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 1^st 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 2^nd 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.

Mud tanks are the basic material in solids control system.They are used to contain drilling fluids. As solids control system is a process with certain order or sequence.

Mud tanks in mud system

Firstly, we'd to know the whole procedure of solids control. Mud system including the primary separation, finer separation, recovery, mixing process, reverse, and so on. Then consider the mud system flow rate we'll propose mud tanks size, compartment division.

There are shaker tank, centrifuge tank, trip tank and pill tank, reverse tank, mixing tank. Per different drilling rig, per certain working condition we will configure tanks accordingly.

Mud tanks

Equipment and detail compartment devision

A complete mud system should be able to process particles ranged 5~440microns. Complete line equipment including shale shaker, vacuum degasser, mud cleaner, centrifuge, pumps, agitators. On mud tanks we'll set listed devices on design position for great solid separation

On shaker tank, we'll set up shale shaker or dual tandem shaker. Vacuum degasser will be mounted after shaker. The tank will hold 2 compartment. Then, we'll set mud cleaner and decanter centrifuge on the second tank. On this tank, we'll also mount the centrifugal pump and screw pump as transfer pump to these equipment. Mud agitators will be mounted the desander compartment, desilter compartment, centrifuge compartment.

Then, the trip tank with pill tank. We'll set the trip pump and agitator for tripping and mixing pill to compound drilling mud. Trip pump will transfer the drilling mud to mud pump.

Mud agitators for mud tank

After previous process or separation, we need to compound drilling fluid to meet whole system flow rate. There will be mixing pump and agitators. Then the reserve tanks store cleaned drilling mud or recovered drilling mud. On these mud tanks, we need mud agitators to keep the necessary solids and content suspension.

Different mud tank configuration

In a mud system or a solids control system for drilling there are many flexible factors. Such as the treating capacity, the mud tank size or quantity, the layout, compartment division, and so on. But two things are for sure, one is the whole flow rate come from drilling rig or well depth; another one is basic procedure is from shaker to centrifuge.

Please come to us for your specific drilling mud system. We'll propose you optimal solutions at your budget.

Drilling mud circulation system will include trip tank, cleaning tank, collection tanks, preparation tank, mixing mould, suction manifold, etcetera

Drilling mud circulation system information

We Aipu just proposed one mud system for an oil well drilling. From the sand trap tank to mixing and return to mud pump. Including trip tank with 40m³ volume, mounted with mud agitators on 2 compartments. Then cleaning tank with shale shaker, mud cleaner over 3 compartments. Also the centrifugal pumps-transfer pump for mud cleaner.

The vacuum degasser is necessary for this client. Furthermore, consider user preference, there is collecting tank for the centrifuge block. The auxiliary equipment is mud agitator on this tank. To control whole system liquid level, there are level indicators for better operation

Drilling mud circulation system

There are other 3 collecting tanks. Including mud agitators, all accessory. Such as access, handrail, stairs, and so on. Preparation tank is another part in this system. Including 3 compartments.

Mud mixing unit including the mixing hopper, centrifugal pump driven by 75kw motor. Moreover, there is table for cutting sacks make feeding easier.

Auxiliary equipment for mud system

Besides the complete drilling mud circulation system, we propose pivoting crane and complete set suction manifold for mud pumps. Also the transformer for operation use

In addition, all compartment, if necessary, there are mud guns, all the pipelines connection, ditches for connecting tanks, floorings, and so on. The explosion proof control panel, electrical system

Oilfield solids control system

Equipment position

The sand trap tank will be mounted 2 sets shale shaker. While the cleaning tank will include mud cleaner, vacuum degasser, mud agitator, centrifugal pumps.

Transfer tank  and suction tank will be mounted mud agitators and mud guns. Mixing tank will include agitators, mud gun, centrifugal pump, hopper, necessary pipes. Suction manifold for 700HP mud pumps, the supercharging pumps for option. Considering total budget we recommend horizontal helical worm geared agitator.

By now, clients are satisfied with our proposal and quotation. This is a tender. Many bidders are competing this order. Including jereh, kerui, Aipu solids control, Derrick, and so on. Wish we get positive feedback soon

Solids control mud tanks are the tools to holding drilling fluids/mud for well drilling. You may tell "mud tanks are simple items everyone know well about it". Please comment after you reading this post

Solids control mud tanks previous form

Long time ago, mud tanks did not exist but only mud pits. Drilling fluid maintenance cost, clean up & disposal cost as well as the over all cost of boring, can be reduced dramatically when proper solids control techniques are utilized. These facts were recognized in the oil industry in the late 1800’s.

Solids control mud tanks

When open earthen pits we used to separate the cuttings from the borehole. This was accomplished by a series of weirs and settling pits that allowed the solids to naturally settle out by using gravity. The clean mud then flowed into a suction pit to be re-pumped down hole. This was the first solids control technique ever used, and mud pit was the first vessel used to contain drilling fluid

By and by, people innovated tanks to load drilling mud, which provide much convenience for whole solids control even complete drilling project.

Tanks function

Solids control mud tanks are not only able to provide the space to contain the drilling fluids but also hold equipment on tanks surface. Different compartment under equipment will definitely lead different effect and critical function. Including the precipitation, mixing, storage, etc.

Mud tanks configuration

Mud system difference leads various solids control mud tanks configuration. There are many ways to configure your mud tanks below your solids control equipment. The most common practice requires three sections. Under your shale shaker you have the first section known as the sand trap where the mud to be pumped from this section goes through your Desander. This cleaned mud is then dumped into the second section known as a silt tank. The mud is picked up then pumped through your Desilters. The Desilters dumps the cleaned mud into the third section, know as the clean mud or mixing tank. This will be picked up by  the pump to be pumped back into your bore hole.

Combination Desanders/Desilters are common when the volume being pumped is under 500 GPM. The tank separation in this application can be achieved with two sections in the mud tank. A clean section where mud to be mixed and pumped down hole is located. The second section is under the shale shaker where the contaminated mud is picked up and processed by the Desander/Desilter combination

Besides above configuration, the difference also reflects on mud tanks shape. Such as the rectangular tank, circle tank, etc. The mud tanks frame or base design including skid mounted, trailer mounted, etc.