NOV Brandt's Solids Control is one of the most important phases of the drilling process. The primary reason for using mechanical solids control equipment is to remove detrimental drilled solids from the mud system. Mechanical separation of drilled solids is achieved via screen separation and/or accelerated g-force.

Effective solids control permits viscosity and density to be kept within desired levels, which increases the life of pump parts and drill bits and promotes faster penetration rates-all of which decrease the time and expense of drilling. If mud solids are not properly controlled, the density of the mud can increase above the desired weight, which can negatively affect many areas of the drilling process.