Hydrocyclones

Hydrocyclones are simple mechanical devices, without moving parts, designed to speed up the settling process of solids. Drilling fluid containing solids is fed tangentially into the body of the hydrocyclone, where centrifugal force induced by the flow causes heavier solids to separate from lighter solids. The heaviest solids are discharged out the bottom (underflow) of the hydrocyclone and the lightest solids exit the top (overflow). The separation of solids is dependent upon feed particle size, fluid viscosity, fluid feed pressure (as a function of fluid density) and hydrocyclone size. National Oilwell Varco offers four (4) Brandt® models of hydrocyclones: desanders (12-inch and 10-inch cones) and desilters (4-inch cones). Fore each application, NOV® will determine the cone configuration and the pump and motor requirements necessary to maximize liguid/solids separation.