What Does Drilling Solids Control Equipment Include?
The solids control equipment in oilfield drilling operations consists of various components, including:
- Mud circulation system
- Shale shaker
- Mud cleaner
- Desander
- Desilter
- Vacuum degasser
- Drilling fluid centrifuge
- Shear pump
- Sand pump
- Liquid-gas separator
- Electronic ignition device
- Mud agitator
- Jet mixing device
- Mud gun
- Mud tank
- Submersible slurry pump
- Solids control equipment accessories
Types of Mud Solids Control Equipment
Drilling mud solids control equipment can be categorized as follows:
- Screening Equipment: Shale shaker
- Sand Removal Equipment: Desander, desilter
- Degassing Equipment: Liquid-gas separator, vacuum degasser
- Mixing Equipment: Mud agitator, mud tank, jet mixing device
- Pumping Equipment: Sand pump, shear pump, submersible slurry pump
What Are the Four Levels of Solids Control Equipment?
In oilfield drilling, the four levels of solids control equipment are:
- Level 1: Shale Shaker – Removes large particles (>74 μm) from drilling fluid returning from the well bottom, completing the first level of solids control.
- Level 2: Desander – Separates sand particles (44–74 μm), completing the desanding process.
- Level 3: Desilter – Removes smaller sand particles (8–44 μm), completing the desilting process.
- Level 4: Centrifuge – Separates fine particles (2–8 μm) using a horizontal screw centrifuge, completing the centrifugation process.
Installation Sequence of Oilfield Solids Control Equipment
Solids control equipment is installed based on the four-level solids control principle, in the following sequence:
- Liquid-gas separator (degassing)
- Shale shaker (screening)
- Vacuum degasser (degassing)
- Desander/desilter (sand removal)
- Centrifuge (centrifugal separation)
- Mixing system (agitator, mud tank, jet funnel)
The specific configuration may vary depending on site conditions to achieve the most cost-effective setup.
Functions and Roles of Oilfield Drilling Solids Control Equipment
The primary function of solids control equipment is to treat drilling fluid (mud), which is critical to the drilling operation. The key functions include:
- Cleaning the Well Bottom and Carrying Cuttings: Prevents repeated cutting, reduces wear, and improves efficiency.
- Cooling and Lubricating: Lowers drill bit temperature and extends tool life.
- Balancing Well Wall Pressure: Forms a filter cake to stabilize the well wall and prevent contamination.
- Controlling Formation Pressure: Prevents blowouts and leaks.
- Suspending Cuttings and Weighting Agents: Reduces settling to avoid stuck pipe.
- Removing Sand and Cuttings: Facilitates surface removal of solids.
- Transmitting Hydraulic Power: Transfers power for downhole tools and drill bit.
- Supporting Drill Pipe and Casing Weight: Reduces hoisting system load via buoyancy.
- Hydraulic Rock Breaking: Assists in breaking rock through high-speed jets.
Daily Maintenance and Care Methods for Site Solids Control Equipment
- Establish a regular maintenance schedule to inspect lubrication, motors, clutches, drive belts, door gaskets, locking systems, soap dispensers, water, and steam valves.
- Maintain electronic control systems, keeping panels and doors sealed when not in use. Clean with a soft brush and vacuum cleaner, ensuring the feed line is disconnected.
- Check for clothing between the drum’s inlet and outlet.
- Ensure bolts, nuts, and screws are tightened.
- Clean computer valves regularly, with intervals based on solvent and operating conditions.
- Verify door lock system functionality; do not operate if faulty.
- Keep drive belts dust-free, check for buildup and tension, and tighten as needed.
- Inspect wires, connectors, pipelines, and valves, replacing or repairing any leaks or damage immediately.
- Ensure moving parts are clean and check daily that the cover is secure, as the centrifuge requires a sealed cover to start.
- Avoid lubricating card programmer gears to prevent dust-related blockages.
- Check relay contact points; minor black oxide buildup is normal and does not affect operation.
- Clean door gaskets daily, wipe panels, remove soap residue, and tighten fixing bolts every six months.