GN Solids Control is providing an integrated solids control solution for a deep well drilling project, featuring a combination of high-performance shale shakers, a multi-stage mud cleaner, and full hydraulic drive decanter centrifuges. The equipment package is designed to support efficient drilling fluid treatment, improve solids separation, and help maintain the properties of drilling mud throughout demanding drilling operations.
The supplied equipment includes:
3 units of GNZS595 Shale Shakers
1 unit of GNZJ594K-3S16N Mud Cleaner
2 units of GNLW363D-FHD Full Hydraulic Drive Decanter Centrifuges
This combination provides several stages of solids removal, from the initial separation of larger drilled cuttings to the treatment of finer and ultra-fine particles. By integrating mechanical screening, hydrocyclone separation, and high-speed centrifugal technology, GN Solids Control offers a comprehensive approach to drilling fluid management.
1. GNZS595 Shale Shakers – Primary Solids Separation
The first stage of the solids control process is performed by three GNZS595 linear motion shale shakers. These units are responsible for removing larger solid particles and drilled cuttings from the returning drilling fluid before it enters the subsequent treatment equipment.
The GNZS595 is designed for demanding drilling applications and features a linear vibration motion system. According to GN Solids Control’s published technical information, this model has a reference processing capacity of up to 175 m³/h (770 GPM), depending on the drilling fluid conditions and the API mesh size of the installed screens.
Each GNZS595 is equipped with five shaker screen panels, providing a total screening area of approximately 3.41 m². Its adjustable deck angle, ranging from -1° to +5°, allows operators to adapt the equipment to different drilling conditions and fluid properties.
The shaker’s adjustable vibration intensity, with a maximum G-force of 7.5G, helps provide effective separation while maintaining continuous operation.
The proper selection of shaker screens is also essential. Different API screen mesh sizes can be selected according to the drilling fluid characteristics, required separation performance, and drilling conditions.
For more information about GN’s linear motion technology and equipment specifications, visit the GN Shale Shaker product page.
2. GNZJ594K-3S16N Mud Cleaner – Secondary Solids Removal
Following primary separation, the drilling fluid is processed by the GNZJ594K-3S16N Mud Cleaner.
A mud cleaner is an important component in a multi-stage solids control system because it combines hydrocyclone separation with a shale shaker underflow screening process.
The GNZJ594K-3S16N configuration incorporates:
Three 10-inch desander hydrocyclones.
Sixteen 4-inch desilter hydrocyclones.
An integrated bottom shale shaker.
The desander cones are designed to remove larger sand-sized particles, while the desilter cones separate smaller silt-sized solids. The separated underflow is then directed to the bottom shaker, where the screens help recover liquid and retain the discharged solids.
This integrated arrangement provides an additional treatment stage after the main shale shakers. It helps reduce the concentration of unwanted solids in the drilling fluid and improves the overall performance of the solids control system.
GN mud cleaners are designed with a compact configuration that combines several separation functions within one unit, helping optimize equipment layout and reduce the space required on drilling rigs.
Learn more about the GN Mud Cleaner, including its hydrocyclone configurations and technical characteristics.
3. GNLW363D-FHD Decanter Centrifuges – Advanced Fine Solids Separation
The final stage of this equipment package includes two GNLW363D-FHD full hydraulic drive decanter centrifuges.
Decanter centrifuges play a particularly important role in drilling fluid treatment because they can separate fine and ultra-fine solid particles that conventional shale shakers and hydrocyclones cannot efficiently remove.
The GNLW363D-FHD is equipped with a 360 mm diameter bowl and a full hydraulic drive system. Its published technical specifications include:
Bowl dimensions: 360 × 1,270 mm.
Bowl speed: 0–3,400 RPM.
Maximum centrifugal force: approximately 2,328G.
Differential speed: 0–70 RPM.
Main motor power: 45 kW.
Reference maximum capacity: 45 m³/h (200 GPM).
Maximum torque: 4,163 N·m.
One of the main advantages of the full hydraulic drive design is the independent adjustment of bowl speed and differential screw speed.
The hydraulic power unit supplies two separate operating circuits, allowing operators to adjust the rotational speed of the bowl and the differential speed of the conveyor independently. These adjustments can be made continuously during operation, providing flexibility when dealing with changes in drilling fluid density, solids concentration, and particle characteristics.
The centrifuge also incorporates wear-resistant materials in critical areas. Its bowl is manufactured from duplex stainless steel, while tungsten carbide tiles protect the screw conveyor. Tungsten carbide inserts are also used in solids discharge areas to improve wear resistance.
SKF bearings and PLC-based intelligent control further support the equipment’s operational reliability.
For additional technical information, visit the GN Full Hydraulic Drive Decanter Centrifuge page.
4. An Integrated Approach to Drilling Fluid Management
The combination of three GNZS595 shale shakers, one GNZJ594K-3S16N mud cleaner, and two GNLW363D-FHD decanter centrifuges provides multiple stages of solids separation.
Each piece of equipment performs a specific function within the overall process:
Primary separation: GNZS595 shale shakers remove larger drilled cuttings from the returning drilling fluid.
Secondary separation: The mud cleaner uses desander and desilter hydrocyclones to remove smaller solid particles, followed by additional screening.
Fine solids separation: GNLW363D-FHD decanter centrifuges use centrifugal force to separate fine solids and help manage the concentration of low-gravity solids in the drilling fluid.
This multi-stage approach can contribute to better drilling fluid management, reduced accumulation of unwanted solids, and improved recovery of reusable drilling fluids.
It is important to emphasize that actual processing capacity and separation efficiency depend on the drilling fluid properties, particle size distribution, density, viscosity, screen selection, and operating conditions. Therefore, equipment performance should always be evaluated according to the specific requirements of each drilling project.
5. GN Solids Control: Integrated Solids Control Solutions
GN Solids Control continues to develop and manufacture equipment for drilling fluid treatment, industrial separation, and waste management applications.
Its product portfolio includes shale shakers, mud cleaners, desanders, desilters, vacuum degassers, decanter centrifuges, mud tanks, pumps, and complete solids control systems.
By combining different separation technologies, GN Solids Control can provide equipment configurations adapted to the requirements of drilling contractors and oilfield service companies.
This deep well drilling project demonstrates the importance of integrating primary screening, hydrocyclone separation, and full hydraulic decanter centrifuge technology into a coordinated solids control process.
Through its range of equipment and engineering capabilities, GN Solids Control supports drilling operations seeking practical solutions for drilling fluid treatment, solids removal, and fluid recovery.