Mathematical modeling of solids-drilling fluid separation in shale shakers in oil fields: A state of art review

The solids control system originated from oil well drilling recovers the fluid for reuse and ensures compliance with environmental legislation that defines the conditions for solids disposal. The first step of this system is the separation of mud formed by gravels with different granulometry and aqueous or oily base drilling fluid in vibrating shale shakers. In this review three characteristic regions of the screening screen are identified, according to the content of solids and fluid present: drainage region, drying region and beach region. In order to evaluate the efficiency of the separation in the sieves, predict the influence of operational and geometric parameters on the separation, a broad review of empirical and phenomenological mathematical models is presented. The models are classified in: models based on screening kinetics, probabilistic models, models based on the coupling between the Discrete Element Model and the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics, cake formation models, Lattice Models and analogy with capillary tubes.

Automated summary

The solids control system in oil well drilling separates mud to recover fluid for reuse and comply with environmental legislation. This review identifies different regions on the screening screen, evaluates separation efficiency and predicts parameters' influence using various mathematical models.