GN Solids Control has completed the delivery of a full 5‑stage solids control system tailored for coal‑bed‑methane (CBM) drilling to an Indian local drilling contractor. CBM projects face unique challenges: complex coal‑bearing formations generate large volumes of fine coal cuttings, which easily deteriorate mud properties and trigger downhole troubles without multi‑level progressive purification.
Different from conventional 3‑stage or 4‑stage mud recycling skids, GN’s five‑stage system adopts step‑by‑step separation workflow: linear‑motion shale shaker for primary coarse cuttings removal, vacuum degasser for gas elimination, hydrocyclone desander, desilter, and variable‑frequency decanter centrifuge for ultra‑fine solids disposal down to 2 μm. This complete workflow stabilizes mud density and viscosity for CBM borehole stability.
Built upon GN’s mature manufacturing standards for shale shaker and mud‑system products, all tank frames go through stress‑relief heat‑treatment after welding to withstand heavy‑duty field vibration. Core shale shakers adopt imported OLI vibration motors with adjustable deck angle, while API‑RP‑13C compliant interchangeable shaker screens extend service life under high‑solids coal‑mud conditions. Modular skid‑mounted layout facilitates land transport across remote Indian drilling sites; walkways, handrails, agitators, mud guns and transfer pumps are fully pre‑integrated to minimize on‑site assembly workload.
The 5‑stage configuration brings tangible operational gains: effective barite recovery cuts consumption of weighting agents and bentonite; mud recycling rate rises greatly to lower waste‑mud disposal expenditure and satisfy local environmental requirements. GN offers factory FAT test reports, on‑site installation guidance and operator training.
This project marks GN’s further penetration into South‑Asia CBM market. GN keeps supplying standardized and custom‑built solids‑control packages for CBM, HDD and geothermal drilling contractors worldwide.
