desander desilter Application in oil extraction
May 31,2025
Desander and desilter are critical components in oil extraction, primarily used during drilling operations and produced water treatment. Here's a breakdown of their key applications:

Desander and desilter are critical components in oil extraction, primarily used during drilling operations and produced water treatment. Here's a breakdown of their key applications:
1. **Drilling Operations (Drilling Fluid/Solid Control)**
- **Purpose:** Remove abrasive solids from drilling fluid ("mud") to:
- Protect downhole & surface equipment (pumps, drill bits, valves).
- Maintain optimal mud properties (viscosity, density).
- Improve drilling efficiency and rate of penetration (ROP).
- **Workflow:**
- **Desander (2ⁿᵈ Stage):**
- Removes **sand-sized particles (44–74 μm)**.
- Uses **larger hydrocyclones** (6–12 inches diameter).
- Processes fluid *after* shale shakers (1ˢᵗ stage).
- **Desilter (3ʳᵈ Stage):**
- Removes **silt-sized particles (15–44 μm)**.
- Uses **smaller hydrocyclones** (4–6 inches diameter).
- Processes fluid *after* desanders.
- **Outcome:** Cleaner mud reduces wear, prevents formation damage, and lowers drilling costs.
2. **Produced Water Treatment**
- **Purpose:** Treat water extracted with oil/gas by removing solids to:
- Meet environmental discharge standards.
- Prevent equipment erosion/clogging in pipelines and separators.
- Enable water reuse (e.g., injection for
Key words:
PREVIOUS: