Study on the Erosion Wear Characteristics and Structural Optimization of Key Components of Drilling Fluid Centrifuge

• Published in: Journal of failure analysis and prevention Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 468 - 486
• Main Authors: Liu, Yi-jing, Zhu, Li-na, Feng, Mei-gui, Da, Qiang, Kang, Jia-jie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Materials Park Springer Nature B.V 01.02.2025
• Subjects: Centrifuges; Drilling fluids; Flow characteristics; Internal flow; Numerical models; Optimization; Screw conveyors; Separation; Simulation
• ISSN: 1547-7029; 1864-1245
• DOI: 10.1007/s11668-025-02117-7

Collisions between particles in the drilling fluid and the centrifuge wall during solid–liquid separation resulted in significant erosion wear, causing instability in dynamic balance. The erosion wear of the centrifuge’s rotating components was investigated through a combination of experimental and simulation studies. An experimental study was conducted on Q355B steel, the material used for centrifuge components, to determine the empirical parameters of the Finnie model. A numerical model was developed to characterize the solid–liquid separation and erosion behavior within the drilling fluid centrifuge. The internal flow characteristics and erosion distribution were analyzed. Furthermore, an improved screw conveyor design was proposed. The double-head screw conveyor design significantly reduces component erosion damage. The research results provide valuable insights and a theoretical foundation for the optimal design of centrifuge structures, extended surface life protection, and field operating procedures.