Desander equipment used for solid control system

Desanders and desilters are undergoing several advances to improve the efficiency of the equipment and the process. Desanders have traditionally been using high erosion-resistant, reaction-bonded silicon carbide ceramics fabrication. 

Desander is the second phase of drilling mud recycling system, and desilter is the third phase. They are all used to separate the solids from the drilling fluids. The main difference of desander and desilter is the size of hydrocyclones utilized.

However, the development of new fabrication techniques is bringing a step-change improvement in desanders. Wellhead desanders are being cast in a few ceramic rings, instead of manually grouting ceramic tiles. As a result, the diameter of the desanders reaches around 700 mm, which results in higher manufacturing efficiency, repeatability, and standardization. Solid control equipment is also improving in terms of size so that it can cater to the offshore segment efficiently as space availability is a concern in offshore drilling rigs.

Desander and Desilter are sometimes combined together as the high efficient mud cleaner. Mud cleaners can be used as economical and efficient single units on their own or alternatively used with desilters placed downstream for further fine solids separation.