Is equipment used to remove entrained gas in drilling fluid so it prevent or minimize reduction of hydrostatic pressure due to gas cut mud. When drilling mud passing over the shale shakers while drilling, gas will normally be released. However, the wellbore could receive additional volumes of gas and these need to be removed from the mud. If not removed from the circulating system properly, recirculation of mud containing gas will reduce the well’s hydrostatic head. With a degasser, this can eliminate or minimize loss of hydrostatic pressure.

Mounted over the active pit, degassers are essentially a one-stage liquid/gas separator. With a maximum lift to the inlet of around ten feet, mud vacates the submerged pipework in the mud pit and enters the degasser. From here, a three hp electric motor will power a vacuum pump and this should be mounted atop the degasser itself. By the pump, the vacuum is then applied to the vapor space.

Ultimately, the range applied by the vacuum will depend on the density of the mud passing through. In most cases, it will offer between 2-5 pounds per square inch (between 8 and 15 inches of mercury). In terms of extracting gas from mud flows, 900 gallons per minute is likely to be the maximum rate.

Common hidden dangers in installing a vacuum degasser:

• The degasser is not connected with a flare line pipe, or the pipe is not at least 15 m from the mud tank area.
• The relief pipe of the degasser shrinks in diameter or is bent, so that the gas is not delivered smoothly.
• The relief pipe of the degasser is upright, releasing gas above the mud tank area.

•The degasser is installed on the suction tank of the mud pump.

•The inlet and outlet of the degasser are installed in one tank.

•The degasser is installed on the tank before the mud recovery line outlet.