Category: GN Solids America LLC

At GN Separation, we are committed to providing advanced and reliable solutions for challenging environmental and industrial issues. Recently, we have delivered a state-of-the-art Containerized Tank Cleaning Oil Sludge Treatment System to a prominent customer in Europe. This innovative solution is designed to address the growing concerns of oil sludge disposal and tank cleaning, ensuring both environmental compliance and operational efficiency.

Oil sludge, a byproduct of industrial operations, often accumulates in tanks and requires effective treatment to prevent environmental pollution. Traditionally, cleaning and disposing of oil sludge has been a complex and costly process. The client in Europe faced challenges with managing their tank cleaning operations, needing a more sustainable and cost-effective solution to treat and dispose of the oil sludge.

GN’s Solution: The Containerized Tank Cleaning Oil Sludge Treatment System

GN Separation’s containerized system is an all-in-one solution that simplifies the treatment of oil sludge and waste. The system is designed to be easily deployed in different locations, offering flexibility and efficiency. The treatment process utilizes advanced separation technology, including decanter centrifuges, to separate solid particles from the oily waste.

Key features of the system include:

• Compact Design: The entire treatment system is housed in a standard shipping container, making it transportable and easy to install at different sites.
• High Efficiency: The decanter centrifuge technology provides high-speed separation, allowing for effective removal of solids from the oil sludge.
• Sustainability: The system promotes the recovery of valuable oil, which can be reused, reducing waste and environmental impact.
• Versatility: It is adaptable to a wide range of tank cleaning applications, including oil and gas industries, marine operations, and more.

The system not only helps in treating oil sludge efficiently but also minimizes the environmental footprint of tank cleaning operations. By recovering valuable oil and reducing waste, this solution aligns with the increasing demand for eco-friendly technologies in the industrial sector.

GN Separation is proud to continue developing cutting-edge solutions that cater to the specific needs of our global clientele. This containerized tank cleaning and oil sludge treatment system is a testament to our dedication to innovation, quality, and sustainability.

 

Managing oily sludge is a critical challenge for environmental service companies operating in the oil and gas sector. In the United States, strict regulations require effective separation technologies to reduce hazardous waste volumes while recovering valuable resources. For a recent project in the U.S., GN Separation’s GNLWS554 three-phase decanter centrifuge has been selected to address these challenges, offering continuous separation of oil, water, and solids from complex sludge streams.

The GNLWS554 model is specifically engineered for separating emulsified and viscous oil sludges with high solids content. Its three-phase design enables simultaneous separation of oil, clarified water, and dewatered solids in a single continuous process. This capability is essential for treatment plants dealing with tank bottom sludge, API separator residues, or soil washing waste streams.
At the core of its operation is a large-diameter, high-speed rotating bowl that generates powerful centrifugal forces. These forces separate phases based on density differences, with an internal screw conveyor transporting solids to the discharge ports. The machine features wear-resistant materials and a variable-pitch conveyor to handle abrasive sludge while minimizing maintenance downtime.

For the U.S. project, the GNLWS554 was selected based on its processing capacity and its ability to meet local discharge and recycling requirements. By recovering oil suitable for reuse or sale, clarifying water for reuse or discharge, and reducing the volume of solids sent for disposal, the system helps the plant lower operating costs and comply with environmental regulations.

Integration with other treatment equipment is another key aspect. In this project, the decanter centrifuge is used in conjunction with progressive cavity feed pumps that handle viscous sludges reliably. Chemical dosing systems are employed to enhance phase separation, while storage tanks manage recovered oil and water streams. This integrated approach allows for automation and streamlined operation, reducing labor costs and operational risks.
Additionally, the GNLWS554 is designed as a skid-mounted unit, making it easier to transport, install, and maintain. For modular or mobile treatment setups, this is a significant advantage. Companies working on remediation projects or tank cleaning services often require flexible equipment that can be deployed to multiple sites efficiently.
Beyond cost savings, the three-phase decanter centrifuge supports sustainability goals by enabling resource recovery and reducing waste sent to landfills. In a regulated market like the U.S., offering an environmentally responsible solution can be a competitive advantage for service providers.
Overall, this project showcases the practical value of advanced separation technology in tackling real-world challenges in oily sludge management. The GN GNLWS554 three-phase decanter centrifuge exemplifies how engineering solutions can help companies meet stringent environmental standards while delivering efficient, reliable, and cost-effective operations.

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.