Decanter centrifuge for drilling mud is the 4th solids control equipment. We also call it as 5th cleaning equipment for drilling fluids.

What are the different types of centrifuge?

For drilling mud processing, we classify centrifuges according to speed, and function. There are middle speed centrifuges holding 1800-2200rpm, the high speed centrifuge holding 2500-4000rpm, also the extra high speed centrifuge up to 4600rpm.

As per application or function, there is drilling fluid cleaning centrifuge. That means we remove the fine cuttings or solids out of drilling mud by centrifuge. Theoretically, a centrifuge can help to separate 2-7microns particles out of fluids to process.

Another function is barite recovery. We know brine is important to heavy drilling fluid, and it’s expensive. To drill wells effectively and economical, operating centrifuge properly will save cost and increase efficiency dramatically.

To manage the drilling mud waste, centrifuge plays an important role, too. No matter oil base or water base mud. It can help us during processing. We know there is dewatering process, centrifuge helps us on this step. Furthermore, the oil sludge treatment unit utilized centrifuge is a standard configuration. After coagulation and flocculation the material can be separated easily by centrifuges.

Difference details

Besides function or application talked above, there is other difference. We know, for centrifuges, we can drive it by electrical motors or hydraulic drives. Usually, hydraulic drive is more reliable, stable and durable. Furthermore, it can provide a better VFD support.

However, hydraulic drive centrifuges are at a higher cost, and it takes a bit longer time to manufacture. Since the hydraulic drive unit is imported from Switzerland.

Another difference is fixed speed or variable speed. That means centrifuge rotates at a fixed speed, such as 3000rpm or 0~3000rpm. If we make VSD centrifuge, we utilize VSD motor, VSD control panel. There is inverter design on motor, and inverter components in starter cabinet. One set VSD centrifuge usually including main motor VFD, back drive VFD and the feeding pump VFD. For high speed centrifuge, VFD is more recommended. We know during operation, centrifuge is loaded with large quantity drilling fluids and rotate at a high speed, the motor bears large loading. And for some situations, operators may turn it off and start it again during whole processing. So, the inverter for VSD eases loading when starts centrifuge.

If we consider the optimal result, VSD centrifuge can achieve ideal result by adjusting speed. For example, when we need to get rid of particles 5-7 microns but higher content, we can set speed around 2200rpm; while if we need to remove 2mcirons solids, we can set speed at 3500rpm.

How to select different centrifuges

Please inquire professional if you are not sure about following or you are newcomer on centrifuges. Including what is the property of specification of drilling mud/liquid/other materials. Such as density, gravity, viscosity, etc.

Do you need the centrifuge to treat drilling fluids or oil sludge? What is the detail of material. Temperature, solids content percentage, particle size, and so on.

What is the major performance of centrifuge you like? Such as dewatering or recovery, always large quantity or always high accuracy.

Just feel free to contact Aipu solids control or other centrifuge suppliers. You will get the professional solutions soon and get the optimal option.