Abstract: A machine for cleaning drilling muds by removing entrained solids and impurities and returning cleansed and for recycling. The machine comprises a centrifuge desander operatively connected to a plurality of cooperating conical desilters to remove gases and separate materials of varying densities. Initially muds containing solid materials are pumped at a controlled pressure from the cleaning bed into an initial cyclone chamber, where, under increasing centrifugal force, the processed mud is separated into relatively heavier and lighter components, which are transmitted via separate pathways to twin chambers in the lower level compartment of a particle separating drum. The first chamber of the drum receives heavier materials and transmits them to a large desander cone where the heaviest impurities are removed; the second drum chamber receives the lighter components which are further separated and delivered to a network of desilter cones which output properly cleansed mud.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator system for use in purifying drilling mud comprises a generally conical centrifugal separator into which drilling mud to be cleaned is introduced under pressure tangentially to cause centrifugal material flow. A vacuum generated within the center of the separator in response to centrifugal material movement draws lighter cleaned mud and drilling fluid upwardly to a discharge pipe which may lead to a remote drilling mud location. Heavier solids cleansed from the mud drop to the bottom of the centrifuge, settling on an output orifice closure valve. The valve is pivotally connected to the centrifuge whereby to close the output orifice until a preselected weight of material accumulates thereon. In order to prevent deleterious effects from suction variance, a single venting vacuum locking slot of a predetermined width is defined within the body of the orifice closure valve.

Abstract: In the pumping of abrasive liquids, particularly drilling mud, the packing and seals of the centrifugal pump are quickly cut out, making replacement and down time a problem. The present invention utilizes the abrasive liquid being pumped to function instead of packing and seals, furthermore, the suction chamber is between the abrasive liquid forming the seal, within the sealing housing, and the primary impeller chamber.