Here are some common issues with desanders and how to troubleshoot them:
- Plugged inlet or outlet: Remove the cone and clean the lines.
- Low inlet velocity: Check for a partially plugged inlet or cone body.
- Low feed head: Check for obstructions, pump size and rpm, partially closed valve, solids settling in feed line, or frozen lines.
- Unstable operating pressure: Isolate the hydrocyclone to achieve a stable operating pressure or reset the pump speed.
- High wear rate: Change the feeding condition or hydrocyclone parameters.
- Overflow occurs: Check the angle of the line and the size of the line in the discharge area.
- Non-uniform inflow: Check for sharp bends in the conveyance channel between intake and desander.
- Clogged discharge: Check for a clogged discharge on the underflow of a cyclone.
- Cone separation efficiency decreases: Dilute the mud to decrease viscosity.
A desander is a device that removes very small particles from drilling mud.
