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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

System for automatically flushing hydrocyclones used in drilling mud treatment

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6459645
This specification discloses a system and method for flushing and cleaning a hydrocyclone used in removing drilled solids from a drilling mud circulated in the drilling of a borehole. The system is comprised of a feed pump connected via a mud conduit to the inlet of a hydrocyclone. A check valve is located in the mud conduit intermediate the feed pump and the inlet of the hydrocyclone which allows the mud to flow through the mud conduit only in the direction toward the hydrocyclone. Another conduit for flowing a cleaning liquid is connected with the mud conduit on the hydrocyclone side of the check valve. A valve responsive to a signal, pressure or electrical, is located in this other conduit intermediate the mud conduit and a supply of cleaning liquid. A means for detecting flow and transmitting a signal proportional thereto is located in the mud conduit on the hydrocyclone side of the check valve to detect the flow of mud in the mud conduit and detect the shutting down of the feed pump and to transmit a signal proportional thereto which signal effectuates the opening of the valve in the other conduit and permits the cleaning fluid to flow into and flush and clean the hydrocyclone.
Assignee:
Mobil Oil Corp.
Patent Number(s):
US 4090523
OSTI ID:
6459645
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English