The oil and gas drilling industry produces large amounts of drilling fluid waste that needs to be treated and disposed of properly. HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) centrifuges have become an invaluable tool for oilfield operators looking for an efficient way to process drill cuttings and drilling fluids. Here are some key benefits of using HDD centrifuges on drilling sites.
1. Improved Dewatering Performance
One of the main advantages of HDD centrifuges is their superior dewatering abilities. They can remove over 85% of the water content from drill cuttings, making it much easier to transport and dispose of dry, solid material. Conventional methods like natural drying lagoons are slow and space-intensive in comparison. HDD centrifuges can process large volumes of wet waste in a very compact footprint, accelerating the treatment process.
2. Low Operational Costs
Not only do HDD centrifuges improve performance, but they do so at low operating costs. They require minimal energy and floor space, which reduces costs compared to other solid-liquid separation technologies. Maintenance is also simpler on centrifuges than on complex filter press systems. Overall operating expenses are lower, translating into significant long-term savings for operators.
3. Reliability in Harsh Conditions
Drilling operations produce a tough drilling fluid waste stream full of abrasive drill cuttings and contamination. HDD centrifuges are engineered to withstand punishing processing environments. Their enclosed design protects internal components from damage while filtering small particles. Centrifugal separation is a gentle mechanical process that avoids wear and tear compared to high-pressure pumps or chemical treatments. Reliability in remote field conditions lowers downtime costs.
4. Customizable Processing
Each drilling operation produces a unique fluid waste composition based on geography and drilling methods. HDD centrifuges can be customized with a variety of processing aids, chambers and automated controls. Operators work with experts to develop any application’s optimal solid-liquid separation configuration. Process flexibility future-proofs units for changing operational needs.
5. Portability for Mobile Rigs
Given the mobility of drilling rigs, ease of transport is vital for any solids control equipment. HDD centrifuges assemble into compact modules with integral skid frames that make moving them straightforward. Their small footprint allows them to be set up near the rig floor for optimum processing convenience. Portability means centrifuges easily keep pace with rig movement for continuous treatment no matter the location.
6. Eco-friendly Disposal
Producing dry drill cuttings helps operators meet stringent environmental regulations for waste disposal. The dewatered solids from centrifuges contain minimal residual contamination levels within regulated disposal guidelines for most areas. This “streamlines” the disposal process versus complex solid waste handling. Eco-compliance is achieved cost-effectively while minimizing drilling’s environmental footprint.
Thanks to their many benefits, HDD centrifuges have become a go-to solution in the solids control industry. If you are looking to rent an HDD centrifuge, Taber Solids Control is the right option. At our Edmonton, Alberta facility, we rebuild our rental centrifuges to guarantee peak performance. For more information on our centrifuges, please contact one of our experts.