When troubleshooting a desilter, you can check the pump, supply lines, cones, and screens. You can also try adjusting the pump speed or opening size, or cleaning out any blockages.
Pump
- Check that the centrifugal pump impeller is large enough to deliver the required pressure
- Check that the centrifugal pump is running at the correct speed
- Check that the supply line from the pump to the manifold is the correct size
Supply lines
- Check that the supply line to the manifold is not plugged
- Check that the centrifugal pump suction is not plugged
Cones
- Check for plugging at the feed inlet or outlet
- Check for backflow from the overflow manifold
- Check for low inlet velocity
- Check for repeated plugging of apexes
- Check for wear and plugging, especially in smaller cones
- Remove the apex nut and clean out any blockages
- Remove the entire cone to check for blockage at the inlet
Screens
- Check for torn screens [2]
- Use a finer mesh screen on the shaker to remove more solids before they enter the hydrocyclones [5]
Other
- Flush the feed manifold between wells to remove trash
- Keep the shale shaker well maintained