Description

Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge for VFD Solids Control, LGS Removal & WBM/OBM/SBM Land and Offshore Drilling

SGPE manufactures Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge systems for fine-solids separation, low-gravity solids control, barite recovery, drilling-fluid recycling and oilfield drilling waste management.

Our range covers 14-inch, 18-inch and 22-inch oilfield decanter centrifuge platforms for high-speed fine-solids removal, variable-speed mud treatment, weighted-mud processing and high-volume drilling-fluid recovery. Drive arrangements include fixed-speed, VFD and project-specific full hydraulic drive configurations.

In drilling specifications and RFQs, the same equipment may also be described as an Oilfield Decanter Centrifuge, Drilling Fluid Decanter Centrifuge, Solids Control Centrifuge, High-Speed Mud Centrifuge, Variable Speed Decanter Centrifuge, Mud Recycling Centrifuge, Mud Recovery Centrifuge or Drilling Waste Centrifuge.

The centrifuge normally operates near the final mechanical stage of a drilling-fluid solids control system. Shale shakers, desanders, desilters and mud cleaners remove the larger drilled solids first. The decanter then separates the fine and ultra-fine particles that remain in the circulating fluid.

SGPE centrifuges process Water-Based Mud (WBM), Oil-Based Mud (OBM) and Synthetic-Based Mud (SBM) on land rigs, offshore platforms, jack-up rigs, semi-submersibles and drillships.

Typical duties include LGS removal, fine-solids separation, barite recovery, weighted-mud treatment, drilling-fluid polishing, OBM/SBM recovery, dewatering and drilling waste treatment. Applications range from conventional drilling and shale development to horizontal wells, extended-reach drilling, high-ROP operations, deep wells and HPHT programs.

By controlling fine solids before they build up in the active mud system, the centrifuge helps drilling crews maintain more stable mud properties, reduce unnecessary dilution, conserve valuable drilling fluid and reduce waste volume.

SGPE supplies standalone machines and complete skid-mounted Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge packages with feed pumps, VFD cabinets, PLC-HMI controls, process piping, mud-tank interfaces, lifting points and solids discharge arrangements.

Email:  info@sgpe.com
Tel/Whatsapp:  +86 186-1599-5239

Product Short Description

The SGPE Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge continuously separates fine drilled solids from drilling fluid through centrifugal force.

A compact high-speed machine suits fine-solids and LGS removal. Controlled-speed operation supports barite recovery from weighted mud. Larger bowl platforms provide greater hydraulic and solids-handling capacity for high-ROP drilling and large circulating systems.

Centrifuge Configuration	Main Oilfield Duty
14 in High-Speed Decanter Centrifuge	Fine-solids and LGS removal
14 in Barite Recovery Centrifuge	Weighted mud and barite recovery
18 in High-Capacity Drilling Centrifuge	High-ROP and horizontal drilling
18 in VFD Decanter Centrifuge	Variable drilling-fluid conditions
22 in Big-Bowl Oilfield Centrifuge	Large mud systems and high throughput
Dual Decanter Centrifuge System	Barite recovery + high-speed LGS removal
Drilling Waste Decanter Centrifuge	OBM/SBM recovery
Dewatering Centrifuge	Spent WBM and drilling waste treatment
Offshore Centrifuge Package	Platform, jack-up, semi and drillship
Replacement Oilfield Centrifuge	Brownfield and MRO projects
Custom Skid-Mounted Centrifuge	New rig and retrofit projects

For a new centrifuge RFQ, provide the mud type, mud weight, viscosity, required treatment rate, solids concentration, treatment objective, power supply and rig type.

For replacement equipment, send the existing centrifuge model or nameplate, GA drawing, bowl dimensions, motor data, gearbox information and installation dimensions.

Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge Product Overview

A Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge separates fine drilled solids from the liquid phase of drilling mud inside a rapidly rotating horizontal bowl.

A progressive cavity pump transfers the mud through the feed tube. As the bowl accelerates the fluid, higher-density solids move outward toward the bowl wall.

The internal screw conveyor rotates in the same direction as the bowl but at a controlled differential speed. This difference moves the separated solids toward the conical discharge section.

Clarified drilling fluid travels toward the opposite end and leaves through adjustable liquid discharge weirs.

A shale shaker relies on screen openings. A drilling fluid centrifuge relies on density and centrifugal separation. Its performance depends on particle size, particle density, mud viscosity, bowl speed, G-force, feed rate, differential speed and pond depth.

This allows a centrifuge to remove particles much finer than those normally handled by primary screening equipment.

The correct machine cannot be selected from bowl diameter or maximum rpm alone. Mud weight, solids loading, particle-size distribution, LGS content, barite content, required throughput and available installation space all influence the final choice.

Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge Technical Specifications

The following engineering ranges cover SGPE 14-inch, 18-inch and 22-inch centrifuge platforms. Final ratings are defined by the approved technical datasheet and GA drawing.

Bowl Size, Capacity & Separation Performance

Technical Parameter	14 in High-Speed Platform	18 in High-Capacity Platform	22 in High-Volume Platform
Centrifuge Type	Horizontal Solid-Bowl Decanter	Horizontal Solid-Bowl Decanter	Horizontal Solid-Bowl Decanter
Separation Type	Two-Phase Solid / Liquid	Two-Phase Solid / Liquid	Two-Phase Solid / Liquid
Nominal Bowl Diameter	350–360 mm / 14 in	450–460 mm / 18 in	530–550 mm / 21–22 in
Typical Bowl Length	1,200–1,300 mm	1,500–1,600 mm	1,800–1,830 mm
Typical L/D Ratio	Approx. 3.3–3.6	Approx. 3.3–3.6	Approx. 3.3–4.2
Preliminary Mud Treatment Range	20–35 m³/h	40–65 m³/h	70–100 m³/h
Reference Flow Range	88–154 GPM	176–286 GPM	308–440 GPM
Maximum Bowl Speed	Up to approx. 3,900 rpm	Up to approx. 3,200 rpm	Up to approx. 3,000 rpm
Maximum Calculated Bowl-Wall G-Force	Approx. 3,060 G	Approx. 2,575 G	Approx. 2,765 G
Typical Fine-Solids Range	Approx. 2–8 μm	Approx. 2–8 μm	Approx. 2–8 μm
High-Speed Separation Target	Approx. 2–5 μm under suitable conditions	Approx. 2–5 μm	Approx. 2–5 μm
Differential Speed	Adjustable	Adjustable	Adjustable
Typical Differential Range	Up to approx. 35–45 rpm	Up to approx. 35–45 rpm	Up to approx. 35–45 rpm

Actual drilling-mud capacity depends on mud weight, viscosity, solids loading, particle-size distribution and the required separation point.

Drive System, Power & Recommended Duty

Technical Parameter	14 in High-Speed Platform	18 in High-Capacity Platform	22 in High-Volume Platform
Gearbox Torque Class	Approx. 3,000–3,500 N·m	Approx. 6,000–7,500 N·m	Approx. 10,000–12,000 N·m
Main Drive Motor	Approx. 30–37 kW	Approx. 45–56 kW	Approx. 90–112 kW
Back Drive Motor	Approx. 7.5–11 kW	Approx. 18.5–22 kW	Approx. 30–37 kW
Typical Feed Pump	Approx. 7.5 kW	Approx. 11–15 kW	Approx. 18.5–22 kW
Standard Drive	Fixed Speed / VFD	VFD	VFD
Full Hydraulic Drive Option	Supported	Supported	Project Configuration
Primary Duty	Fine Solids / Barite Recovery	High-Capacity Solids Control	High-Volume Mud Processing

Water or reference capacity should not be treated as the same value as actual drilling-fluid capacity. Heavy weighted mud, high viscosity, higher solids concentration and finer separation targets reduce practical throughput.

For this reason, SGPE selects the centrifuge according to the actual drilling-fluid properties, solids-control objective and required field treatment rate rather than nominal water capacity alone.

How to Select an Oilfield Decanter Centrifuge

A useful selection starts with the drilling-fluid duty rather than the highest advertised bowl speed.

Selection Parameter	Why It Matters
Drilling Fluid	WBM, OBM and SBM require different treatment strategies
Mud Weight	Influences solids loading and weighting-material content
Mud Viscosity	Affects settling and hydraulic capacity
Solids Concentration	Affects conveyor and gearbox loading
LGS Content	Defines fine-solids removal demand
Barite Content	Defines weighted-mud recovery requirements
Particle Distribution	Influences the practical cut point
Required Feed Rate	Determines hydraulic loading
Treatment Objective	LGS / Barite / Recovery / Dewatering
Bowl Size	Influences capacity and footprint
Bowl Speed	Controls centrifugal acceleration
Differential Speed	Controls solids transport
Pond Depth	Influences liquid retention
Rig Type	Defines land or offshore package requirements
Available Space	Defines skid and service layout
Electrical Supply	Defines motors and controls
Hazardous Area	Defines project electrical configuration

A 14-inch high-speed centrifuge is a strong choice where fine-solids removal and compact footprint are the main priorities.

For high-ROP drilling with heavier solids loading, the larger bowl volume of an 18-inch or 22-inch machine provides more useful treatment capacity.

The final selection should balance separation target, solids loading, fluid throughput and available installation space.

14 in vs. 18 in vs. 22 in Drilling Centrifuge

Bowl diameter gives a quick indication of equipment class, but it does not replace process selection.

Platform	Best-Fit Application	Main Advantage
14 in High-Speed	Fine-solids control and barite recovery	Compact footprint and high G-force
18 in High-Capacity	High-ROP, shale and horizontal drilling	Balance of capacity and fine separation
22 in High-Volume	Large mud systems	Greater hydraulic and solids-handling capacity
Dual Centrifuge	Weighted OBM / SBM	Separate barite and LGS treatment stages
FHD Centrifuge	Heavy-duty oilfield service	Hydraulic speed control
Offshore Package	Marine drilling rigs	Compact project-specific integration

A 14 inch drilling centrifuge suits compact high-speed treatment and fine-solids control.

An 18 inch oilfield centrifuge provides more throughput while retaining strong fine-solids capability.

A 22 inch big-bowl decanter centrifuge suits large circulating systems, higher flow demand and heavier solids loading.

Bowl Speed and G-Force Reference

Centrifugal acceleration increases with the square of rotational speed.

RCF (G) = 1.118 × 10⁻⁵ × radius (cm) × rpm²

Nominal Bowl	Bowl Speed	Approx. Calculated G-Force
14 in / 360 mm	2,500 rpm	1,260 G
14 in / 360 mm	3,000 rpm	1,810 G
14 in / 360 mm	3,200 rpm	2,060 G
14 in / 360 mm	3,600 rpm	2,610 G
14 in / 360 mm	3,900 rpm	3,060 G
18 in / 450 mm	2,200 rpm	1,220 G
18 in / 450 mm	2,500 rpm	1,570 G
18 in / 450 mm	2,800 rpm	1,970 G
18 in / 450 mm	3,200 rpm	2,575 G
22 in / 550 mm	1,800 rpm	1,000 G
22 in / 550 mm	2,200 rpm	1,490 G
22 in / 550 mm	2,500 rpm	1,920 G
22 in / 550 mm	2,800 rpm	2,410 G
22 in / 550 mm	3,000 rpm	2,765 G

This relationship explains the value of a VFD drilling mud centrifuge. Operators can change centrifugal force as the treatment objective changes instead of working around one fixed bowl speed.

LGS, Barite and Drilling Solids Density

Density difference is one of the main drivers of centrifuge separation.

Material / Phase	Typical Specific Gravity / Density	Process Relevance
Fresh Water	1.00 SG	Liquid reference
Low Gravity Solids	Approx. 2.60 g/cm³	Fine drilled solids and clay
Formation Solids	Commonly around the LGS range	Main unwanted drilled solids
Barite	Approx. 4.20 g/cm³	Main drilling-fluid weighting material
Hematite	Approx. 5.50 g/cm³	High-density weighting material

The density difference between LGS and barite provides the basis for controlled barite recovery from weighted drilling mud.

Density alone does not determine the separation point. Particle size, mud viscosity, bowl speed and feed conditions also affect settling behavior.

For weighted mud, the target is not simply maximum centrifuge speed. The operating window must remove unwanted drilled solids without discarding excessive weighting material.

Bowl, Conveyor and Wear Protection

Drilling mud continuously carries abrasive sand, shale, silt and weighting material through the centrifuge.

The highest-wear areas therefore require dedicated protection.

Component	Construction / Protection	Main Purpose
Bowl	High-Strength Stainless / Duplex Stainless Steel	Strength and corrosion resistance
Screw Conveyor	Stainless Steel	Continuous solids transport
Conveyor Flights	Tungsten Carbide / Hard-Alloy Protection	Abrasion resistance
Feed Zone	Replaceable Wear-Resistant Protection	High-velocity mud entry
Solids Discharge Ports	Tungsten Carbide / Hard-Alloy Inserts	High-wear discharge area
Feed Tube	Wear-Resistant Configuration	Controlled mud feeding
Main Bearings	Heavy-Duty High-Speed Bearings	Rotating assembly support
Gearbox	Heavy-Duty Planetary Configuration	Differential-speed control
Protective Cover	Full Rotating-Assembly Guard	Safety and containment
Base Skid	Heavy-Duty Oilfield Structure	Equipment support
Piping	Carbon Steel / Stainless Steel	Process integration
Coating	Land-Rig / Marine Offshore Coating	Environmental protection

Replaceable wear components allow maintenance crews to service localized abrasion without replacing the complete rotating assembly.

Fixed-Speed, VFD and Full Hydraulic Drive Centrifuges

Fixed-Speed Drilling Centrifuge

A fixed-speed centrifuge suits mud systems with relatively stable operating conditions.

The simpler drive arrangement works well where the required separation point changes very little during the drilling program.

VFD Decanter Centrifuge

A VFD Decanter Centrifuge provides greater process flexibility.

Operators can adjust bowl speed as mud density, viscosity and solids loading change. The system can also coordinate feed-pump speed and conveyor differential control.

A VFD Decanter Centrifuge for drilling fluids is particularly useful during shale drilling, long horizontal sections, high-ROP operations, weighted-mud treatment and offshore OBM/SBM service.

Full Hydraulic Drive Decanter Centrifuge

A Full Hydraulic Drive Decanter Centrifuge, or FHD Centrifuge, uses hydraulic systems to drive the bowl and conveyor.

The arrangement provides flexible bowl and differential-speed control for heavy-mud service and projects that specify hydraulic drive.

VFD, PLC and Electrical Configuration

Parameter	Available Configuration
Main Drive	Fixed Speed / VFD / FHD
Bowl Speed Control	Fixed / Variable
Back Drive	Mechanical / VFD / Hydraulic
Differential Speed Control	Adjustable
Feed Pump Control	Fixed / VFD
Control Interface	Local / VFD / PLC-HMI
Bowl Speed Monitoring	Supported
Differential Speed Monitoring	Supported
Main Motor Load Monitoring	Supported
Back Drive Load Monitoring	Supported
Gearbox Load / Torque Protection	Supported
Bearing Temperature Monitoring	Supported
Vibration Monitoring	Supported
Alarm Functions	Supported
Emergency Stop	Included
Start / Shutdown Interlocks	Supported
Voltage	380 / 400 / 415 / 440 / 460 / 480 V
Frequency	50 / 60 Hz
Motor Type	Oilfield Duty / Explosion-Protected
Control Cabinet	VFD / PLC / Positive-Pressure Cabinet
Hazardous-Area Package	Project Configuration
Remote Interface	Supported

These controls allow the centrifuge to follow changing drilling-fluid conditions rather than forcing the process to operate around one fixed mechanical setting.

How a Horizontal Decanter Centrifuge Works

1. Controlled Mud Feeding

A progressive cavity pump transfers drilling fluid into the rotating bowl.

Stable flow keeps hydraulic loading consistent. A VFD-controlled feed pump also allows the treatment rate to change as mud conditions change.

2. Centrifugal Separation

The rotating bowl accelerates the fluid.

Higher-density solids move toward the bowl wall, while the lighter liquid phase remains closer to the rotational center.

Higher bowl speed creates greater centrifugal force and generally shifts separation toward finer particles.

3. Solids Conveying

The screw conveyor rotates at a slightly different speed from the bowl.

A larger differential moves solids faster. A smaller differential increases solids residence time.

The correct setting balances solids-handling capacity and separation quality.

4. Liquid Level Control

Adjustable weirs set the pond depth.

Pond depth influences liquid retention and the dry beach section before clarified drilling fluid leaves the centrifuge.

5. Continuous Solids Discharge

The conveyor moves separated solids toward wear-protected discharge ports.

The discharged material can enter a waste box, screw conveyor, collection tank or drilling waste management system.

What Changes Centrifuge Performance?

Operating Variable	Main Effect
Higher Bowl Speed	More G-force and finer separation
Higher Differential Speed	Faster solids transport
Higher Feed Rate	Less residence time
Greater Pond Depth	More liquid residence volume
Higher Mud Viscosity	Slower particle separation
Higher Solids Loading	Greater conveyor and gearbox load
Higher Particle Density	Faster settling
Larger Particle Size	Easier separation

No single setting determines the result by itself. Reliable treatment comes from matching the machine settings to the actual drilling-fluid properties.

High-Speed LGS Removal, Barite Recovery and Mud Recycling

High-Speed Fine-Solids and LGS Removal

A High-Speed Drilling Mud Centrifuge targets fine and ultra-fine drilled solids that remain after primary solids-control equipment.

This duty is especially important during shale drilling, long horizontal intervals and high-ROP operations, where fine formation solids can accumulate rapidly in the active mud system.

Mechanical LGS removal helps control mud viscosity, gel strength and dilution demand.

Barite Recovery Centrifuge for Weighted Mud

A Barite Recovery Centrifuge for weighted mud uses a different operating strategy.

Because barite has a higher density than typical low-gravity drilled solids, controlled centrifugal force can recover a barite-rich fraction from weighted mud.

The machine does not simply run at maximum speed. Bowl speed, feed rate, differential speed and pond depth must work together to produce the required separation.

Dual Decanter Centrifuge System

Weighted OBM and SBM can benefit from a Dual Decanter Centrifuge System.

The first centrifuge operates at lower or medium centrifugal force for barite recovery. The second runs at higher speed for fine LGS removal.

This two-stage arrangement helps retain valuable weighting material while keeping low-gravity solids under control.

Mud Recycling and Drilling Fluid Recovery

A Mud Recycling Centrifuge removes fine solids while retaining reusable drilling fluid.

The economic value becomes greater with oil-based and synthetic-based mud because the recovered liquid phase is more expensive to replace.

Drilling Mud Dewatering Centrifuge

A Drilling Mud Dewatering Centrifuge processes spent WBM and drilling waste fluids.

Chemical conditioning can increase the effective size of very fine suspended solids before centrifugation. The decanter then separates the conditioned solids from the liquid phase for closed-loop waste treatment.

Decanter Centrifuge for WBM, OBM and SBM

Mud System	Main Treatment Objective	Typical Application
WBM	Fine-solids and LGS removal	Land, shale and horizontal drilling
Weighted WBM	Barite + LGS management	Deep and HPHT drilling
OBM	LGS control + fluid recovery	Land and offshore drilling
Weighted OBM	Barite recovery + LGS removal	High-performance drilling
SBM	Synthetic-fluid recovery	Offshore drilling
Weighted SBM	Dual-stage solids control	Deepwater and drillship
Spent WBM	Dewatering	Closed-loop waste management
Cuttings Dryer Recovery Fluid	Fine-solids polishing	Drilling waste recovery

Centrifuge for Water-Based Mud

Fine drilled solids gradually increase WBM viscosity and chemical demand.

A Water-Based Mud Centrifuge mechanically removes part of this solids load and reduces excessive reliance on dilution.

Centrifuge for Oil-Based Mud

A Decanter Centrifuge for Oil-Based Mud combines fine-solids control with drilling-fluid recovery.

It can operate directly in the main solids-control system or downstream of a vertical cuttings dryer.

Centrifuge for Synthetic-Based Mud

A Synthetic-Based Mud Centrifuge performs the same broad duty for SBM systems.

Fluid recovery is particularly important offshore because drilling-fluid losses and drilling waste logistics directly affect operating cost.

Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge Applications

Land, Shale and Pad Drilling

Land rigs use decanter centrifuges for conventional drilling, exploration and development wells.

Shale and multi-well pad projects often generate higher fine-solids loading. High-speed or high-capacity centrifuges help control LGS, while compact skid layouts simplify rig moves.

Horizontal, Directional and Extended-Reach Drilling

Long measured depths expose the active mud system to sustained fine-solids loading.

A variable-speed centrifuge allows drilling crews to adjust treatment as the well progresses instead of relying on one fixed operating condition for the complete interval.

High-ROP Drilling

High penetration rates increase the amount of drilled formation entering the surface mud system.

An 18-inch or 22-inch high-capacity oilfield centrifuge provides more processing volume when fine-solids loading rises.

Deep, Ultra-Deep and HPHT Wells

These wells often use higher-performance weighted drilling fluids.

Fine-solids control and barite management become increasingly important as mud weight and fluid complexity increase.

Offshore Platforms and Jack-Up Rigs

Offshore centrifuge packages must combine process performance with compact dimensions, hazardous-area electrical configuration, corrosion protection and engineered lifting arrangements.

Semi-Submersibles and Drillships

Deepwater drilling places high economic value on OBM and SBM recovery.

Decanter centrifuges support LGS removal, weighted-mud treatment and drilling waste recovery while operating within limited deck space.

Oilfield Mud Plants

Liquid mud plants use centrifuges for drilling-fluid conditioning, solids management and reusable mud preparation before fluid returns to drilling operations.

Brownfield Rig Upgrades

Existing rigs often retain their mud tanks, piping, electrical systems and supporting structures.

A replacement centrifuge must therefore match both the required process duty and the installed interfaces.

Position in a Complete Oilfield Solids Control System

A typical drilling-fluid treatment sequence follows:

Drilling Return → Drilling Shale Shaker → Vacuum Degasser → Desander → Desilter / Mud Cleaner → Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge → Active Mud Tank

Equipment	Separation Principle	Primary Duty
Drilling Shale Shaker	Vibratory Screening	Removes larger drilled cuttings
Vacuum Degasser	Vacuum Separation	Removes entrained gas
Desander	Hydrocyclone	Removes sand-size solids
Desilter	Hydrocyclone	Removes finer silt-size solids
Mud Cleaner	Hydrocyclone + Screen	Fine screening and fluid recovery
Decanter Centrifuge	Centrifugal Separation	Removes fine and ultra-fine solids
Vertical Cuttings Dryer	Centrifugal Drying	Recovers OBM/SBM from cuttings

A centrifuge does not replace a shale shaker.

Removing coarse solids first protects centrifuge capacity and reduces unnecessary wear. The decanter can then focus on the fine and ultra-fine particles that remain after upstream treatment.

Vertical Cuttings Dryer and Decanter Centrifuge System

A Vertical Cuttings Dryer and Decanter Centrifuge System provides an effective process for OBM and SBM drilling-fluid recovery.

The vertical dryer first removes much of the drilling fluid attached to wet shaker cuttings.

The recovered liquid still contains fine solids, so it passes through a high-speed decanter centrifuge before returning to the active mud system.

A complete drilling waste package can combine the vertical cuttings dryer, decanter centrifuge, screw conveyor, progressive cavity pump, collection tank, VFD controls, process piping and skid structure.

This arrangement increases drilling-fluid recovery and reduces the amount of valuable liquid leaving with the waste stream.

Skid-Mounted Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge

Many drilling contractors and EPC buyers prefer a Skid-Mounted Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge rather than a bare machine.

The skid can integrate the centrifuge, feed pump, VFD cabinet, PLC-HMI controls, process piping, electrical distribution, lifting points and maintenance access.

This reduces field installation work and provides one coordinated treatment package.

For offshore or restricted-space projects, skid dimensions and equipment positions can be arranged around the available installation envelope.

Offshore Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge

SGPE supplies Offshore Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge packages for fixed platforms, jack-up rigs, semi-submersibles and drillships.

Offshore selection involves more than bowl diameter and treatment capacity. The package must also match deck space, hazardous-area requirements, corrosion exposure, lifting arrangements and maintenance access.

Project configurations can include explosion-protected motors, VFD controls, PLC-HMI systems, positive-pressure control cabinets, marine coating and stainless steel process piping.

Replacement Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge

SGPE supplies Replacement Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuges for brownfield rigs, obsolete solids-control equipment, MRO projects and drilling-contractor fleet upgrades.

Existing Equipment Data	Why It Matters
Manufacturer / Model	Supports cross-reference
Nameplate	Confirms existing rating
Bowl Diameter / Length	Defines centrifuge class and envelope
Maximum Speed / G-Force	Supports performance comparison
Main / Back Drive Motors	Checks electrical compatibility
Gearbox Data	Supports torque comparison
Feed Capacity	Defines process requirement
Feed Connection	Matches existing piping
Liquid Outlet	Matches mud return
Solids Discharge	Matches waste system
Overall Dimensions	Confirms installation space
Equipment Weight	Supports structural review
Voltage / Frequency	Matches rig power supply
Existing VFD Cabinet	Supports controls review
Skid / GA Drawing	Defines interfaces
Field Photographs	Confirms actual layout

Matching bowl diameter alone does not guarantee a successful replacement.

The new centrifuge must also match process capacity, motors, gearbox duty, feed position, liquid discharge, solids discharge and service clearance.

When the original documentation is unavailable, the replacement review can begin with the existing nameplate, measured dimensions and clear installation photographs.

Custom Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge

SGPE supports custom Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge packages for new rigs, EPC projects, replacement equipment and brownfield upgrades.

Customization covers bowl platform, VFD or full hydraulic drive, gearbox torque, feed pump, skid dimensions, electrical voltage, controls, instrumentation, process piping, mud-tank interfaces, marine coating and hazardous-area electrical configuration.

The package is engineered around the drilling-fluid duty and installation interfaces rather than a single fixed catalogue layout.

SGPE Factory & Engineering Support

SGPE is a specialized petroleum equipment manufacturer based in Yancheng, Jiangsu, China.

The company has more than 20 years of petroleum equipment experience and operates an approximately 20,000 m² factory, including around 10,000 m² of building area. More than 100 employees support engineering, manufacturing, quality and sales activities, including over 25 professional technical personnel. Manufacturing operations include more than 100 sets of processing equipment.

This broader oilfield equipment background helps our engineering team understand how a centrifuge interacts with shale shakers, mud cleaners, pumps, mud tanks, drilling waste equipment and drilling-rig layouts.

For international drilling contractors, EPC companies and oilfield service providers, one project can move from technical selection through engineering, manufacturing, inspection and export documentation within the same supply chain.

Inspection, FAT and Technical Documentation

High-speed rotating equipment requires controlled manufacturing and verification.

Inspection / Test	Main Check
Technical Datasheet Review	Final equipment specification
GA Drawing Review	Dimensions and interfaces
Material / Dimensional Inspection	Critical materials and dimensions
Bowl / Conveyor Inspection	Rotating assembly
Dynamic Balancing	High-speed stability
Bearing / Gearbox Installation	Drive and rotating support
Motor Alignment	Drive alignment
Belt / Coupling Inspection	Power transmission
Electrical Inspection	Wiring and components
VFD Function Test	Variable-speed operation
PLC-HMI Test	Control logic
Feed Pump Test	Feed-system operation
Emergency Stop / Interlock Test	Protection and safe sequence
No-Load Running Test	Mechanical operation
Vibration / Bearing Temperature Check	Rotating condition
Motor Load Check	Drive performance
Coating Inspection	Surface protection
Final Inspection	Shipment readiness

Depending on the project scope, documentation can include the approved technical datasheet, GA drawing, electrical drawings, operation and maintenance manuals, spare-parts list, FAT records and inspection documents.

Standards and Evaluation Reference

API RP 13C provides guidance for evaluating drilling-fluid processing systems used in petroleum and natural gas drilling.

The final centrifuge package is defined by the customer datasheet, approved drawings, electrical specification, hazardous-area requirements and agreed FAT/ITP.

API RP 13C should be treated as a drilling-fluid processing system evaluation reference rather than a stand-alone centrifuge product certification.

EPC, Drilling Contractor and Oilfield MRO Supply

New rig packages, offshore EPC projects and replacement MRO orders require different levels of engineering support.

SGPE supplies oil companies, drilling contractors, offshore drilling contractors, EPC companies, drilling-fluid service providers, rig builders, equipment distributors and fleet operators.

For new rigs, the centrifuge can be coordinated with the wider solids-control system.

For brownfield projects, a replacement machine can retain existing mud tanks, piping and structural interfaces when those interfaces remain suitable.

For fleet operators, standardized centrifuge platforms, control systems and spare-parts packages can simplify training, maintenance and inventory planning.

Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge Spare Parts & Maintenance

SGPE supplies commissioning and operating spares for new centrifuges and long-term field service.

Typical parts include conveyor wear components, solids discharge inserts, bearings, seals, feed tubes, weir plates, drive belts or couplings, gearbox service parts, speed and temperature sensors, VFD/PLC components and progressive cavity pump rotor/stator parts.

Before installation, the field team should compare the centrifuge with the approved GA drawing and check mounting points, feed piping, liquid return, solids discharge, cable routes, lifting points and maintenance clearance.

During operation, crews should monitor bowl speed, differential speed, feed rate, motor load, vibration, bearing temperature and solids discharge behavior.

Routine maintenance should focus on bearings, gearbox condition, conveyor wear, tungsten carbide protection, feed-zone erosion, discharge inserts, feed-pump rotor/stator condition and VFD cabinet cooling.

The feed system should also be checked whenever separation performance changes. Irregular feed can reduce process efficiency even when the centrifuge itself remains mechanically sound.

Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge Price & Quotation Factors

Buyers comparing Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge price, Oilfield Centrifuge price, VFD Decanter Centrifuge cost, High-Speed Centrifuge for sale or competing drilling centrifuge quotations should compare the complete technical scope rather than one headline price.

Price Factor	Effect on Quotation
Bowl Diameter / Length	Defines centrifuge platform and processing volume
Maximum Speed / G-Force	Influences rotating design
Required Treatment Capacity	Influences equipment size
Gearbox Torque	Influences gearbox selection
Main / Back Drive Motors	Influences electrical scope
Fixed Speed / VFD / FHD	Changes drive and control system
PLC-HMI / Instrumentation	Adds automation and monitoring
Feed Pump	Adds process equipment
Bowl Material / Wear Protection	Influences service life and construction cost
Hazardous-Area Motors	Changes electrical package
Positive-Pressure Cabinet	Changes control scope
Offshore Coating / Stainless Piping	Changes marine package scope
Custom Skid / Mud Tank Integration	Adds engineering and fabrication
Vertical Cuttings Dryer Integration	Adds drilling-waste equipment
FAT / Third-Party Inspection	Changes inspection scope
Spare Parts Package	Adds maintenance supply
Quantity	Influences production planning

For an accurate Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge quotation, send the actual drilling-fluid conditions, required treatment duty and installation requirements.

A project-based quotation gives a more useful commercial comparison than price based only on bowl diameter.

Complete Oilfield Solids Control Equipment from SGPE

SGPE can supply the decanter centrifuge as standalone equipment or as part of a complete drilling-fluid treatment system.

Related equipment includes Drilling Shale Shakers, Shale Shaker Screens, Vacuum Degassers, Desanders, Desilters, Mud Cleaners, Vertical Cuttings Dryers, Progressive Cavity Pumps, Centrifugal Pumps, Mud Mixing Hoppers, Mud Tanks, Screw Conveyors and complete Drilling Waste Management Systems.

For EPC contractors, drilling contractors and rig builders, sourcing matched solids-control equipment from one supplier can reduce interface work across process flow, piping, electrical systems and technical documentation.

Existing rigs can also purchase only the required replacement centrifuge without replacing the complete solids-control system.

Why Choose SGPE as Your Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge Manufacturer & Supplier?

A centrifuge purchase involves more than bowl diameter and maximum rpm.

SGPE reviews the complete drilling-fluid duty, including mud type, mud weight, viscosity, solids loading, required throughput, particle distribution, separation objective, available space, rig layout, electrical supply and hazardous-area requirements.

The equipment proposal then coordinates the bowl platform, gearbox, drive system, feed pump, controls, instrumentation, process piping and skid around the actual application.

For new drilling projects, SGPE provides the technical datasheet and GA drawing required for rig integration.

For replacement and MRO projects, existing nameplates, drawings, dimensions, motor data, gearbox information, piping positions and field photographs form the basis of the replacement review.

For offshore projects, the package can include marine coating, hazardous-area electrical equipment, compact skid design and project-specific lifting arrangements.

SGPE supports the project from equipment selection through manufacturing, inspection, FAT, technical documentation, packing and export delivery.

Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge RFQ Data Sheet

For faster technical selection and quotation, provide the following project information.

RFQ Item	Information to Provide
Product	Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge
Quantity	Required units
Project Type	New Rig / Upgrade / Replacement / MRO
Application	Solids Control / Barite Recovery / Mud Recovery / Waste Treatment
Drilling Fluid	WBM / OBM / SBM
Mud Weight	SG / ppg
Mud Viscosity	Field value
Solids Concentration	Weight % / Volume %
LGS / Barite Content	If available
Required Treatment Rate	m³/h / GPM
Treatment Objective	LGS / Barite / Polishing / Dewatering
Preferred Bowl Size	14 / 18 / 22 in
Required Bowl Speed / G-Force	If specified
Drive	Fixed Speed / VFD / FHD
Feed Pump	SGPE Supply / Existing
Voltage / Frequency	Project power supply
Hazardous Area	Project classification
Rig Type	Land / Offshore
Offshore Unit	Platform / Jack-Up / Semi / Drillship
Installation Location	Mud Tank / Skid / Deck
Available Space	L × W × H
Feed / Liquid / Solids Interfaces	Existing or required details
Control	VFD / PLC-HMI
Monitoring	Speed / Load / Vibration / Temperature
Coating / Piping	Land / Marine; Carbon Steel / Stainless Steel
FAT / Inspection	Customer / TPI Requirement
Spare Parts	Commissioning / Operating
Existing Manufacturer / Model	Replacement Project
Existing Nameplate / GA Drawing	Replacement Project
Field Photographs	Replacement Project
Delivery Destination	Country / Port / Project Site

If the project is still at an early RFQ stage, send the mud type, required treatment rate, main treatment objective, rig type and available installation space first.

SGPE can then establish the appropriate centrifuge platform and identify the remaining technical data required for the final proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuges

1. What is a Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge and what does it do in a solids control system?

A Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge is a high-speed solids control machine used to separate fine drilled solids from circulating drilling fluid by centrifugal force. It normally operates after shale shakers, desanders, desilters and mud cleaners, which remove the larger cuttings and sand-size particles first.

The centrifuge focuses on the finer solids that remain in the active mud system and can support LGS removal, drilling-fluid polishing, barite recovery, mud recycling and drilling waste treatment. It is widely used on land rigs, shale drilling projects, horizontal and extended-reach wells, offshore platforms, jack-up rigs, semi-submersibles and drillships.

By controlling fine solids before they accumulate, the centrifuge helps maintain more stable mud properties, reduce unnecessary dilution and recover reusable drilling fluid.

2. What particle size can a Drilling Fluid Decanter Centrifuge remove?

A high-speed Drilling Fluid Decanter Centrifuge can separate solids in the low-micron range. Under suitable mud and operating conditions, high-speed centrifuges can target particles of approximately 2–5 μm, while practical oilfield fine-solids treatment commonly extends through the 2–8 μm range.

The actual separation point depends on more than bowl speed. Mud viscosity, particle density, solids concentration, feed rate, differential speed, pond depth and centrifugal force all influence the result.

For shale drilling, long horizontal sections and high-ROP wells, fine LGS can build rapidly in the active mud system. A properly selected High-Speed Drilling Mud Centrifuge helps remove these fine solids before they significantly increase viscosity, gel strength and dilution requirements.

3. Can a Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge process WBM, OBM and SBM?

Yes. SGPE centrifuges are designed for Water-Based Mud (WBM), Oil-Based Mud (OBM) and Synthetic-Based Mud (SBM) solids control and fluid recovery.

In WBM systems, the main objective is usually fine-solids and LGS removal to help control viscosity and reduce dilution. In OBM and SBM systems, the centrifuge also plays an important role in recovering valuable liquid phase and reducing drilling waste.

Weighted WBM, OBM and SBM can also require controlled-speed treatment for barite management. These applications are common in deep wells, HPHT drilling, offshore drilling, extended-reach wells and other operations where drilling-fluid cost and solids control performance are particularly important.

The correct centrifuge configuration depends on mud weight, viscosity, solids loading and the required treatment objective.

4. What is the difference between a High-Speed Drilling Centrifuge and a Barite Recovery Centrifuge?

A High-Speed Drilling Centrifuge normally operates at higher centrifugal force to remove fine and ultra-fine low-gravity solids from drilling fluid. This is useful for shale drilling, horizontal wells and other high-ROP applications where fine formation solids can accumulate quickly.

A Barite Recovery Centrifuge uses a different operating window. The objective is to recover or retain high-density weighting material while separating unwanted drilled solids from weighted mud.

Because barite has a higher density than typical LGS, bowl speed, differential speed, feed rate and pond depth can be adjusted to create the required separation condition.

For weighted OBM and SBM systems, some drilling programs use two centrifuges: one for barite recovery and another high-speed unit for finer LGS removal.

5. Why use a VFD Decanter Centrifuge for drilling mud?

A VFD Decanter Centrifuge allows operators to change bowl speed as drilling-fluid properties and treatment objectives change. This provides more flexibility than a fixed-speed centrifuge, especially when mud weight, viscosity or solids concentration varies during different hole sections.

VFD control can also be integrated with conveyor differential-speed control and a variable-speed feed pump. This allows the operating team to balance G-force, solids transport and treatment rate instead of relying on one fixed operating condition.

A VFD Drilling Mud Centrifuge is particularly useful for shale drilling, horizontal and extended-reach wells, high-ROP drilling, weighted mud, OBM/SBM recovery and offshore drilling operations.

SGPE can also integrate PLC-HMI controls, speed monitoring, motor-load monitoring, alarms and other instrumentation into the centrifuge package.

6. Can a Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge recover barite from weighted mud?

Yes. A properly configured Barite Recovery Centrifuge can recover a barite-rich solids fraction from weighted drilling mud while helping control unwanted low-gravity solids.

Barite typically has a significantly higher density than drilled formation solids. This density difference allows the centrifuge to separate the two fractions when bowl speed, feed rate, pond depth and differential speed are correctly selected.

The goal is not simply to operate at maximum G-force. Excessive centrifugal force can move too much weighting material into the solids discharge.

Barite recovery is especially important in weighted WBM, OBM and SBM used for deep wells, HPHT drilling and offshore operations. For demanding mud systems, a Dual Decanter Centrifuge System can perform barite recovery first and high-speed LGS removal in a second treatment stage.

7. Should I choose a 14-inch, 18-inch or 22-inch Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge?

The correct bowl size depends on required treatment capacity, solids loading, mud properties, separation target and installation space rather than bowl diameter alone.

A 14-inch High-Speed Drilling Centrifuge is well suited to fine-solids removal, LGS control and barite recovery where a compact footprint is important.

An 18-inch Oilfield Decanter Centrifuge offers a useful balance between separation performance and higher throughput, making it suitable for shale drilling, horizontal wells and high-ROP operations.

A 22-inch Big-Bowl Decanter Centrifuge provides greater hydraulic and solids-handling capacity for large mud systems, heavy solids loading and high-volume drilling-fluid treatment.

SGPE reviews the actual mud properties, required flow rate and rig layout before recommending the appropriate centrifuge platform.

8. Does SGPE supply skid-mounted and custom Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge packages?

Yes. SGPE supplies both standalone machines and Skid-Mounted Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge packages for new rigs, EPC projects, brownfield upgrades and MRO requirements.

A complete skid can integrate the centrifuge, progressive cavity feed pump, VFD cabinet, PLC-HMI controls, process piping, valves, electrical distribution, lifting points and solids discharge arrangement.

For offshore drilling rigs, the skid layout can also be configured around limited deck space, hazardous-area electrical requirements, marine coating, lifting requirements and maintenance access.

Custom packages are particularly useful when the centrifuge must connect with existing mud tanks, piping or electrical systems. SGPE can also design replacement packages around field measurements, existing GA drawings and installation photographs.

9. Where is a Decanter Centrifuge installed in a drilling mud solids control system?

A Decanter Centrifuge normally operates near the final mechanical treatment stage of the drilling-fluid solids control system.

A typical process sequence is Drilling Return → Shale Shaker → Vacuum Degasser → Desander → Desilter or Mud Cleaner → Decanter Centrifuge → Active Mud Tank.

The upstream equipment removes coarse cuttings, sand-size and silt-size solids. The centrifuge then processes the finer solids that remain in the drilling fluid.

This arrangement is important because feeding large quantities of coarse solids directly into the centrifuge reduces useful treatment capacity and increases wear.

On land rigs, offshore platforms, jack-up rigs and drillships, the centrifuge may also operate as part of a mud recovery or drilling waste management system rather than only the main active mud circuit.

10. Can SGPE supply a Vertical Cuttings Dryer and Decanter Centrifuge system for drilling waste recovery?

Yes. SGPE supplies integrated Vertical Cuttings Dryer and Decanter Centrifuge packages for drilling waste recovery, particularly for OBM and SBM operations.

The vertical cuttings dryer first removes much of the drilling fluid attached to wet shaker cuttings. The recovered liquid still contains fine solids, so it is transferred to a High-Speed Decanter Centrifuge for additional solids separation before reusable fluid returns to the mud system.

A complete package can include the vertical dryer, decanter centrifuge, screw conveyor, progressive cavity pump, collection tank, VFD controls, process piping and skid structure.

This type of system is widely used on offshore rigs, shale drilling projects and other closed-loop drilling operations where drilling-fluid recovery and waste-volume reduction are important.

11. Can SGPE supply offshore and replacement Oilfield Decanter Centrifuges?

Yes. SGPE supplies Offshore Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge packages for fixed platforms, jack-up rigs, semi-submersibles and drillships, as well as replacement centrifuges for existing land and offshore rigs.

Offshore packages can be configured for restricted deck space, marine environments, hazardous-area electrical requirements, corrosion protection and project-specific lifting arrangements.

For a replacement project, SGPE reviews the existing centrifuge manufacturer and model, nameplate, bowl dimensions, maximum speed, motor ratings, gearbox data, feed capacity, piping interfaces and installation envelope.

When the original drawings are unavailable, clear field photographs and measured dimensions can be used for the preliminary replacement review. This approach is suitable for brownfield upgrades, obsolete equipment replacement and drilling-contractor MRO programs.

12. How do I get a Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge price and quotation from SGPE?

The Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge price depends on the centrifuge platform, bowl size, required capacity, maximum speed, gearbox torque, drive system, feed pump, controls, hazardous-area requirements, skid configuration and inspection scope.

For a new project, provide the mud type, mud weight, viscosity, solids concentration, required treatment rate, treatment objective, preferred bowl size, voltage, rig type and available installation space.

For a replacement centrifuge, send the existing manufacturer and model, nameplate, GA drawing, motor and gearbox data, overall dimensions and clear field photographs.

SGPE will review the actual drilling-fluid duty and project interfaces, recommend the appropriate 14-inch, 18-inch or 22-inch Oilfield Decanter Centrifuge configuration, and provide the corresponding technical proposal, GA drawing and commercial quotation.

Request a Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuge Quotation

SGPE supplies Drilling Mud Decanter Centrifuges for fine-solids control, LGS removal, barite recovery, drilling-fluid recycling and drilling waste treatment. Available configurations include high-speed, VFD, full hydraulic drive, dual-centrifuge and skid-mounted systems for land rigs, offshore platforms, jack-up rigs, semi-submersibles and drillships.

For a new project, please provide the mud type, mud weight, viscosity, solids loading, required treatment capacity, separation objective, power supply, rig type and available installation space.

For a replacement project, please send the existing centrifuge manufacturer and model, nameplate, GA drawing, motor and gearbox data, overall dimensions and clear field photographs.

Based on the project requirements, SGPE will recommend the appropriate centrifuge configuration and provide the corresponding technical proposal, GA drawing and commercial quotation.

Email:  info@sgpe.com
Tel/Whatsapp:  +86 186-1599-5239