Mud agitators play an important role in the surface treatment of drilling fluids. Impeller-type mixers provide both axial and radial flow,which lowers mud costs and improve mud properties. GN Solids Control is a Top API certified Solids Control Equipment manufacturer. GN Mud agitator achieve three purposes. first, Ensure mud additives are homogeneously mixed,preventing spot over treatment of chemicals,dilution water or weighting agents. Second,Prevents the pits from"gelling"by keeping the active mud system moving when the mud pumps are disengaged. Third, When drilling with weighted mud,properly sized agitators will keep the weighting agents in suspension,minimizing solids from settling in corners or dead spots of the pit.
Many our clients asked us how to select and sizing mud agiators. There are three main factors must be considered in the selection of an agitator in order for it to perform effectively:
(1) Tank Geometry
a. Width
b. Length
C. Mud Depth
(2) Maximum Anticipated Mud Density
a. Specific Mud Weight
b. If unknown use 20 PPG
(3) Power Requirement
a. Voltage
b.Frequency
Mud Agitator Sizing:
(1) Calculate the volume of the sizing area using the equation below:
V=(L)×(w)×(MD)×7.5
Where V = Volume in Gallons
L = Tank Length in Feet
W = Tank width in feet
MD = Max.Mud Depth in Feet
(2) Select an impeller diameter using vendor's manual to find an impeller that gives a pumping rate close to the calculated Volume V.
(3)The Turnover Rate(TOR) is defined as the numbers of seconds required for the impeller to pump the full mud volume within the sizing area. TOR should be in the range of 40 to 90 Seconds for all sizing areas.
TOR = (v)×(60)/(PR)
Where V = Volume in Gallons
PR = Pumping Rate in GPM
(4)Use Vendor's manual to identify the horsepower and gearbox required for 20 ppg mud.
(5)The 'Tank Depth" is measured from the top of the structure( Beams,etc) on which the agitator will be mounted to the bottom of the tank.
For more information about selecting the right mud agitator for mud tanks. Please feel free to consulting with GN's engineers.
