1. Core Role of Solids Control Systems
The fundamental principle of solids control systems is to effectively separate solid particles from the liquid, purify the liquid, increase recovery rates, and reduce pollution.
2. 4-Stage Separation Process for Solids Control Systems
The 4-stage separation process is a comprehensive and efficient method used in solids control systems to handle drilling fluids, oil sludge, or other complex mud mixtures. Each stage is designed to handle specific ranges of particle sizes and ensures maximum efficiency in separating solids, liquids, and oil.
1st Stage: Shale Shaker (Particle size >100μm)
- Purpose: The first stage of separation is designed to remove large solid particles from the drilling fluid or oil sludge. This is the coarse separation stage, where the main goal is to eliminate oversized particles such as shale, rock, and large cuttings.
- Equipment Used: Shale ShakerThe shale shaker separates solid particles through continuous vibration. The liquid flows through the screen, while solid particles larger than the screen’s mesh size are retained by the screen. This reduces the load on the subsequent separation stages.
2nd Stage: Desander (Particle size 40-70μm)
- Purpose: After the large solids are removed, the next stage addresses the finer solids. The desander targets particles in the 40-70μm range, which are too small for the shale shaker but still need to be removed to ensure cleaner fluid for reuse.
- Equipment Used: Desander (10in Hydrocyclone Separators)
Desanders use hydrocyclones to separate particles based on size and density. The drilling fluid enters the cyclone, and centrifugal force causes the solid particles to be thrown to the wall of the cyclone, where they are collected and removed, while the cleaner fluid exits from the top.
3rd Stage: Desilter (Particle size 15-40μm)
- Purpose: The desilter is designed to handle even finer solids that remain after the desander stage, typically particles in the range of 15-40μm.
- Equipment Used: Desilter (4in Hydrocyclone Separators)
Desilters use smaller cyclonic separation units, often equipped with a finer mesh or smaller internal vortex sizes to target particles in the 15-40μm size range. Similar to the desander, the desilter works by creating centrifugal force to separate these small particles.
4th Stage: Decanter Centrifuge (Particle size <15μm)
- Purpose: The final stage of the 4-stage separation process targets the finest particles remaining in the fluid. These particles are typically smaller than 15μm and require a more advanced technology to separate them effectively. The decanter centrifuge excels in this task by providing high-speed separation.
- Equipment Used: Decanter Centrifuge
A decanter centrifuge uses high rotational speeds to create centrifugal force strong enough to separate very fine particles. The centrifugal force pushes the solid particles to the outer wall of the centrifuge bowl, where they are removed, while the clarified fluid is discharged from the other end.
Why Choose Our Solids Control Equipment?
- High Quality: High quality raw materials and processing for each stage, ensuring high performance.
- Customized Solutions: Tailored to meet the specific needs of your operations.
- Reliable Support: Full technical support and service from installation to ongoing maintenance.
Get in touch with us to learn how our solids control systems can improve your operations today! → hazel@kesmiop.com
