Solids Control Systems

Essential equipment for efficient drilling fluid management and waste reduction

What is a Solids Control System?

A solids control system is an integrated arrangement of mechanical equipment designed to remove drilled solids from drilling fluid (mud) while preserving the liquid phase for recirculation. Proper solids control is critical for maintaining drilling efficiency, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact.

Modern solids control systems typically consist of multiple stages of mechanical separation equipment arranged in series, each targeting different particle size ranges. The system works to maintain optimal drilling fluid properties by removing undesirable solids while retaining valuable liquid and chemical components.

Improved Drilling Efficiency

Reduces bit wear and improves ROP by maintaining clean drilling fluid

Cost Reduction

Lowers mud costs by extending fluid life and reducing disposal volumes

Environmental Compliance

Minimizes waste generation and facilitates proper disposal

Custom Configurations

Tailored systems for specific drilling conditions and requirements

System Components

Key equipment in a complete solids control system

Shale Shakers

Primary solids removal device using vibrating screens to separate large cuttings from drilling fluid. Available in linear, elliptical, and balanced elliptical motion types.

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Desanders

Hydrocyclone devices that remove medium-sized solids (40-100 microns) from drilling fluid. Typically installed after shale shakers in the processing sequence.

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Desilters

Smaller hydrocyclones that remove fine solids (15-40 microns) from drilling fluid. Usually installed after desanders in the processing line.

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Centrifuges

High-speed rotating equipment that separates ultra-fine solids (2-15 microns) and controls drilling fluid density through centrifugal force.

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Degassers

Removes entrained gases from drilling fluid to maintain proper fluid density and prevent pump cavitation or well control issues.

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Mud Cleaners

Combination units that integrate desanders and/or desilters with fine mesh shaker screens for enhanced solids removal efficiency.

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System Process Flow

How drilling fluid moves through a complete solids control system

1

Primary Separation - Shale Shakers

Drilling fluid returning from the well first passes through shale shakers, which use vibrating screens to remove the largest cuttings (typically >74 microns). This is the first and most important stage of solids control.

2

Secondary Separation - Desanders

Fluid from the shale shaker flows to desanders, which use hydrocyclones to remove medium-sized solids (40-100 microns). Desanders are particularly effective in water-based muds.

3

Tertiary Separation - Desilters

The next stage uses smaller hydrocyclones (desilters) to remove fine solids (15-40 microns). Multiple desilter cones operate in parallel to handle the full fluid flow rate.

4

Degassing - Degassers

If the drilling fluid contains entrained gas, it passes through a degasser to remove these gases before further processing, helping maintain proper fluid density.

5

Fine Separation - Centrifuges

Centrifuges provide the final stage of mechanical solids removal, separating ultra-fine particles (2-15 microns) and controlling fluid density through high-speed rotation.

6

Fluid Return & Mixing

After solids removal, the cleaned drilling fluid returns to the active system where additives can be mixed in as needed before being pumped back downhole.

System Benefits

Advantages of proper solids control in drilling operations

Increased ROP

Cleaner drilling fluid improves rate of penetration by reducing bit balling and wear, leading to faster drilling and reduced rig time.

Cost Savings

Effective solids control reduces mud consumption, disposal costs, and equipment wear, significantly lowering overall drilling costs.

Environmental

Minimizes waste volumes and facilitates proper disposal, helping operations meet environmental regulations and reduce impact.

Fluid Properties

Maintains optimal drilling fluid properties including viscosity, density, and filtration characteristics for better well control.

Wellbore Stability

Reduces wellbore problems like stuck pipe and lost circulation by maintaining proper fluid properties and removing damaging solids.

Equipment Life

Extends the service life of pumps, drill bits, and other downhole equipment by reducing abrasive wear from solids.

System Applications

Versatile solutions for various drilling environments

Onshore Oil & Gas Drilling

JKZ solids control systems are widely used in conventional and unconventional onshore drilling operations. Our equipment handles the full range of drilling fluids from water-based to oil-based and synthetic-based muds in land-based rig applications.

Special configurations available for shale gas, tight oil, and other challenging formations. Modular designs facilitate transport and setup in remote locations.

Offshore Drilling

Compact and efficient solids control systems designed for offshore platforms, jack-up rigs, and floating drilling units. Features include space-saving designs, corrosion-resistant materials, and enhanced safety features.

Our offshore systems meet strict environmental regulations and can handle high-volume drilling operations in deepwater and ultra-deepwater environments.

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)

Specialized solids control systems for HDD operations featuring compact footprints, easy mobility, and excellent performance with polymer-based drilling fluids. Our HDD systems help maintain borehole stability while minimizing fluid loss.

Ideal for pipeline, cable, and utility installations where environmental impact and urban space constraints are concerns.

Geothermal & Mining Drilling

Rugged solids control systems built to handle high-temperature drilling conditions and abrasive formations encountered in geothermal and mining applications. Special heat-resistant materials and components ensure reliable operation.

Our systems effectively remove cuttings while preserving expensive drilling fluids in these challenging environments.

System Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance ensure optimal performance and longevity

Routine Maintenance

Daily inspection of screens, seals, and wear parts
Weekly lubrication of all moving components
Monthly inspection of structural components and supports
Quarterly motor and electrical system checks
Annual comprehensive system overhaul

Troubleshooting

Poor solids removal: Check screen condition and tension
Excessive vibration: Inspect motor mounts and isolators
Fluid bypass: Verify proper flow rates and screen selection
Unusual noises: Check for loose components or bearing wear
Reduced performance: Verify proper equipment sequencing

Spare Parts

Maintain inventory of critical wear parts
Keep spare screens of various mesh sizes
Stock replacement seals and gaskets
Have backup motors and electrical components
Keep proper tools for maintenance tasks

Safety Practices

Always lock out/tag out equipment before servicing
Wear proper PPE during maintenance
Follow manufacturer's safety guidelines
Ensure proper guarding of moving parts
Train personnel on safe operation procedures

Complete Solids Control Systems for Drilling Operations