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About desander unit

Types of desander units

The desander unit is critical to separating solids from drilling fluids. It uses several methods to remove undesired solid materials from petroleum fluids. Three types of desander units exist.

  • Cone desander

    The cone desander is the most popular type. It is also called a hydrocyclone desander. This machine uses centrifugal force to separate sand from drilling fluids. Liquid feed enters the hydrocyclone at a certain tangential angle. Then, the cone spins. The centrifugal force pushes larger solids to the cone wall. It falls into the underflow outlet as a separated material. Smaller fine solids move to the overflow outlet.

  • Hydrocyclones battery

    This unit groups many cone desanders together. Each cone has a motor and pump to support its drilling fluid needs. Grouping these cones improves fluid processing amount. It increases solid separation from drilling mud.

    Separating efficiency can improve by increasing the number of cones. However, the cones' operational costs may rise with better separation.

  • Vertical desander

    This machine works like gravitational separators. Mud flows into the tank. Then, the water and sand settle down due to gravity. Final pumped-out sand settles at the tank bottom. Vertical desanders take up less space than cone desanders. However, their separation efficiency is lower. Vertical desanders are liquid-gas separators and aren't popular in the oil drilling field.

Specifications & Maintenance

Desander units have several specifications that are essential for their operation. Some of these are as follows:

  • Size and Capacity

    Desander units are usually represented by their sizes and capacities. The sizes can vary from small desanders of around 10 inches to industrial-scale units of up to 50 inches or more. Their capacity or flow rate shows the amount of fluid that can be processed per hour. It can vary from small residential units that can process around 500 gallons per hour to industrial ones that can handle up to 10,000 gallons per hour or even more.

  • Filtration Technology

    Many desanders use different kinds of filtration technologies. For instance, some use cyclone filtration, while others use cartridge-based filters and sand-based ones.

  • Separator Methods

    Factors like the size, shape, and density of the particles will determine what kind of separator method the desander will use. Common methods include centrifugal separation, gravity separation, and hydrocyclone separation.

  • Power Requirement

    Some desanders are designed to work with electric power, while others are powered by gasoline or diesel. The power requirement differs according to the model. Larger industrial units usually require more power. This could be in the form of kilowatts. Smaller portable units can work with a standard three-prong power outlet.

  • Operating Pressure

    The operating pressure of desander units can be low to moderately high. The pressure can be around 10 to 50 PSI or even more in some industrial models. High pressure allows the machine to separate particles from the fluid more effectively.

  • Bypass Feature

    Some sanders have a bypass feature that allows the fluid to move past the filter when there is no processing needed.

Regular maintenance keeps the well desander in good working condition. Manufacturers recommend cleaning it monthly in most cases. The maintenance process includes cleaning the external surfaces with mild detergent and checking for any visible damages or leaks. The filters and their cartridges should be inspected. If any part is damaged, it should be replaced promptly to ensure the unit's efficiency. Some machines have user manuals with instructions on how to maintain specific parts like the sand traps and filters. If there are any doubts, the manufacturer should be contacted to provide further information.

Scenarios

Some uses of desander units are the following.

  • Foundation digging

    A desander is used to stabilize a foundation when digging in sandy soil. The equipment removes sand from the bentonite slurry. This gives a stable, secure foundation for building.

  • Landfill excavation

    Desanders can also work in landfill excavation. The desander extracts clean water from dirty landfills so that the hazardous material is removed. This allows for safer access inside the landfill.

  • Deep well drilling

    In deep well drilling, a desander separates solid particles from drilling fluid. It recycles the fluid, stabilizing the wells and improving drilling efficiency and speed.

  • Large-scale construction projects

    In large-scale construction projects such as tunnels or dams, desanders remove sedimentation. They keep the water flow clear and prevent sediment build-up. This allows tunneling or damming to proceed without obstruction.

  • Petroleum industry

    Desanders are crucial in the petroleum industry. They separate solid particles like sand, silt, and rust from drilling mud or crude oil. By doing this, desanders protect pipelines, pumps, and other equipment from wear and clogging. They extend the lifespan of costly gear and improve oil extraction efficiency.

How to choose desander units

When buying sand desander units for sale, buyers should get help from these factors to ensure they are getting the ideal desander for their needs:

  • Well-defined drilling parameters

    Before shopping, buyers should take time and identify their drilling characteristics. It will assist in determining the appropriate capacity and pressure ratings. It will also help in the selection of the preferred configuration and separation efficiency.

  • Source reputable suppliers

    Buyers should look for manufacturers that have wide industry experience and a great track record. Choose suppliers who offer a variety of sand desanders to explore different options. Go through customer reviews and ratings to see the supplier's reputation and service delivery.

  • Cost and budget analysis

    Buyers should evaluate the cost of the sand desander they intend to buy. Consider the initial installation cost and the ongoing maintenance and operational expenses. Compare prices from different suppliers, but choose quality equipment at a reasonable price.

  • Technical support and warranty

    Since desander units can experience operational issues, buyers should choose equipment that comes with a warranty. A reasonable warranty period will protect the buyer. Consider the availability of technical support during the equipment's lifespan. Some manufacturers offer extensive online and onsite support to their customers.

  • Compliance with industry standards

    When choosing sand desanders, buyers should select options that comply with industry standards. Equipment that meets established benchmarks will offer optimal performance. It will also ensure regulatory compliance.

Desander unit FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between desander and decanter?

A1: The desander unit is a drilling solid control equipment that separates sand-sized solids from the drilling mud. Meanwhile, the decanter is a cylindrical container that holds liquid. The difference between the two is that the desander unit is used specifically to separate solid particles from liquids, while a decanter can be used to separate any two immiscible liquids.

Q2: What is the desander application?

A2: Desanders are used in oil and gas industries, water well drilling, civil engineering, tunnel boring, geothermal drilling, horizontal directional drilling, piling, and foundation construction, among other places.

Q3: What are the advantages of using a desander unit?

A3: The benefits of using a desander unit include improved drilling efficiency, longer mud life, better wellbore stability, reduced equipment wear, and enhanced downhole condition management, among other things.

Q4: Are desander units environmentally friendly?

A4: Because they lessen the quantity of solid waste produced during drilling operations, desander units can be regarded as environmentally beneficial. Desanders can decrease the volume of particles discarded to land or returned to the sea by efficiently separating solid particles from the drilling fluid, hence assisting in the preservation of environmental integrity.