Solid control system (DCS) is a core equipment combination used in drilling operations to process drilling fluid (mud). Through multi-stage separation and circulation technology, it achieves solid-phase control, performance maintenance, and environmental protection goals. The following are the main equipment and functional classifications of the solid control system:

1. Core Separation Equipment

Shale Shaker vibrating screen

Function: As aThe first line of defense for the solid control system is to remove large particles of drilling cuttings (>75 m) from the drilling fluid, such as rock debris and gravel..

Features: High frequency vibration (usually 750-1500RPM) combined with multi-layer screen mesh (mesh size 20-200), processing capacity can reach 50-500m³ /h。

Desander

Function: Separate solid particles (20-75 μ m), such as clay particles, to reduce the solid content of drilling fluid.

Principle: Using a cyclone (usually 10-12 inches) to generate centrifugal force, drill cuttings are discharged from the bottom outlet, and overflow is returned to the circulation system.

Desilter

Function: Process fine solid particles (5-20 μ m) to further optimize the cleanliness of drilling fluid.

Structure: Composed of multiple 4-inch cyclones connected in parallel, with a processing capacity typically ranging from 1/3 to 1/2 of the desander.

Decanter Centrifuge

Function: Separate ultrafine particles (<5&m), such as colloidal particles, while adjusting drilling fluid density and viscosity.

Type: High speed centrifuge (speed>3000RPM) for processing low-density solid phase, medium speed centrifuge (1500-3000RPM) for weighting drilling fluid.

Mud Cleaner for Drilling Fluid

Function: Combining a sand remover with a fine sieve (usually 200 mesh) to simultaneously process medium and fine particles and improve separation efficiency.

II. Circulation and Conveyor Equipment

Sand Pump

Function: Provide high-pressure drilling fluid (pressure 0.2-0.35MPa) for sand and mud removers to ensure the normal operation of cyclones.

Shear Pump

Function: High speed shear drilling fluid, destroys colloidal structure, improves solid-phase separation efficiency, commonly used for preparing polymer mud.

Centrifugal Pump

Function: Transport drilling fluid to vibrating screen or storage tank, flow range 50-1000m³ /h。

III. Auxiliary Processing Equipment

Vacuum Degasser

Function: Remove invading gases (such as natural gas) from drilling fluid, prevent blowouts, and restore mud density.

Poor Boy Degasser

Function: In emergency situations, separate a large amount of gas from the gas invasion drilling fluid to ensure well control safety.

Agitator

Function: Maintain the uniformity of drilling fluid in the reserve tank, prevent solid phase precipitation, and the power is usually 5.5-22kW

Mud Mixer

Function: Quickly mix drilling fluid additives (such as barite and CMC) to shorten slurry preparation time.

4、 Storage and metering equipment

Reserve Tank

Function: Store backup drilling fluid, typically with a capacity of 50-200m³ Equipped with a liquid level gauge and temperature sensor.

Trip Tank

Function: Accurately measure the volume of drilling fluid, monitor fluid changes in the well, with a volume typically ranging from 1-5 meters;.

Compound Tank

Function: Used for pre-treatment of drilling fluid base fluid, equipped with heating and stirring devices.

Fifth, Safety and Environmental Protection Equipment

Electronic ignition device

Function: Combustion treatment of waste drilling fluid containing combustible gases, in compliance with environmental emission standards (such as VOCs<); 50ppm)。

Drilling fluid gun (Mud Gun)

Function: High pressure flushing of tank and equipment surfaces to prevent solid deposition, with an operating pressure of up to 35MPa.

VI. System Integration and Control

Solid Control Skid

Function: Integrated vibrating screen, desander, desilter, centrifuge and other equipment for quick handling and installation.

PLC control system

Function: Real time monitoring of flow rate, pressure, and solid content, automatic adjustment of equipment parameters (such as centrifuge differential speed and sand pump frequency).

Solid control system workflow

Primary separation: The drilling fluid is subjected to a vibrating screen to remove large particles.

Secondary separation: The sand remover processes particles, while the mud remover processes fine particles.

Third stage separation: Centrifuge processes ultrafine particles and adjusts drilling fluid performance.

Recycling: Clean drilling fluid returns to the drilling system, and waste enters the solid waste treatment unit.

Through the collaborative work of the above devices,The solid control systemcan reduce the solid content of drilling fluid to below 5%, achieve a recycling rate of 80% -95%, significantly improve drilling efficiency and reduce environmental risks.