Wellhead Solids Removal

How it works

Remove solids at the wellhead to protect downstream equipment
The MOZLEY Wellhead Desander solids removal system mitigates the effects of sand production, such as mechanical damage to equipment; erosion of pumps, valves, chokes, and flowlines; and reduction in separator capacity due to settlement of sand. The system uses a simple, compact design based on solid-liquid hydrocyclones to separate solids from both the gas and liquid components of well fluids. The hydrocyclone housings can be customized to handle high wellstream pressures and widely varying feed conditions over a large operational and performance envelope.

Use multiple small hydrocyclones for greater efficiency
The core of the system is the hydrocyclone liner with extensively enhanced geometrical features and construction materials to maximize performance and minimize erosion in aggressive multiphase well fluid environments. The liner is made of solid silicon nitride ceramic material and lasts eight times longer than competitive alumina ceramic desanders. Multiple hydrocyclones are typically installed within a pressure vessel, providing significantly greater efficiency and operating life compared with a large-diameter single hydrocyclone or ceramic-coated metal inserts.

These hydrocyclone clusters cope with the surges of gas and liquid flows much better than large-diameter single hydrocyclones, operating instantaneously to achieve solids separation. With a single hydrocyclone, any high-concentration slugs of solids can potentially block the inlet and underflow, preventing flow.

For less demanding separation duties, a large-diameter single liner—typically 10-in diameter or greater—can be used. These units can be made from solid silicon carbide to provide erosion resistance. Packaged in a vessel, the single-liner design can reduce costs compared with multiple liners.

BROCHURE