Different mud tanks connection use in oilfield drilling

Mud tanks connection are the necessary parts in well drilling solids control. The mud tanks are drilling fluid vessel or platform. Solids control is a complete mud system, tank connections make fluid circulation as a whole.

Pipelines in mud tanks

Almost solids control system for drilling rig will include many mud tanks. And all tanks will be configured with suction line & discharge line for pumps, high pressure mud gun line, clean water line, the returning line to wellhead. Even some of tanks will be fit with heat steam line, etc.

During well drilling, all pipelines should be connected well and steadily to avoid any leakage. Furthermore, we have to consider they connection and lines are easy to uninstall for handling or transport.

Different connections on tanks

Popular connections including flexible union connection, flange connection, grooved coupling connection, the air union connection. All of them have their own features and benefits let's find more detail below

1) Flexible union connection
It can be called the most popular connection way. Such connection give operators a certain adjustment space during practical use. After sealed by packing they will be sealed very well. The pressure can be designed according to demand. The shortcoming is we can't install it with large diameter pipe easily.

2) Flange connection on mud tanks
Another connection use widely is flange. It has good seal performance and large range working pressure. But it requests much higher precision with little adjustable space. They are mostly used in fixed situation and request more energy during installation.

3) Air union connection on tank
It was generated later. Similar as the inner tyre of bike. After feeding air in it, the union will be held tightly with excellent seal. Such unions are suitable for hard pipelines without high precision requirements. They can be adjusted both on axial and cross direction. They are easy to install, but the working pressure is not high.

4) Coupling for quick connection
This connection way is rather convenient. We only need to screw the coupling bolts completely will be ok. But they have special requirements on pipes to connect.

5) Flexible hose connection
It consists of flanges, and flexible hose. Combine flexible union and flange advantages on operation.

Different connection use in practical operation

According to their different features and operation condition we use the connections as below.
The suction line between mud pump, centrifugal pump and tanks; the return lines to wellhead connected by air union;
The pump discharge line connected by coupling;
Mud gun line, clean water line, steam heat line connected by flexible union connection;
Other fixed position connected with flanges.

During large quantity drilling site practical operation we found above use are effective, cost-efficient, time-saved. So the conclusion: air unions are suitable for big diameter pipe with low pressure; medium diameter pipe with middle pressure should be connected with coupling; small pipes are more convenient to connect with flexible union connection; Connect fixed lines with flanges

If you have doubt or better suggestion on mud tanks connection please contact us. Lets find best way together.