http://www.kayden.ca A Description of 5 key points which will ensure that you select the right size centrifuge for your next drilling project. How To Select The Right Size Centrifuge?
This seems to be a Common question that most people have. Especially without the proper education and experience. These Tips will Help you Select The Right Size Centrifuge for your next drilling program.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVPz0rrGnC0
1) How much Volume is the Rig Pumping?
One of the most important factors in selecting the right size Centrifuge is to choose one that can process 100% of the hole volume. Ideally, the Centrifuge should be able to process a higher capacity than the rig pump can supply and to suck directly from the Sand trap. This will ensure that whatever comes out of the hole goes through the Centrifuge. If this is not possible, then the hoses should be connected to the Shaker tank. From experience the only time that the higher processing capacity is not critical, is when you have a floc water section where you are trying to get clean water. By adding Flocculent you are chemically enhancing the system to drop out the solid, and the machine just needs to remove them.
2) What is the required mud weight for the Drilling Program?
If you require a higher mud weight to hold back gas, then you will have to select a machine with a large enough processing rate to account for the decrease in pumping ability of the Centrifuge feed pump. As the Mud weight and Viscosity increase, the Centrifuge pump output will decrease. This will affect the amount of volume that you can get to the Centrifuge and the Centrifuge may also have an increased torque load placed on it by the higher mud weight and Viscosity. In this situation, having a large enough gearbox to handle the torque is very important.
3) What Type of Bit & Directional equipment will you be using?
Different Types of Drill Bits & Directional equipment will have an impact on how the Centrifuge will perform. Tricone bits typically produce larger solids which are easier for the Centrifuge to remove. However PDC bits tend to mulch the solids to a finer level which makes them more difficult to remove. Certain types of directional equipment are designed to give you a smoother or wider hole. This creates a lot of ultra fine particles which are very hard to remove. Selecting the right sized shaker screens has a huge impact on the Solids control System, and the Centrifuge. Properly maintained Shaker screens and screen sizes will determine how hard the Centrifuge will have to work - typically requiring longer retention times to remove the solids. G-Force will also help to remove solids up to a certain point, after which diminished returns are experienced due to increased power requirements and inefficient cut points, for the investment required to achieve them.
4) What type of Hole are you drilling? Directional, Horizontal, Vertical.
Horizontal & Directional wells tend to have finer solids due to the amount of contact that the drill string has with formation, and the solids as they exit the hole. This can be seen through increased hole drag, the higher pump rates needed to clean the hole, equipment wear etc. It is very important to remove these solids on the first pass through the centrifuge or they may become too fine to remove after the second pass through the drill string and back to surface. Therefore 100% processing volume and increased retention time are key with Centrifuge selection.
5) What Type of Mud will you be drilling with?
Drilling muds will react differently in different Centrifuges. Some muds will require more retention time, while other muds will require less retention time. Certain muds will create increased torque and friction - requiring a larger gearbox. It is important to ensure that the Centrifuge you select is appropriate for the type of mud. As well, you should ask for proof that the machine will be adequate for your drilling fluid. The additions of certain formation particles can have a great impact on the drilling fluid, (such as salts, bentonites & anhydrates). These products can increase the mud weight and viscosity, making it harder for the Centrifuge to remove the solids and for the feed pump to be able to pump them.
Having this knowledge will make your next Centrifuge selection process much easier. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me at 403 571 6688.
If you believe this information my benefit a colleague or friend please forward this to them.
Thanks
Brad
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