Solid control equipment is the core system used in drilling operations to process drilling fluid (mud). Its main function is to remove harmful solid particles from the drilling fluid through physical separation technology, while recovering useful components and maintaining the performance of the drilling fluid. The following are the main functional classifications and detailed descriptions of solid control equipment:
1. Solid phase particle separation function
Graded separation
Vibration screen: Remove large particles of drilling cuttings (>75μ m) from drilling fluid, such as rock debris and gravel, to reduce the load on subsequent equipment.
Desander: Separate solid particles (20-75 μ m), such as clay particles, to reduce the solid content of drilling fluid.
Mud remover: processes fine solid particles (5-20 μ m) to further optimize the cleanliness of drilling fluid.
Centrifuge: Separate ultrafine particles (<5&m), such as colloidal particles, and adjust the viscosity and density of drilling fluid.
Separate by density
Through differential control of the centrifuge, the layered discharge of light and heavy solid phases is achieved (the heavy phase is drilling cuttings, and the light phase is recovered drilling fluid).
2. Drilling fluid performance maintenance function
Density control
Remove excess solid phase to reduce drilling fluid density and prevent well leakage; Or adjust the density by adding barite to balance the formation pressure.
Rheological regulation
Remove colloidal particles to reduce viscosity and improve drilling fluid fluidity; Or retain appropriate solid phase to maintain rock carrying capacity.
Filter loss control
Reduce the blockage of formation pores by small particles, lower filtration loss, and protect oil and gas reservoirs.
III. Resource Recycling and Environmental Protection Functions
Drilling fluid recovery
Recovering 80% -95% of drilling fluid through multi-stage separation reduces the amount of fresh mud replenishment and lowers material costs.
Waste reduction
Reduce the liquid content of drill cuttings to below 10% (after centrifugal treatment) to reduce waste volume and disposal costs.
Environmental compliance
Meet the drilling fluid discharge standards (such as oil content<1%, heavy metals<5ppm) to avoid environmental pollution fines.
IV. Drilling Efficiency Improvement Function
Improve mechanical drilling speed
Clean drilling fluid reduces the risk of drill bit mud entrapment, lowers torque and resistance, and improves drilling efficiency by 10% -30%.
Extend equipment lifespan
Reduce the wear and tear of the solid phase on the mud pump and drill pipe, and lower the frequency of equipment maintenance by 30% -50%.
Well control safety guarantee
Stable drilling fluid performance can quickly balance formation pressure and reduce the risk of blowout or wellbore collapse.
Fifth, Intelligent Monitoring and Control Function
Real time parameter monitoring
Integrated sensors monitor parameters such as flow rate, pressure, and solid content, and upload the data to the drilling instrument system.
Automated control
By adjusting the inlet valve, differential, etc. through PLC, equipment linkage and remote control can be achieved.
VI. Special working condition adaptation function
High temperature and high pressure adaptability
The special material (such as Hastelloy) cyclone can withstand high temperatures of 200 ℃ and pressures of 35MPa.
Corrosion resistant design
The centrifuge drum is made of duplex stainless steel and is suitable for saltwater or oil-based drilling fluids.
Summary
Solid phase control equipment achieves four core functions of solid phase control, performance maintenance, resource recovery, and safety assurance through multi-stage separation technology. Its efficiency directly affects drilling costs (accounting for about 15% -20%), efficiency, and environmental compliance. Modern solid control systems are developing towards integration (such as closed-loop mud systems) and intelligence (AI optimized separation parameters), further promoting the green and efficient transformation of drilling operations.