Desander – Second-Stage Solid Control Equipment for Drilling Fluid Treatment
Zhongcheng Machinery's ZC series Desander is engineered as the second-stage solid control equipment for drilling fluid treatment in oil and gas operations. With processing capacity ranging from 60 to 240 m³/h, this crucial mud purification device effectively separates particles sized 44–74 μm. Because our hydrocyclone cones are made of highly durable polyurethane, they will last in challenging drilling conditions. This system, which is ISO 9001/14001/45001 certified and verified by TÜV and BV, has clamp connectors for quick installation and removal. Applications include HDD/trenchless operations, geothermal and water well drilling, and oil and gas drilling. Every unit comes with full commissioning support, a one-year comprehensive guarantee, and packaging that is secure for transportation.

What Is a Desander and Why Your Drilling Operation Needs One
This unit functions as a hydrocyclone-based separation system that removes fine sand particles from your drilling fluid.
When you're drilling, abrasive solids accumulate in your mud system. These particles accelerate wear on pumps, clog drill bit nozzles, and increase mud weight unpredictably. Left untreated, they reduce your rate of penetration and drive up dilution fluid costs.
This unit solves this by creating high G-force centrifugal separation. Drilling fluid enters tangentially, spins rapidly inside the cone, and ejects heavy sand particles through the apex while clean fluid returns to your circulation system.
This protects your downstream equipment. Your centrifuges last longer. Your chemical costs drop. Your drilling efficiency improves.

Technical Specifications
| Model |
ZCQJ/200×1/2 |
ZCQJ/250×1/2/3 |
ZCQJ/300×1/2 |
| Hydrocyclone Diameter (mm) |
200 |
250 |
300 |
| Hydrocyclone QTY |
1/2 |
1/2/3 |
1/2 |
| Working Pressure (MPa) |
0.2~0.45 |
| Separation Particle Size (μm) |
44~74 |
| Capacity (m³/h) |
≤60/120 |
≤100/200/300 |
≤120/240 |
| Applicable Bottom Shaker |
ZCZS/TR |
Shaker Screen Size: 600×1120mm; Motor: 0.8kW |
| ZCZS/T |
Shaker Screen Size: 585mm×1165mm; Motor: 0.8kW |
| Liquid Inlet DN (mm) |
125/150 |
150 |
200 |
| Liquid Outlet DN (mm) |
150/200 |
200 |
250 |
| Matching Centrifugal Pump Motor (kW) |
45/55 |
45/55/55 |
55/75 |
| Theoretical Weight (kg) |
880/920 |
1160/1205/1250 |
1520/1571/1622 |
| Dimension (mm) (L×W×H) |
1500×1160×2000 |
1600×1500×2250 |
1620×1540×2400 |
Core Advantages
High Separation Efficiency
Your ZC series unit rapidly removes sand particles above 44μm. This keeps your drilling fluid clean and protects expensive downstream equipment from premature wear.
Superior Wear and Corrosion Resistance
We manufacture hydrocyclone cones from high-grade polyurethane. This material withstands abrasive solids and corrosive drilling environments far longer than standard alternatives. You get extended service life and reduced replacement frequency.
Stable Operation with Low Maintenance Costs
Tool-free installation and removal are made possible by the clamp connection design. During routine maintenance, your personnel can replace cones in a matter of minutes. Reduced daily running costs and fewer malfunctions are the results of smooth functioning.
Wide Application Compatibility
This device easily interacts with current solid control systems, whether you are managing HDD projects, drilling onshore oil wells, or digging geothermal bores. Without sacrificing performance, it adjusts to different dirt weights and flow rates.
Direct Manufacturer Advantages
At our 6,300-square-meter factory in Xingping, Zhongcheng oversees every aspect of production. Factory-direct pricing, configurable configurations, and quick delivery—three days for stock goods, fifteen days for customized orders—are all advantages.

Application Scenarios
Oil & Gas Drilling Operations
This equipment sits between the shale shaker and desilter in the mud circulation system. By capturing fine sands that avoid coarse screens, it keeps them out of your centrifuge and stops them from being recirculated to the drill bit.
Geothermal and Water Well Drilling
Abrasive mineral solids are carried by high-temperature geothermal fluids. This device effectively handles return fluids, preventing erosion damage to heat exchangers and reinjection pumps while preserving thermal efficiency.
HDD and Trenchless Construction
This equipment cleans bentonite slurry in horizontal directional drilling projects by eliminating contamination from sand and soil. This lowers material prices and environmental discharge quantities by enabling continuous slurry recycling.
Deep Foundation and Piling Projects
Stable borehole walls are necessary for TBM and piling operations. By removing drill cuttings, this equipment ensures regular slurry qualities for wall support, keeps bentonite pure, and avoids expensive collapses.
Installation, Commissioning & Technical Support
Zhongcheng provides comprehensive installation guidance and on-site commissioning services. Your technical package includes:
- Engineering drawings and system flowcharts
- Component assembly diagrams
- Operation and maintenance manuals
- Industry-specific training sessions
Our professional team delivers complete project solutions. We help you optimize feed pressure, configure manifold layouts, and integrate this unit with your existing solid control equipment.
Remote technical support is available throughout your equipment's operational life. We assist with troubleshooting, performance optimization, and spare parts identification.
Logistics, Packaging & Quality Assurance
Transport-Safe Packaging
Each Desander unit receives multi-layer protection. We apply plastic film wrapping, rainproof tarpaulins, and secure strapping. Pallets or customized wooden crates are provided based on your equipment specifications and shipping destination.
Global Logistics Network
Our strategic location near Tianjin and Shanghai ports ensures efficient international shipping. Strong partnerships with logistics providers enable reliable delivery to drilling sites worldwide.
Quality Certifications
Zhongcheng is certified in ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety, ISO 14001 Environmental Management, and ISO 9001 Quality Management. Third-party audits by TÜV and BV confirm that our manufacturing procedures adhere to global standards.
1-Year Comprehensive Warranty
Performance problems and manufacturing flaws are covered by your warranty. To reduce downtime during the coverage period, we offer technical assistance and replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the optimal feed pressure for my unit?
A: Maintain 30~45 PSI for best results. Lower pressure causes poor separation (roping), while excessive pressure accelerates cone wear. Monitor underflow discharge patterns regularly.
Q: How do I know when to replace the hydrocyclone apex?
A: Watch the discharge pattern. A healthy cone produces a "spray" or "fan" shape. When this changes to a "rope" or "sausage" pattern, your apex is oversized and requires replacement.
Q: Can this unit handle oil-based mud?
A: Yes, but specify oil-resistant polyurethane grade when ordering. Standard polyurethane swells and degrades in OBM systems, reducing performance and lifespan.
Q: What's the difference between this unit and desilter?
A: Cone size defines the distinction. This equipment uses 10~12 inch cones for 45~74μm particles. Desilters employ 4-inch cones for finer 15~45μm particles. Your system typically uses both in sequence.
Q: Does the unit require electrical power?
A: No. Hydrocyclones are static devices. The only energy required is hydraulic pressure from your feed pump—no motors, controllers, or electrical connections needed.
Q: How does this unit reduce my total operating costs?
A: By efficiently removing solids, you reduce dilution fluid volumes, lower chemical additive consumption, and extend mud pump component life. Many operators report 20~30% reductions in mud management costs.

Contact Us
Ready to improve your drilling fluid management with Desander? Contact Zhongcheng Machinery for technical specifications, pricing, and customization options. Email us at oliver@zcgukong.com for expert consultation today.