HDD Mud Recycling System

HDD Mud Recycling System

TR HDD Mud Recycling Systems clean drilling fluid returned from horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and put it back into circulation. Each system combines solids separation, mud mixing and storage in one package, helping keep usable drilling fluid in the circulation system.

Standard units are rated at 200, 500 and 1,000 GPM. TR also builds other capacities and layouts to suit project flow rates, site space, tank volume and electrical supply.

Key Advantages

1. Reuses recovered drilling fluid. Treated mud goes back into circulation, reducing the need for continuous fresh-mud makeup.

2. Reduces waste mud volume. Drilled solids are removed before the mud is reused, leaving less spent fluid to handle and dispose of off site.

3. Simplifies transport. Removable or foldable walkways and handrails help reduce shipping dimensions where transport access is limited.

Working Principle of Mud Recovery System

Drilling fluid returning from the bore first passes over the shale shaker, where coarse drill cuttings are removed.

The separated mud collects in the tank. Feed pumps then transfer mud from the tank to the downstream solids-removal stage.

The 200 GPM configuration uses four 4-inch desilter hydrocyclones. The 500 and 1,000 GPM configurations use mud cleaners with desander and desilter hydrocyclones for additional solids removal.

After separation, the treated mud returns to the tank. Bentonite or other drilling fluid additives are introduced through the mud mixing hopper when the mud program requires adjustment. On the 500 and 1,000 GPM configurations, agitators keep the stored mud mixed, while the mixing pump moves mud through the hopper during preparation.

The conditioned drilling fluid is then returned to the HDD rig for reuse.

Typical Parameters Of HDD Mud System

Applications

TR HDD Mud Recycling Systems are designed for trenchless drilling projects where returned drilling fluid needs to be recovered and reused, including:

• Pipeline installation

• Underground utility and cable installation

• Road, railway and river crossings

System Selection

HDD mud circulation flow rate is the starting point for system sizing. The selected configuration needs enough separation capacity for the expected operating flow and solids loading.

• HDD rig model and mud pump capacity

• Actual mud flow rate

• Drilling fluid type and properties

• Ground conditions and expected solids loading

• Required solids-removal stages

• Mud storage volume

• Available installation and transport space

• Power supply, including voltage, frequency and phase

• Site environmental and electrical requirements

For projects requiring explosion-proof electrical equipment, the electrical configuration follows the project specification.

TR Manufacturing Capability

TR Solids Control has more than 15 years of experience manufacturing solids control treatment equipment. System engineering, fabrication, assembly and testing are carried out at the Xi'an facility.

Along with HDD mud recycling systems, TR manufactures equipment for oil and gas drilling, piling, tunnel boring, dredging and coal bed methane (CBM) projects.

TR holds API and ISO certifications and provides engineering support for equipment selection, process layout, electrical configuration and package integration.

For complete HDD packages, TR performs factory assembly and pre-shipment testing. Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) is available when required by the project specification.