Built to operate 24/7 in harsh conditions
  • Flexibility – Adaptable to varying feed conditions
  • Profitability – Faster processing means quicker ROI
  • Sustainability – Reduced waste and energy footprint

Experience the Black Rhino Difference Today!

Transform your separation process with technology that outperforms conventional centrifuges in every measurable way. Our engineering team stands ready to help you select the perfect configuration for your specific needs.

📞 Contact our specialists now for a free application evaluation and performance demonstration!


#DecanterCentrifuge #SolidsControl #WastewaterTreatment #OilfieldTechnology #SludgeDewatering #MiningEquipment #BlackRhino #SeparationTechnology

The Importance of Drilling Waste Management and KOSUN’s Innovative Solutions

Drilling waste management is a critical aspect of oil and gas operations, ensuring that drilling activities are conducted efficiently, safely, and in an environmentally responsible manner. As drilling operations generate significant amounts of waste, including cuttings, used drilling fluids, and other byproducts, effective waste management is essential to minimize environmental impact and comply with regulatory requirements.

KOSUN is a leading provider of drilling waste management solutions, offering a comprehensive range of equipment and technologies designed to handle drilling waste effectively. From shale shakers and centrifuges to cuttings dryers and waste treatment systems, KOSUN’s products are engineered to separate, treat, and dispose of drilling waste in a sustainable and cost-effective manner.

One of KOSUN’s standout solutions is its integrated drilling waste management system, which combines multiple pieces of equipment to create a seamless waste treatment process. This system not only reduces the volume of waste generated but also recovers valuable drilling fluids for reuse, lowering operational costs and conserving resources.

By partnering with KOSUN, drilling companies can achieve their waste management goals while maintaining operational efficiency and environmental compliance. KOSUN’s commitment to innovation and sustainability makes it a trusted partner in the oil and gas industry.

Part of the mud-water separation system of shield

The shield’s mud-water separation system is generally composed of five units: mud-water separation and treatment unit, mud mixing unit, mud transfer unit, mud preparation unit, and mud monitoring and integrated control unit.

Shield mud-water separation system

  1. Sludge water separation and treatment unit

The role of the mud-water treatment unit is to separate the clay and gravel mixed mud formed by the cutter head for solid-liquid separation, according to different requirements to achieve multi-level controlled separation, and finally meet the mud reuse. When selecting sludge treatment equipment, two aspects must be considered: (1) It must be able to effectively separate the sand and soil in the mud and control the mud density; ② Must have the processing capacity commensurate with the propulsion speed and match with the shield machine. The high-frequency dewatering vibrating screen is used as a secondary solid phase control separation, and the screening treatment of mud and water is based on the effective removal of the mass and block of the coarse particles, and the control of the discharge of the solid phase water content (the control is particularly important for the current environmental protection requirements reduction and non-landing transportation) double or three layers of the vibrating screen generally adopt the separation of the coarse particles.

  1. Mud mixing unit

The mud mixing unit consists of a new slurry tank, a new slurry pump, a new slurry agitator, a new slurry storage tank, a CMS mixing tank, a CMS agitator, a CMS pump, a distributing valve and a water adding equipment. The CMS mixing tank stores chemical paste, and the new slurry tank stores bentonite and other materials. The stirred CMS chemical paste is sent to the new slurry tank for mixing and stirring to make fresh slurry.

  1. Mud preparation unit

The slurry preparation unit is composed of an adjusting tank, residual tank, adjusting tank agitator, residual tank agitator, adjusting pump, residual pump, density pump, slurry pump, water-adding equipment, etc. The adjusting tank adjusts the old and new grout, and the remaining tank stores the old and new grout, which is stirred by the agitator respectively and tested by the density pump. Then the adjusted grout is sent to the shield mud tank by the slurry pump.

  1. Mud transfer unit

The function of the mud transfer unit is to transport the adjusted slurry to the mud tank of the shield through the mud pump and the mud pipe to participate in the mud circulation system of the shield machine. The mud synthesized from the soil and sand is cut by the cutter head and the mud water in the mud water tank is separated by the mud pump and the mud water treatment sub-system is sent to the ground by the mud drainage pipe. The mud conveying unit is mainly composed of a mud pump, valve group, mud conveying pipe and its supporting parts, etc., which is operated automatically by the mud monitoring system.

  1. Mud monitoring unit

The operation and operation of the slurry water separation system is realized by the slurry monitoring system. The mud monitoring system is realized by the PLC program. The application of a mud monitoring module, can provide reliable information and collect technical data on mud water systems for shield construction at any time. The mud monitoring module can monitor five different states such as bypass mode, driving mode, reverse circulation mode, isolation mode, and long-time shutdown mode control.

Specifications for the use of liquid-gas separators

  1. The liquid-gas separator should be tested after installation. Pour clean water or drilling fluid into the separator until there is liquid flowing out of the outlet pipe.

2, before use, the maximum allowable working pressure should be calculated according to the measured effective height of U-shaped tube and drilling fluid density (maximum allowable working pressure Pmax= effective height of U-shaped tube H× drilling fluid density ρ).

3, before entering the oil and gas reservoir, the cadre on duty or the driller should check the liquid gas separator:
(1) The stop valve under the pressure gauge is normally open.
(2) The safety valve is in normal working condition (the safety valve handle is perpendicular to the ground). Before installation, before opening the oil and gas reservoir, and every 30 days during operation in the oil and gas reservoir, the safety valve is activated by turning the handle in the counterclockwise direction.
(3) The pressure measuring flange globe valve is normally open.
(4) The stop valve is closed after the exhaust pipeline blowdown.
(5) The ignition device is complete.

4, the external fitter for each shift of liquid gas separator and its accessories tour inspection, focusing on the tank, pipeline, safety valve, pressure gauge, fasteners, such as appearance inspection, found problems timely rectification.

  1. After the liquid-gas separator is put into use, if the separated gas contains hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide or flammable gas, warning measures should be taken, and the ignition operation instructions should be issued by the cadre or technician on duty, and the ignition process should be supervised.
    6, the ignition operation is implemented by the external fitter, and the ignition process should follow the procedure of first ignition and then operation.
  2. During the use of the liquid-gas separator, special personnel should be arranged to observe the return of drilling fluid from the liquid outlet, the vibration of the liquid inlet pipeline and the pressure of the exhaust pipeline, monitor the flame height, and ignition should be carried out again when the flame is extinguished. When one of the following abnormal phenomena is found, it should be stopped immediately and reported in time.
    (1) There is gas discharge at the outlet of the drain pipe or liquid discharge at the outlet of the exhaust pipe.
    (2) The exhaust pipe pressure gauge reading is greater than the maximum allowable working pressure calculated.
    (3) The main pressure elements of the liquid-gas separator appear cracks, bulging, deformation, leakage and other defects.
    (4) Safety accessories such as safety valves and pressure gauges fail.
    (5) The seal or fixed damage of liquid intake pipeline, liquid discharge pipeline, exhaust pipeline, fasteners, etc.
    (6) Severe vibration of liquid-gas separator and pipeline threatens safe operation.
  3. When the wellbore is full of gas, it is prohibited to use a liquid-gas separator.
  4. It is strictly prohibited to perform electric welding operations on the liquid gas separator tank, liquid intake pipeline and exhaust pipe line.

maintenance
After the use of the liquid-gas separator, the following maintenance should be done:
one Clean the inside of the liquid-gas separator with clean water.

  1. Open all blowdown valves, and timely discharge the residual drilling fluid or water in the separator tank, liquid discharge and exhaust pipeline.
  2. Check, tighten and maintain connection bolts and platen bolts.
  3. During winter construction, heat preservation and anti-freezing measures should be taken for liquid inlet pipeline and blowdown valve of liquid-gas separator.
  4. If the site use time reaches one year, the well control equipment maintenance unit shall conduct inspection and maintenance, and issue inspection and maintenance report.
    6 Every three years should be in accordance with the “Special equipment safety Technical specifications: Fixed pressure vessel safety technical supervision regulations” (TSG21-2016) requirements, by the inspection qualification of the organization to carry out an internal and external inspection of the liquid gas separator. If the corrosion rate of the main material of the separator is greater than 0.3 mm/year, the period of internal and external inspection should be appropriately shortened.
  5. The safety valve and pressure gauge should be checked once a year.