Desanders

Desanders are a form of hydrocyclone solids-control equipment used to remove sand-sized solids from liquids, most commonly drilling muds in oil and gas operations. They are typically installed as part of a continuous solids-control system on drilling rigs or processing facilities to protect pumps, valves, and other equipment from abrasive wear and to help maintain mud properties.

Operation and principle: A desander cluster contains multiple hydrocyclones that receive a pressurized feed stream. The fluid rapidly spins inside the cyclone cones, generating centrifugal forces that separate solids by size and density. Heavier sand particles are driven toward the underflow and discharged to a solids-handling line or cuttings unit, while the clarified liquid exits through the overflow to the next treatment stage or back to the mud system. Desanders are designed to remove coarser solids than desilters; the exact cut size depends on cyclone geometry, feed pressure, and flow rate.

Applications and configurations: Desanders are widely used in onshore and offshore drilling operations to reduce abrasive wear, control solids content, and protect downstream equipment. They are commonly installed ahead of desilters in a staged solids-control train. Beyond drilling, hydrocyclone desanders are also used in industrial processes and water or wastewater treatment to remove sand and other dense particulates from slurry streams.

Design and maintenance: Desanders range from compact, multiple-cyclone assemblies to larger skid-mounted units, with materials chosen for corrosive or abrasive service. Maintenance focuses on wear parts, seals, and liners, as well as monitoring feed pressure, flow rates, and cyclone performance to ensure effective solids separation. Regular inspection and cleaning help sustain separation efficiency and equipment life.