Dewatering Water-Based Drilling Fluids

BRANDT dewatering equipment removes almost all colloidal particles, producing nearly clear water by chemical treatment, a manifold system, and a centrifuge.

Render of dewatering water based drilling fluids
Description

Processing drilling fluid in sensitive environments

Most dewatering applications occur in areas of zero discharge, where closed-loop systems are required. In closed-loop systems, dewatering is the final step in mud processing, following the separation of liquid from solids provided by the shale shakers, hydrocyclones, and centrifuges.

Dewatering services may also be required when there is a high cost or potential future liability associated with fluid and/or solids disposal. Finally, dewatering may also be performed when the active mud system’s volume needs to be reduced. This is done for a cement job, a well change, or displacement.

In a dewatering project, the drilling fluid will be processed from the mud system, and the resulting solids will be discharged for disposal, bioremediation, or land farming. The clean fluid can be stored in a frac tank on-site for later use on the existing well or may be brought to a new well for drillout. In certain instances, the clean fluid may be disposed to ground, if allowed. Whichever situation is encountered, FluidControl dewatering service reduces mud dilution, mud costs, and unwanted liquid waste on the location and produces clean, reusable water.

The dewatering process uses a precisely regulated polymer feed, which is used to coagulate and flocculate the solids, allowing for easy removal by the centrifuge. The dewatering skid (typically a DWU-150) uses two polymer tanks (one for backup) to ensure that no downtime is realized while mixing the polymer. The centrifuge feed pump takes suction from the active mud system, moving the fluid through the injection manifold to the dewatering centrifuge for processing. The manifold system controls the amount of polymer and, if necessary, pH reducer that is injected into the fluid being processed.

Features/Benefits

  • Dewatering services
    • Removes nearly all colloidal particles, producing nearly clear water that can be reused or often disposed to ground
      • Provides cost savings related to fluid disposal and replacement
      • Reduces unwanted liquid waste and mud dilution
      • Ensures environmental compliance in areas of strict regulations 
  • Manifold-controlled injection of polymer and pH reducer
    • Injects the proper amount of polymer (and pH reducer, if necessary) into the fluid stream
  • Precisely regulated polymer feed
    • Coagulates and then flocculates solids with high efficiency and effectiveness
  • Two polymer tanks (one for backup)
    • Ensures that no downtime is realized while the unit is operating
Specifications

Dewatering Water-Based Drilling Fluids Specifications

Dimensions (L × W × H) 10 × 8 × 7 ft (3.0 × 2.4 × 2.1 m)
Weight 4,800 lb (2177 kg)
Electrical requirements 480 VAC/Three-phase/60 Hz/30 amp
Polymer tank maximum capacity 320 gal (1211 L)
Resources
  • Dewatering Water Based Drilling Fluids Flyer (English)

  • Dewatering Water Based Drilling Fluids Flyer (Arabic)

  • Dewatering Water Based Drilling Fluids Flyer (Chinese)

  • Dewatering Water Based Drilling Fluids Flyer (French)

  • Dewatering Water Based Drilling Fluids Flyer (Spanish)

A render of a dewatering water-based drilling fluid unit from a front angle
A render of a dewatering water-based drilling fluid system from a back angle