Desander

Desanders are installed on top of the mud tank following the shale shaker and the degasser, but before the desilter.

A desander with a 10 inches (250 mm) cone is able to remove 50% of solids within the 40-50μm range at a flow rate of 500 US gallons per minute (32 L/s), while a desilter with a 4 inches (100 mm) cone is able to remove 50% of solids within the 15-20μm range at a flow rate of 60 US gallons per minute (3.8 L/s).

Micro-fine separators are able to remove 50% of solids within the 10-15μm range at a flow rate of 15 US gallons per minute (0.95 L/s).

Desanders are preceded by gas busters, gumbo removal equipment (if utilized), shale shakers, mud cleaners (if utilized), and a vacuum degasser.

Practice has proved that hydrocyclone desanders are economic and effective equipment.