In the oil and gas industry, waste is no longer viewed simply as a disposal challenge. Increasingly, operators are recognizing that oil sludge contains recoverable resources that can be transformed into value through advanced treatment technologies. To support this trend, GN Solids Control recently supplied a Containerized Oil Sludge Treatment Plant to an African client, helping convert complex waste streams into reusable oil, water, and manageable solids.

Oil sludge is commonly generated during crude oil tank cleaning, refinery maintenance, drilling operations, and oilfield production activities. Traditionally, handling this material required significant transportation, storage, and disposal costs. However, with modern treatment systems, operators can recover valuable hydrocarbons while reducing environmental liabilities and overall waste volumes.

The solution delivered by GN adopts a containerized and modular design philosophy, which provides significant advantages for international projects. Instead of constructing a large fixed treatment facility on-site, the entire processing system is integrated into transportable modules. This approach reduces installation time, simplifies logistics, and allows the equipment to be relocated when project requirements change.

For customers operating in remote locations across Africa, mobility and rapid deployment are often as important as processing performance. The containerized design enables the system to be shipped efficiently, installed quickly, and commissioned with minimal site preparation.

The treatment process begins with a pre-treatment and conditioning stage. Raw oil sludge is mixed, heated, and prepared for separation. Heating helps reduce viscosity and improves the release of trapped oil from solids and water. At the same time, chemical additives can be introduced to improve separation efficiency.

Following conditioning, the material passes through a screening stage, where oversized particles and debris are removed. This protects downstream equipment and ensures stable operation of the entire treatment process.

The core of the system is GN’s three-phase decanter centrifuge technology. Using high centrifugal force, the centrifuge separates the feed material into three distinct streams: recovered oil, treated water, and discharged solids. This technology allows operators to maximize resource recovery while significantly reducing the amount of waste requiring final disposal.

Recovered oil can potentially be reused or further processed, while the treated water may be suitable for additional treatment or recycling depending on project requirements. The remaining solids occupy a much smaller volume than the original sludge, helping reduce transportation and disposal costs.

Beyond its technical performance, the project demonstrates GN’s commitment to providing practical environmental solutions for global customers. By integrating multiple treatment processes into a compact containerized package, GN offers a solution that balances efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability.

As environmental regulations continue to tighten and resource recovery becomes increasingly important, oil sludge treatment is evolving from a waste management activity into a value-creation process. Through innovative technologies and proven project experience, GN Solids continues helping customers around the world achieve cleaner operations, higher recovery rates, and more sustainable environmental performance.

From waste to resource, the GN Containerized Oil Sludge Treatment Plant represents another step toward smarter and more responsible oilfield operations.

As environmental regulations continue to tighten across Asia, industries and municipal wastewater treatment facilities are seeking more efficient sludge management solutions. Recently, GN Separation successfully completed and delivered a 14-inch sludge dewatering centrifuge package to a customer in Southeast Asia. The project demonstrates GN’s capability to provide integrated solid-liquid separation solutions that help customers reduce sludge disposal costs, improve water recovery, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

The supplied package is centered around the proven GNLW364 decanter centrifuge, a model widely used in municipal wastewater treatment plants, industrial sludge dewatering projects, food processing facilities, chemical plants, and environmental remediation applications.

 

Why Decanter Centrifuges are Preferred for Sludge Dewatering

Sludge generated from wastewater treatment processes typically contains a high percentage of water. Transporting and disposing of untreated sludge can be extremely expensive due to its volume and weight. A decanter centrifuge utilizes high centrifugal force to separate solids from liquids continuously, significantly reducing sludge volume and improving handling efficiency.

Compared with filter presses and other dewatering technologies, decanter centrifuges offer several advantages:

• Continuous automatic operation
• Compact footprint
• Reduced labor requirements
• Stable separation performance
• High throughput capacity
• Easy integration into existing treatment systems

These benefits make centrifuge technology one of the most widely adopted solutions for municipal and industrial sludge treatment worldwide.

Technical Specifications of the GNLW364 Centrifuge

The core equipment of this project is the GNLW364 centrifuge, designed for medium-capacity sludge dewatering applications.

Item	Specification
Model	GNLW364
Bowl Diameter	360 mm (14 inch)
Bowl Length	1520 mm
Length-to-Diameter Ratio	4.2:1
Main Motor Power	22 kW
Back Drive Power	7.5 kW
Maximum Bowl Speed	3960 RPM
Maximum G Force	3200 G
Bowl Material	Duplex Stainless Steel
Conveyor Protection	Tungsten Carbide Tiles
Application	Sludge Dewatering

The high G-force generated by the rotating bowl allows efficient separation of fine particles while maintaining stable operation under varying feed conditions.

Package Components

To ensure optimal dewatering performance, the centrifuge package delivered to Southeast Asia includes multiple integrated systems designed to operate together as a complete sludge treatment solution.

The package typically consists of:

• GNLW364 decanter centrifuge
• Polymer preparation and dosing unit
• Sludge feed pump
• Electrical control panel with VFD
• Instrumentation and monitoring system
• Integrated skid structure

The polymer dosing system plays a critical role in sludge conditioning. By promoting flocculation, the polymer helps aggregate fine particles into larger clusters, allowing the centrifuge to achieve higher solids capture rates and improved cake dryness.

Advanced Wear Protection Design

One of the key challenges in sludge dewatering applications is equipment wear caused by abrasive particles such as sand, silt, and mineral contaminants. To address this issue, GN Solids Control incorporates advanced wear-resistant technologies into its centrifuge design.

The centrifuge bowl is manufactured using centrifugally cast duplex stainless steel, providing excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. Critical wear areas of the screw conveyor are protected by replaceable tungsten carbide tiles and inserts, significantly extending service life and reducing maintenance costs.

Additionally, vibration sensors and bearing temperature monitoring systems can be incorporated to provide real-time equipment protection and predictive maintenance capabilities.

 

Supporting Sustainable Wastewater Treatment

Southeast Asia continues to invest heavily in wastewater infrastructure as municipalities and industries work toward more sustainable environmental practices. Sludge dewatering systems play a crucial role in reducing waste volumes and improving water reuse opportunities.

In many projects, upstream equipment such as a shale shaker may be used to remove larger solids before the slurry reaches the centrifuge. This improves overall system efficiency and minimizes wear on downstream equipment.

Through the combined expertise of GN Solids Control, GN Solids America, and GN Separation, customers around the world benefit from reliable sludge dewatering solutions tailored to their specific operational requirements.

The successful delivery of this 14-inch sludge dewatering centrifuge package further demonstrates GN‘s commitment to providing efficient, durable, and cost-effective separation equipment for global wastewater treatment and environmental protection projects.

 

In modern solids control and wastewater treatment applications, efficient dewatering and precise chemical conditioning play a critical role in achieving optimal separation performance. Recently, a batch consisting of a screw press system and a chemical dosing unit was prepared for an overseas customer, highlighting the increasing global demand for integrated dewatering solutions.

The screw press is widely recognized for its continuous dewatering capability, low energy consumption, and simple operation. It is commonly used in municipal sludge treatment, industrial wastewater, and oilfield drilling waste management. Its working principle relies on gradually increasing pressure through a rotating screw shaft inside a cylindrical screen. As the material moves forward, free water is separated and discharged, while solids are compacted and discharged at the end of the chamber.

One of the key advantages of the screw press is its ability to operate with minimal supervision. Unlike high-speed centrifuges, it runs at low speed, reducing wear and maintenance requirements. This makes it especially suitable for remote locations or continuous 24/7 operations.

In this project, the screw press was paired with a chemical dosing unit, designed to improve flocculation efficiency. The dosing system ensures that the correct amount of polymer or chemical agent is injected into the slurry before entering the dewatering stage. Proper chemical conditioning significantly enhances solid-liquid separation, improving cake dryness and reducing operating costs.

The chemical dosing unit typically includes solution tanks, agitators, dosing pumps, and a control system. Its accuracy is essential because overdosing increases operational costs, while underdosing reduces dewatering efficiency. The integration of this system with the screw press allows for better process stability and consistent output quality.

For overseas customers, modular design and easy installation are key requirements. Equipment is often shipped in containerized form, allowing quick assembly on site. In addition, remote technical support and clear installation manuals are provided to ensure smooth commissioning.

This type of combined system is increasingly used in food processing waste, paper mill sludge, and others. The trend clearly shows a shift toward compact, energy-efficient, and automated treatment solutions.

As environmental regulations become stricter worldwide, technologies like screw presses combined with chemical dosing systems will continue to play an important role in sustainable waste management strategies.

 

A new 30,000-barrel mud system for offshore drilling applications has recently been shipped to South America, representing another important milestone for GN Solids Control. This project marks the third unit supplied to the same client, demonstrating continued confidence in GN’s engineering capabilities, product reliability, and offshore drilling solutions.

Offshore drilling operations require highly reliable and compact equipment capable of operating in demanding environments where safety, efficiency, and space optimization are critical. To meet these requirements, GN designed this mud plant with a modular structure that combines solids control, mud mixing, storage, pumping, and explosion-proof electrical control into one integrated solution.

 

The system is specifically engineered to provide stable and continuous mud supply for offshore platforms. Drilling fluid management plays a key role in offshore operations because the drilling mud directly affects wellbore stability, cuttings transportation, pressure control, and drilling efficiency. Any interruption or instability in the mud circulation process can significantly impact drilling performance and operational safety. For this reason, offshore mud systems must be designed with redundancy, reliability, and ease of maintenance in mind.

One of the core components of this system is the dual centrifuge configuration. By integrating two decanter centrifuges, the system can efficiently separate ultra-fine solids from the drilling fluid, helping operators maintain proper mud properties while reducing waste disposal volumes and fluid replacement costs. The dual setup also provides operational flexibility and backup capability during continuous drilling operations.

In addition to solids separation, the system includes a complete mud mixing and transfer solution. The mixing unit is designed to ensure accurate mud preparation and consistent fluid properties throughout the drilling process. Reliable pumping systems are incorporated to support stable circulation and transfer between different process stages.

Safety is another major consideration in offshore projects. The system is equipped with explosion-proof electrical controls designed to comply with offshore operational requirements. This helps improve operational safety in hazardous environments where flammable gases may be present. The control system is integrated into the modular plant layout, simplifying operation and maintenance for offshore personnel.

Another important advantage of this offshore mud plant is its compact modular design. Offshore platforms typically have limited available space and strict lifting requirements. GN’s modular engineering approach allows the equipment to be transported, lifted, and installed more efficiently compared with traditional large integrated systems. Faster installation can help reduce offshore commissioning time and improve overall project efficiency.

The successful delivery of this third unit reflects the long-term cooperation between GN and its client in South America. Repeated orders are often a strong indicator of equipment reliability, technical support quality, and operational performance in the field.

With increasing demand for efficient offshore drilling support systems, modular mud plants continue to become an important solution for operators seeking reliable fluid management, reduced footprint, and improved operational efficiency in offshore environments.

 

GN has recently supplied a containerized oily sludge treatment system to a customer in Africa, offering a compact, modular, and transport-friendly solution for efficient industrial and oilfield waste management. These systems are increasingly adopted in international projects due to their flexibility, ease of installation, and adaptability to harsh field conditions.

The system is composed of four main modules working together as an integrated process unit. The first is the pre-mixing tank module, which is responsible for homogenizing the oily sludge before treatment, ensuring a more stable and consistent feed to downstream equipment.
The second component is the vibrating screen module, which removes larger solid particles at an early stage of the process. This helps protect downstream equipment and improves overall system efficiency.

The third and core unit is the three-phase decanter centrifuge module, designed to simultaneously separate solids, water, and oil. This key equipment enables efficient hydrocarbon recovery while significantly reducing final waste volume.
Finally, the system includes a chemical dosing module, which allows controlled injection of chemicals to enhance separation performance, especially when dealing with complex emulsions.
With this integrated containerized solution, the customer benefits from faster deployment, reduced on-site footprint, and improved operational efficiency. This project in Africa further demonstrates the value of advanced separation technology in demanding waste treatment applications.

In the demanding landscapes of the Middle East and North Africa, drilling operations often resemble a high-stakes balancing act, where efficiency, environmental compliance, and reliability must align perfectly. For a regional client, GN Solids Control delivered a comprehensive solids control and waste management solution, combining advanced equipment with practical engineering to meet these challenges head-on.

Rather than supplying standalone machines, GN approached the project as a complete process solution. The goal was simple yet ambitious: create a seamless flow from drilling fluid treatment to waste handling, minimizing losses while maximizing performance.

At the center of this system is the Decanter Centrifuge, a precision-driven unit designed to tackle fine solids that escape primary separation stages. By spinning at high speeds, the centrifuge removes ultra-fine particles, helping maintain optimal drilling fluid properties and reducing the need for excessive dilution or chemical treatment. The result is a cleaner, more stable fluid system that supports consistent drilling performance.

Working alongside the centrifuge is the Vertical Cuttings Dryer, a crucial component for drilling waste management. As cuttings are generated, the dryer reduces their liquid content, allowing valuable drilling fluids to be recovered and reused. This not only lowers fluid consumption but also helps operators meet strict environmental standards, a growing priority across the MENA region.

To keep materials moving efficiently across the site, GN integrated Vacuum Pump Systems into the solution. These units act like industrial “lungs,” quickly transferring sludge, drilling waste, and residual fluids from one point to another. Whether used for pit cleaning or solids transfer, vacuum pumps reduce manual labor and improve overall site efficiency, especially in complex or confined environments.

The synergy between these systems creates a closed-loop workflow, where drilling fluids are continuously treated, recovered, and reused. This approach reduces waste, cuts operational costs, and enhances environmental performance, all while maintaining a high level of operational reliability.

Designed specifically for the harsh conditions of the MENA region, the equipment features robust construction, high-temperature tolerance, and user-friendly maintenance design. Each component is built to withstand intensive use while delivering consistent performance over time.

This project highlights GN Solids’ capability not just as an equipment manufacturer, but as a solution provider that understands real-world oilfield challenges. By focusing on integration, efficiency, and sustainability, GN continues to help clients transform complex drilling operations into streamlined, high-performance systems.

As drilling activities evolve and environmental expectations rise, solutions like this will become increasingly essential. With proven technology and global project experience, GN Solids remains ready to support customers in building smarter, cleaner, and more efficient oilfield operations.

Behind every efficient drilling operation lies a well-orchestrated fluid management system. While rigs and downhole tools often take center stage, the preparation and storage of drilling fluids quietly determine whether operations run like a symphony or stumble like a broken metronome. For an international oilfield service company, GN Solids Control has delivered a Drilling Fluids Mixing and Storage Tank system designed to bring precision, stability, and adaptability to complex drilling environments.

This project focuses not only on equipment supply, but on optimizing the entire workflow of drilling fluid handling. From initial mixing to continuous storage and circulation, the system acts as a central hub that keeps drilling operations supplied with properly conditioned fluids at all times.

One of the key strengths of the system is its integrated mixing design. By combining agitators, mud guns, and fluid transfer pipelines into a coordinated structure, the tanks ensure that drilling additives are evenly dispersed and fluids remain homogeneous. This reduces the risk of solids settling and helps maintain consistent rheological properties, which are essential for effective cuttings transport and wellbore stability.

Equally important is the system’s operational flexibility. The tank configuration can be adapted based on project requirements, allowing operators to allocate capacity for different stages of drilling. Whether handling high-volume fluid preparation or maintaining reserve storage, the system provides the versatility needed for dynamic field conditions.

Another highlight is its modular engineering approach. Designed for international deployment, the tanks can be easily transported and assembled on-site. This modularity not only reduces installation time but also simplifies future expansion or relocation, making it a practical choice for projects that demand mobility and scalability.

From a reliability standpoint, GN Solids emphasizes durability and safety throughout the design. The tanks are constructed with robust materials and protective coatings to withstand harsh oilfield conditions, including corrosion and extreme weather. User-friendly features such as access platforms, handrails, and well-arranged piping systems further enhance operational safety and maintenance efficiency.

This project reflects GN Solids’ broader philosophy: delivering not just equipment, but complete, field-proven solutions that align with real operational needs. By focusing on efficiency, adaptability, and long-term performance, GN helps clients streamline their drilling fluid management and reduce operational uncertainties.

As global drilling activities continue to evolve, the importance of reliable fluid systems will only grow. With solutions like this mixing and storage tank system, GN Solids continues to support international oilfield service companies in achieving smoother operations, better resource utilization, and greater overall efficiency in the field.

In modern civil engineering projects—particularly tunneling, piling, and deep foundation works—effective slurry management is essential to ensure operational continuity and environmental compliance. In this context, systems such as the GN GNTBM-500 Slurry Separation System play a key role in improving on-site efficiency.
Designed for high-capacity operations, this system can process up to 500 m³/h, making it suitable for large-scale projects. Its throughput allows continuous handling of slurry volumes, reducing downtime and preventing material accumulation on site.

A key feature of the system is its three-stage separation process. By combining shale shakers, desanders, and desilters, the system enables progressive removal of solids based on particle size. This approach improves the quality of the recovered fluid, allowing it to be reused in the process and reducing the need for fresh water and additives.
The system also includes integrated tanks and variable frequency drive (VFD) control, which contribute to stable and flexible operation. Operators can adjust flow rates and system performance according to real-time conditions, improving both process control and energy efficiency.

From a logistical perspective, the compact and modular design offers significant advantages. The system can be transported and installed more easily, reducing setup time and simplifying commissioning. Its smaller footprint is especially beneficial for projects with limited available space.
Overall, slurry separation systems like this one reflect the industry’s shift toward more efficient, adaptable, and environmentally responsible solutions. Proper slurry management not only enhances operational performance but also contributes to cost control and sustainability goals.

GN Solids Control will participate in the upcoming The 29th China International Trenchless Technology Conference and Exhibition (ITTC2026), an important industry event dedicated to trenchless engineering and underground construction technologies. The exhibition will take place from April 22 to April 24, 2026, at the National Convention and Exhibition Center (Tianjin) in Tianjin, China.

Organized by the China Society for Trenchless Technology, ITTC has become one of the most recognized platforms in Asia for professionals working in trenchless pipeline construction, tunneling engineering, and underground infrastructure development. The exhibition provides an excellent opportunity for equipment manufacturers, contractors, engineers, and technology providers to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and explore cooperation opportunities.

During the exhibition, GN Solids will present a range of separation and fluid management technologies widely used in trenchless construction projects. Visitors can find the GN team at Booth B27, where the company will introduce several key solutions designed to improve drilling efficiency and environmental performance.

One of the main highlights will be the HDD Mud Recycling System, which is designed for horizontal directional drilling operations. This system helps separate drilling cuttings from drilling fluid, allowing the drilling mud to be reused. By recycling drilling fluid, contractors can significantly reduce operating costs, decrease waste disposal, and maintain stable drilling performance.

Another important solution to be featured is the TBM Slurry Separation System, developed for slurry-based tunneling projects. In tunnel boring machine operations, large volumes of slurry must be continuously processed. GN’s system effectively separates soil particles from slurry, ensuring reliable performance and smooth operation during tunnel construction.

GN Solids will also introduce its Decanter Centrifuge technology, which provides high-speed fine solids separation. These centrifuges are designed to remove ultra-fine particles from drilling fluids, improving the overall performance of the fluid system and helping maintain optimal drilling conditions.

With extensive experience in solids control and slurry separation technologies, GN Solids has delivered equipment and solutions for numerous HDD and tunneling projects around the world. By participating in ITTC2026, the company aims to further strengthen its cooperation with industry partners and demonstrate its capability in providing reliable equipment for trenchless construction applications.

Professionals and industry partners attending the exhibition are welcome to visit Booth B27 to learn more about GN Solids’ trenchless solutions and discuss potential collaboration opportunities.

For more details about the exhibition, please visit the official websites:
Chinese website: https://www.cstt.org.cn/Index/index.html
English website: https://en.cstt.org.cn/index.html

GN Solids looks forward to meeting customers and partners in Tianjin and exploring new opportunities in the growing trenchless technology market.

The solids control industry recently welcomed an important milestone with the official release of the Group Standard for the “Negative Pressure Shale Shaker.” As one of the participating contributors in the drafting process, GN Solids Control has once again demonstrated its active role in promoting technical innovation and industry standardization.

Industry standards play a vital role in guiding product development, ensuring manufacturing consistency, and improving equipment reliability. The introduction of the Negative Pressure Shale Shaker standard provides clear technical specifications for the design, testing, and application of this advanced solids control equipment. It also offers a unified reference for manufacturers, drilling contractors, and service companies when selecting and operating this technology.

A Negative Pressure Shale Shaker represents a technological improvement over conventional shale shakers used in drilling fluid processing. By creating a controlled negative pressure beneath the shaker screen, the system enhances the separation process and improves the recovery of drilling fluids. This design allows operators to reduce fluid loss, decrease drilling waste moisture content, and improve overall efficiency in drilling fluid management.

As a global manufacturer specializing in solids control and drilling waste management equipment, GN Solids has long focused on technological research and practical engineering solutions. Through years of field experience and continuous product development, the company has accumulated valuable knowledge in screening systems, vibration mechanisms, and fluid recovery technologies. These experiences enabled GN Solids to contribute meaningful insights during the drafting of the group standard.

Participation in the development of this industry standard highlights the company’s commitment to advancing best practices and supporting the long-term growth of the drilling industry. By collaborating with other industry experts and organizations, GN Solids Control helps ensure that new technologies are introduced in a reliable, efficient, and standardized way.

The release of the Negative Pressure Shale Shaker standard also reflects the increasing demand for more efficient and environmentally responsible solids control equipment. As drilling operations become more complex and environmental requirements continue to rise, advanced separation technologies will play a more important role in improving operational performance while reducing waste and resource consumption.

Moving forward, GN Solids will continue investing in innovation, engineering optimization, and global cooperation. By combining practical field experience with advanced technology, the company aims to provide high-performance solids control solutions while actively contributing to the development of future industry standards.

The official publication of this new group standard represents both recognition of industry expertise and a step toward a more standardized and efficient future for solids control technology.