Category: GN Separation

In modern oil and gas drilling operations, efficient solids control and waste management are essential to ensure performance, safety, and environmental compliance. Recently, GN Solids Control delivered three variable frequency drive (VFD) decanter centrifuges to a well-established drilling company in Asia. The package includes two units of GNLW363D-VFD and one unit of GNLW453D-VFD — a powerful combination that will enhance the client’s ability to manage drilling fluids more effectively on-site.

GNLW363D-VFD: A Proven Solution in Compact Size

The GNLW363D-VFD is one of GN’s most popular decanter centrifuge models, widely used in both land and offshore drilling projects. This model features a bowl diameter of 14 inches (360 mm) and a bowl length of 50 inches (1270 mm), which allows for efficient separation of fine solids from drilling mud.

With a VFD control system, operators can adjust the bowl speed, differential speed, and feed pump speed depending on the properties of the drilling fluid. This level of flexibility is crucial in drilling operations where fluid characteristics can change rapidly. The VFD system is housed in a user-friendly control panel, with built-in safety features such as over-torque and vibration protection.

GNLW453D-VFD: Enhanced Capacity for Higher Flow Rates

The GNLW453D-VFD is designed for larger processing volumes. It features an 18-inch (450 mm) bowl diameter, making it suitable for applications that require higher throughput and more robust solids handling capabilities. It complements the smaller 363D units by handling a greater volume of fluid while maintaining efficient solids removal.

This model is particularly beneficial in large-diameter well drilling and high-solids content operations, where standard centrifuges might struggle to keep up. The VFD functionality in the 453D unit also enables fine-tuning of separation performance to adapt to varying operational conditions.

Field Application: Supporting Drilling Performance in Asia

The three centrifuges were delivered to an Asia-based drilling contractor engaged in several onshore oil and gas projects. In these operations, maintaining the quality of the drilling fluid is critical for preventing formation damage, reducing non-productive time (NPT), and controlling operational costs.

By integrating GN’s VFD decanter centrifuges into their solids control system, the client is expected to benefit from:

• Improved drilling fluid recycling efficiency
• Reduced waste disposal volume
• Lower consumption of chemicals and additives
• Enhanced operational control through adjustable parameters

Built for Harsh Drilling Environments

All three centrifuges were manufactured at GN’s modern production facility and tested under stringent quality standards. They are equipped with wear-resistant components, such as tungsten carbide tiles on the screw flights and inlet ports, to ensure long service life even in abrasive conditions.

The delivery to this drilling company highlights GN Solids Control’s commitment to providing tailored separation solutions for customers around the world. With proven performance and customizable operation, GN’s VFD decanter centrifuges continue to be a reliable choice for the evolving needs of the oil and gas industry.

 

Mining tailings management presents a significant technical and environmental challenge in the mining industry. To meet this demand, GN Separation has developed its T Series decanter centrifuge, specifically engineered for thickening and dewatering of slurries generated in mining processes. Unlike traditional filter presses, GN’s centrifuges rely on centrifugal force for solid-liquid separation, enabling efficient operation without the need for chemical additives, though they can also be combined with flocculants when needed.

Working Principle and Key Features
The process begins with the slurry entering the centrifuge’s screw shaft, where it is accelerated before being projected into the rotating bowl. Under high centrifugal force, heavier solid particles are deposited along the bowl wall, while clarified liquid is discharged from the opposite end. A distinctive feature of the T Series is its 8.5° beach angle, which extends the drying area, improves solid discharge, and results in drier cake output.

Robust Design and High-Performance Materials
Each component is engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of mining tailings treatment:

Bowl and screw are built from duplex stainless steel SUS2205 or SUS2304, offering superior corrosion resistance compared to standard grades like SUS304.

Wear protection inside the bowl includes anti-slip bars and replaceable carbide scrapers to ensure long service life and efficient operation.

The discharge port features a 360° rectangular design and is lined with hard alloy sleeves to prevent blockages and reduce abrasion.

SKF bearings are used, and the lubrication system can be customized — from automatic grease injection to thin oil circulation systems for high-speed, heavy-duty applications.

Models and Capacity Range
GN’s T Series includes models from GNLW-654GT to GNLW764A, with treatment capacities ranging from 1 m³/h to 100 m³/h, and bowl speeds from 2200 to 5054 RPM. These centrifuges achieve G-forces up to 3200, ensuring high-efficiency separation even with fine and abrasive particles.

Advanced Automation and Smart Control
The control system features:

Monitoring and protection for bearing temperature, vibration, and overload.

Real-time display and adjustment of bowl and differential speeds.

Integration with stainless steel VFD panels using high-quality components from Siemens, ABB, and Schneider.

Optional automatic dosing and flushing systems to support continuous operation in demanding environments.

Proven Performance Worldwide
GN decanter centrifuges are currently operating in large-scale mining projects across Australia, South America, and Peru, treating various types of tailings including fine-particle slurries and abrasive residues. Compared to conventional systems, GN centrifuges offer advantages such as smaller footprint, higher automation, and lower operating costs.

GN Solids Control has successfully delivered a complete tailings dewatering centrifuge system to a leading mining company in South America. This system is designed to enhance the efficiency of tailings management and reduce environmental impact by optimizing the separation of solid and liquid components in mining operations.

Core Equipment of the System

The delivered system consists of two main components:

• GNLW764-VFD Dewatering Centrifuge: A high-capacity decanter centrifuge designed for tailings dewatering applications. It efficiently separates fine solids from liquid, reducing the moisture content of the discharged solids and improving the recycling of process water.
• GNSJY-6000 Chemical Dosing Unit: This unit ensures precise flocculant dosing, enhancing the separation efficiency of the centrifuge by aggregating fine particles for improved solid-liquid separation.
• Skid Frame with Receiving Tank: The system includes a specially designed skid frame to support the dewatering centrifuge and a receiving tank for pre-collecting tailings slurry before processing.

Advantages of GN’s Tailings Dewatering System

GN Solids Control’s dewatering solutions provide multiple advantages for mining operations:

• Improved Water Recycling: The system helps recover process water, reducing freshwater consumption and lowering operational costs.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: By minimizing the moisture content in discharged solids, it helps comply with environmental regulations and enhances tailings management.
• High Processing Capacity: The GNLW764-VFD centrifuge is engineered to handle large volumes of tailings, making it suitable for large-scale mining applications.
• Optimized Chemical Usage: The GNSJY-6000 dosing unit ensures the efficient use of flocculants, reducing chemical waste and operational costs.

Commitment to Mining Sustainability

GN Solids Control continues to innovate and provide advanced separation solutions to the mining industry. By delivering reliable and high-performance dewatering systems, GN helps mining companies improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and comply with regulatory standards.

For more information on GN Solids Control’s dewatering centrifuge systems and solutions for mining applications, feel free to contact us.