A complete system must match every separation and circulation stage to the drilling program. Capacity, fluid properties, tank volume, pumps, piping, electrical classification and layout must be reviewed together before manufacturing begins.
Recommended process sequence
The returning drilling fluid normally passes through primary screening, gas removal when required, hydrocyclone separation, fine-solids control, mixing and conditioned storage. A practical sequence is:
- Shale shaker for primary cuttings removal
- Vacuum degasser where entrained gas must be removed
- Desander and desilter, or an integrated mud cleaner
- Decanter centrifuge for fine-solids control and density management
- Mud tanks, centrifugal pumps, jet mud mixers and agitators for circulation and conditioning
Capacity matching
Use the maximum expected circulating rate as the starting point, then apply allowance for mud viscosity, solids loading, screen condition and operational redundancy. A bottleneck at any one stage reduces the practical capacity of the whole system. Pump curves should be checked at the actual head, density and piping resistance rather than at zero or nominal head. Tank residence time and usable volume must be calculated from the real compartment arrangement.
| System area | Buyer data required | Design output |
|---|---|---|
| Process duty | Rig type, hole sections, circulation rate, mud system and solids load | Equipment sequence, quantity and duty-point capacity |
| Tank system | Required active/reserve volume, compartment use and transport limits | Tank arrangement, usable volume and interconnection plan |
| Hydraulics | Flow, density, piping length, elevation and pressure requirement | Pump selection, pipe size and valve schedule |
| Electrical | Voltage, frequency, hazardous-area classification and control philosophy | Motor list, load list and control-panel concept |
| Site layout | Available area, rig interfaces, access and lifting restrictions | General arrangement and maintenance clearances |
| Export delivery | Destination, packing restrictions and required documents | Packing list, marking plan and document register |
Documents to approve before production
For a complete system, request a general arrangement drawing, process flow diagram, equipment data sheets, motor and load list, tank compartment plan, piping or connection schedule, coating specification, spare-parts list and document register. Approval points should be written into the purchase order so that manufacturing starts from a controlled technical baseline.
Commissioning and operating spares
Separate commissioning consumables from the long-term operating-spares package. Typical items include shaker screens, hydrocyclone assemblies, pump seals and impellers, bearings, belts, gaskets, electrical consumables and recommended special tools. The final list should match the installed equipment models and expected local replenishment time.
System RFQ checklist
- Rig model and drilling application
- Maximum flow rate
- Mud type and density range
- Required active and reserve volume
- Site footprint and transport limits
- Power supply and hazardous-area class
- Ambient and corrosion conditions
- Existing equipment to be integrated
- Destination country and port
- Required drawings, certificates and inspection
Request a system configuration
Send the RFQ checklist and any rig-interface drawing. We can prepare a preliminary equipment list and layout basis for technical discussion before quotation.