Hebei BZ Solids Control Co., Ltd.
Hebei BZ Solids Control Co., Ltd.

Vacuum Degasser: Detailed Explanation of the Use and Maintenance

The vacuum degasser is a new type of specialized equipment used to process invaded drilling fluids, also known as a negative pressure degasser. It can quickly remove various gases that have invaded the drilling fluid, which is very important for restoring the mud's density and stabilizing its performance. It can also be used as a high-power agitator, suitable for various mud circulation purification systems. 


This device is a negative pressure degasser with a scientific and reasonable design structure that can achieve effective gas-liquid separation, filter out impurities, and ensure the exhaust pipe is always unobstructed. Below, we will first discuss the working principle and structural features of the vacuum degasser, and then introduce its troubleshooting and daily maintenance knowledge to help users operate the vacuum degasser smoothly.


Working Principle of the Vacuum Degasser


The vacuum degasser is the second-stage solid control equipment in the drilling mud solid control system. It is a specialized device for processing gas-invaded drilling fluids. Its working principle is to use the suction effect of the vacuum pump to create a negative pressure zone in the vacuum tank. Under the effect of air pressure, the mud enters the hollow shaft of the rotor through the suction pipe, and is then ejected towards the tank wall from the windows around the hollow shaft. 


Due to the collision and the action of the foam separator, the bubbles in the invaded mud break, the gas escapes, and is discharged to a safe area through the vacuum pump's suction. The mud, due to its own weight, enters the discharge chamber and is discharged out of the tank by the rotor. Additionally, since the vacuum pump and the main motor start simultaneously, the rotor connected to the motor also rotates at high speed, allowing mud to only enter the tank through the suction pipe without being sucked in from the discharge pipe.


Structural Advantages of the Vacuum Degasser


  • Using the suction of the vacuum pump to allow mud to enter the vacuum tank and extract gas out of the vacuum tank, the vacuum pump plays two different roles in this process.


  • The water ring vacuum pump operates at a constant temperature, making it suitable for the extraction of flammable and explosive gases, with reliable safety performance.


  • The mud is ejected at high speed through the rotor's windows towards the tank walls, thoroughly breaking the bubbles in the mud, achieving a good degassing effect.


  • The main motor is offset, lowering the center of gravity of the entire machine.


  • The vacuum degasser uses belt transmission, avoiding the complexity of a reduction mechanism.


  • The application of the gas-water separator ensures that water and gas are not discharged simultaneously, keeping the exhaust pipe always unblocked. Additionally, it can recycle water supply to the vacuum pump, saving water.


  • The suction pipe is inserted into the mud tank and can be used as a high-power agitator when there is no gas invasion in the mud.


Troubleshooting of the Vacuum Degasser


Vacuum Level is Low or Zero


Cause Analysis


  • No water or insufficient water in the vacuum pump;


  • Poor sealing at the bolt connections or vacuum line;


  • The suction or discharge pipe is not immersed in the mud;


  • Excessive gap between the impeller end faces;


  • Overheating of the pump.


Corresponding Solutions


  • Fill the vacuum pump with water;


  • Tighten the bolts or seal the vacuum pipe leakage points;


  • Immerse it in the mud;


  • Reduce the paper gasket or replace the impeller to adjust the gap;


  • Add cold water.


After Starting, the Vacuum Degasser Emits Unusual Noise or Vibrates Strongly


Cause Analysis: Solid particles entered the vacuum pump; foreign objects entered the vacuum tank.


Corresponding Solutions: Open the pump head for cleaning; if damaged, replace parts; open the flange to remove foreign objects or open the bottom cover to clear them.


After Starting, the Vacuum Pump Motor Does Not Operate


Cause Analysis: The impeller of the vacuum pump is rusted.


Solution: Use a pipe wrench to grip the coupling of the vacuum pump and motor, rotate it back and forth several times, and start the motor after the shaft turns flexibly.


Daily Maintenance of the Vacuum Degasser


  • The vacuum tank lid of the vacuum degasser should be cleaned once a week to avoid debris blocking the gas passage. Use clean water to rinse the gas collection chamber and foam separator on the lid.


  • After use, rinse the rotor and suction pipe inside the vacuum tank, cut off the power supply, remove the sight hole cover, check for damaged parts, and clear any foreign objects in the tank, using a high-pressure water hose to rinse the tank walls and rotor.


  • Perform the above cleaning after each use to ensure normal operation next time.


  • When the working environment temperature exceeds 30°C, check the vacuum gauge at any time. When the vacuum degree is less than 0.03Mpa, ensure that the water temperature in the vacuum pump does not exceed 45°C.


  • In winter, after use, promptly drain the water from the gas-water separator and pump to prevent freezing and cracking.


  • Every month, use an oil gun to inject sodium-based grease into the main shaft bearing. The injection amount is 200ML.