When drilling contractors focus on well‑drilling efficiency, wastewater generated during mud‑tank cleaning is often an overlooked operational headache, especially for remote African oilfields. Limited infrastructure, scarce freshwater resources and tightening local environmental rules make off‑site waste haul‑away expensive and impractical.
GN Solids Control has recently completed and shipped four custom‑built skid‑mounted drilling mud tank‑cleaning wastewater treatment units for an African oil‑gas client, delivering a turn‑key solution targeting this exact pain point.
This integrated system consists of feeding pump, pre‑separation tank, chemical dosing package, decanter centrifuge, clean water tank, control cabinet and all connecting pipelines. All core components are mounted on heavy‑duty skids for easy transportation between scattered well sites. The whole unit adopts continuous treatment process: oily wastewater from mud tank washing first enters pre‑separation compartment to remove large solids. After chemical conditioning, the fluid flows into the GNLW decanter centrifuge, which efficiently separates fine solids and free oil from water.
The system implements mature three‑phase separation technology to handle tank‑cleaning sewage mixed with oil, fine drilling solids and residual mud. It separates oil phase, solid sediments and reusable water simultaneously. Recovered water can be circulated back for repeated site usage, drastically cutting fresh‑water consumption. Dewatered solid residues are ready for compliant haul‑off, lowering hazardous‑waste transport volumes and overall operational expenditure.
Each unit is pre‑optimized for harsh African field conditions: high temperature, heavy dust and unstable on‑site power supply. Explosion‑proof electrical options are available for hazardous zone applications. It can connect seamlessly with customers’ existing mud‑tank cleaning workflow without major modification to current facilities.
GN provides full after‑sales support including operation manuals, remote technical guidance and spare parts package. Besides mud tank cleaning wastewater units, we also manufacture shale shakers, mud cleaners, decanter centrifuges and complete solids control systems for global oilfield clients.
If you are struggling with mud‑tank‑cleaning oily wastewater disposal at your site, feel free to contact GN Solids Control for a customized budgetary proposal.
