Centrifugal pumps feeding hydrocyclone in solids control

Centrifugal pumps is the equipment used to transfer drilling mud between equipment and tank. There are a few important pieces of information to determine in order to select correct pump size for rig operation.

Furthermore, please always refer to pump manufacturer’s operation manual for pumps curve.

Centrifugal pumps and hydrocyclone location

Hydrocyclones should be set or mounted after primary shaker. Centrifugal pump transfer drilling mud from shaker tank or sand trap compartment to cones. Centrifugal pumps should be installed as closed to fluid scources as possible to shorten the distance, decrease the suction resistance. The pump feeding the hydrocyclones operates best with flooded suction. If possible, please mount the hydrocyclone pump below normal operating mud level in the pit. Otherwise, maintain suction whit as little lift as possible using a check valve or foot valve in the suction line.

Centrifugal pumps

Improper operation on pump

If the pump impeller selected not correctly, the pressure at feed manifold will be too low. And the pump pressure will lead un-efficient separation. We need to ensure pump has an impeller size rated to supply 75-90ft of head. Ensure location of feed manifold is above the mud level. Ensure accurate speed is provided to the pump.

Moreover, the feed pressure should be at least 30PSI, Preferably 35 PSI. This will request user and operator refer to performance curve for better correct selection. Usually, to achieve enough pressure head we’ll consider the flow rate. Discharge rate should be 1.25 times of whole drilling mud flow rate

Pump failure and troubleshooting

If we find head decrease or flow rate decrease. There may be big particles block the suction line and impeller flow line or impeller speed decrease. We need to clean out the block and keep pump operated under rated condition

When there is leakage, the oil seal may be seriously abraded. Or there is serious abrasion on anti-abrasive shaft sleeve. Mechanical seal may fail. Please check the concerned parts and replace them

Please contact your supplier or manufacturer on some difficult failures. Aipu will be right here waiting for your call on any problem