Mud tanks we are talking about here not the weapons, yes, they are the containers or pit to reserve drilling fluids and the platform for drilling mud processing system.
Different functions of mud system tanks
We usually define tanks according to their functions. Such as shale shaker tank, active tank, mixing tank, reserve tank, and so on. Let’s talk about more detail about these tanks.
A Shale shaker tank is usually the first tank placed in the mud system. When drilling fluid flows out of choke manifolds or the mud gas separator will arrive at the shaker for the 1st phase solids control. The liquid after being processed drop in the mud tank or the sand trap compartment, while the cuttings are discharged out of the shaker. On the shaker tank, there are shaker, vacuum degasser, mud cleaner, or centrifuge. Depends on the system flow rate and tank size.
For the shaker tank, there are a sand trap pit, degasser pit, desander pit, desilter pit. Of course, some shaker tanks are no degasser or mud cleaner. For example, if there are 4 sets or 5 sets of shakers, we’ll set further phase equipment on tanks after it. But anyway, there is a sand strap on the shaker tank.
Mud system tanks
Considering the further processing demand, sometimes we set the centrifugal pumps by the sand trap pit. It saves space and leads to more effective volume. Sometimes, we set the centrifugal pumps on the 2nd tank if it’s with mud cleaner.
About the centrifuge tank, it’s the mud tank which sets the decanter centrifuge. For some mud systems, a centrifuge tank is only with centrifuges, centrifuge feeding pump, agitators and mud guns. While some mud systems are with mixing pumps besides the decanter centrifuge.
The mud reserve tank is a container holding drilling fluids. We usually divide it into different compartments as per users’ demand. And each compartment holds 1 set of mud agitators. If we just make the tank as a whole mud pit, we’ll fit agitators as about 1 set of agitators per 3m length.
Mud tank design flexibility
The flexibility of design on mud tanks includes dimension, compartment arrangement, compartment number, and general arrangement. The dimension of the tank is depending on total fluid volume, transport limit, and space condition. When we calculate the effective volume of the tank we have to take the dead corner, sand trap or pump room into consideration. For example, if we need 400bbl effective volume, the tank effective capacity should not be smaller than 64CBM (length x width x height). If the effective length of the tank is 11.5m, height is 2m, then the width is 2.8m; If the effective length of the tank is 13m, height is 2m, then the width is 2.46m; If the effective length is 13m, height is 2.5m, the width is 2m. This information is just a reference. We’ll make the tanks as per clients’ preference, the transportation feasity, and the job site arrangement.
Another flexibility is a compartment of the mud tank. That means, for a different system and certain functions of tanks, we’ll divide tanks into different pits or rooms. For example, some shaker tanks hold mud cleaner, while some hold only shakers and degasser. Then the compartment on them is different.
How to get an optimal mud tank proposal?
Firstly, we need to know your general requirements for the mud system. Overall fluid flow rate, general space or layout information, initial requirements on mud system. Do you have the budget? Do you have a space limit or arrangement plan?
Secondly, we’ll provide the general arrangement of the complete fluids system. You can tell us your comments or any revision. Please check the whole dimension, the layout, the position and distance to the rig, and so on. We also provide the detailed technical offer with complete detail. Such as tank dimension, material, specifications, compartment, and so on.
Thirdly, let’s talk about more details of the system (as per the drawing and technical offer). Such as how you like to connect them if any special requirements on handrails, walkways, shade and so on.
Finally, we’ll discuss the details one by one. And confirm the final proposal. Of course, during this communication, it’s not a short time. We’ll even confirm one detail after many times correspondence.
Anyway, you’ll get the optimal solutions to drilling mud systems for your well drillings. Either oil or gas drilling. Contact us freely to check your proposal.