Complete Solids Control System Components

Solids Control System Composition

A complete solids control system consists of multiple stages of equipment working together to remove drill cuttings and maintain drilling fluid properties. Each component plays a critical role in the solids removal process.

Core Processing Equipment

These are the primary components responsible for solids removal in a drilling fluid system, arranged in order of processing from largest to smallest particle removal.

Shale Shaker

First stage of solids control that removes large cuttings (typically >74 microns) using vibrating screens with different mesh sizes.

Function: Primary solids removal

Capacity: Up to 800 GPM per unit

Desander

Second stage equipment that removes medium-sized solids (40-100 microns) using hydrocyclone separation technology.

Function: Medium particle removal

Capacity: 500-2000 GPM per cone

Desilter

Third stage equipment featuring smaller hydrocyclones that remove fine solids (15-40 microns) from the drilling fluid.

Function: Fine particle removal

Capacity: 50-100 GPM per cone

Centrifuge

Final stage equipment that separates ultra-fine solids (2-15 microns) based on density differences using high-speed rotation.

Function: Ultra-fine separation

G-Force: Up to 3000×G

Mud Cleaner

Combination unit that integrates desander and desilter functions with fine screen shakers for compact solids control.

Function: Combined desanding/desilting

Capacity: 300-1200 GPM

Vacuum Degasser

Specialized equipment that removes entrained gases from the drilling fluid to prevent dangerous kicks and maintain fluid properties.

Function: Gas removal

Capacity: 500-2000 GPM

Supporting Components

These essential components work with the core processing equipment to ensure efficient solids control system operation.

Sand Pump

Centrifugal pumps designed to transfer drilling fluid between different stages of the solids control system.

Function: Fluid transfer

Capacity: Up to 2000 GPM

Mud Agitator

Motor-driven impellers that keep drilling fluid in motion to prevent solids settling in tanks and pits.

Function: Prevent solids settling

Power: 3-15 HP per unit

Mud Tank System

Series of interconnected tanks that provide storage, mixing and processing capacity for drilling fluids.

Function: Fluid storage/processing

Capacity: 100-5000 bbl configurations

System Process Flow

The solids control process follows a logical sequence from initial cuttings removal to final fluid conditioning before reuse.

This multi-stage process ensures optimal solids removal while preserving valuable drilling fluid components for reuse, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Environmental Components

Modern solids control systems include environmental protection components to handle waste streams responsibly and comply with regulations.