Mud Cleaning and Recycling Systems

A mud reclaimer or recycler is a solids control device designed to filter and clean drilling fluid coming back from a drill bore. The main functions of drilling fluid are to provide hydrostatic pressure to prevent formation fluids from entering and to stabilize the bore, to keep the drill bit cool and clean, to carry drill cuttings back out to the surface, and to suspend the drill cuttings while drilling is paused or during the pullback process. Drilling fluid containing excess cuttings can easily damage the pistons, liners, and valves of a mud pump, therefore it’s critical to clean the fluid down to trace amounts of solids.

Normally, a solids control system consists of a mud tank with compartments for both incoming dirty and cleaned fluid, a shale shaker, a desander (depending upon the size of the unit), and a desilter. The shale shaker separates larger solids approximately 400 micron and larger, the desander separates solids approximately 100 micron and larger, and the desilter separates solids approximately 40 micron and larger. After the fluid processes through the desilter and deposited into the clean tank, it can then be pumped to the mud pump to be pumped back downhole.

In addition to the mechanical aspect of needing clean fluid, there are also environmental concerns. Many locations now will not allow the dumping of mud just anywhere. Recycling allows for great cost savings of bentonite, a vital ingredient of drilling fluid. You can reuse your fluid for extended periods without the need for immediate disposal.

Since 1987, Tulsa rig Iron has set the industry standards on mud cleaning and pumping products. Our models are designed to be highly mobile and operator friendly. Our recyclers feature our very own LS series linear motion shakers, which are the best technology available for screening solids.

Please click the links below to read articles on mud recycling in industry publications:

Trenchless Technology March 2017 click here

Trenchless Technology October 2016 click here

Trenchless Technology October 2007 click here