How to choose a suitable mud agitator?
Suitable mud agitators selection
Be different with normal agitator, mud agitator is a special agitator used in drilling mud solids control system, we can’t use agitators used in chemical industry, oil refining, food industry etc. instead of mud agitator.
According to experience at job site, we need to notice the following points on suitable mud agitators selection.
- Speed
In order to avoid cuttings being smashed during agitating, mud agitator speed should not be too high, it is suitable during 50~60rpm. For over 60rpm, suggest users do a deliberation.
- Power
Through test actual power on mud agitator at jobsite, the actual power of mud agitator is not more than 2kw. Currently on the market, there are two kinds of motor drives agitator, including 7.5kw and 5kw. The idea of the design is that it can be started when the impeller is stopped and the sand is buried, but in fact, either burning motor or breaking impeller. Therefore, Aipu solids control makes some improvement and innovations on mud agitator structure.
- Mud agitator seal
As working condition is very bad, drilling fluid mixer shaft is not suitable for the use of end face seal, the general packing seal is also difficult to adapt. Presently the more successful is to adopt multiple sets of V type packing. It has self sealing performance and self compensation ability, no adjustment or maintenance for long time will not produce oil leakage.
- Impeller selection
Mud agitator impeller are many and various, but we must notice that a small diameter blade, high rotating speed mud agitator must have small circulation, large shear force, but it is not suitable for the purpose of solid suspension of drilling fluid. So usually impeller diameter should be larger.
Secondly, turbine impeller has been widely used in the drilling fluid mixer. The open type turbine is the best. Because there is no central part of the disc, not to hinder the mixing of the upper and lower liquid phase of the blade.
Only full considering the above issues, can you choose a suitable drilling mud agitator, also apply in actual operation better.
Other issues affecting choosing agitator
Prior to confirming agitators model or specifications, we have to make sure it’s suitable by standard or by calculation. For example, the TOR. It’s relation between tank volume, impeller and the power
Furthermore, the structure can be another optional issue on agitators selection. Such as if considering space, if vertical installation is more proper. If horizontal installation, if the helical worm and wheel geared or the helical bevel geared one.
Another factor we’d better take in consideration is manufacturers’ expertise. Professional manufacturer can respond in time and provide professional solution or suggestion.