In drilling operations, many teams believe that “if the equipment isn’t broken, there’s no need to maintain it,” not realizing that improper maintenance practices are quietly accelerating equipment wear. Data shows that 90% of solids control equipment failures originate from routine maintenance mistakes, such as neglecting inspections of critical components or misusing lubricants.
Drawing on maintenance experience from more than 200 projects, Black Rhino Industrial Co., Ltd. helps identify these “hidden killers,” enabling operators to reduce failure risks and keep equipment running reliably.
Mistake 1: “Replace the shaker screen only after it fails” — neglecting routine inspections
Many operators wait until the screen is damaged or mud starts leaking before replacing it, overlooking early issues such as insufficient screen tension or localized wear. In fact, a 10% drop in screen tension can reduce separation efficiency by 25%, and unseparated cuttings will then accelerate wear on downstream desander nozzles.
The correct approach is to check screen tension with a tension gauge before daily operations (Black Rhino equipment recommends maintaining 35–40 N/cm). If edge wear or screen blinding is detected, clean it promptly with a high-pressure water jet or replace the screen as needed. This prevents minor issues from escalating into major failures.
One drilling crew that adopted this maintenance method extended screen service life from three months to five months and reduced desander failures by 60%.
Mistake 2: “The more lubricant, the better” — indiscriminate over-lubrication
Some maintenance personnel believe that applying more lubricant will reduce wear, but excessive lubrication in bearings and gearboxes can cause the lubricant to degrade at high temperatures, forming sludge that blocks oil passages. Black Rhino equipment manuals clearly specify that lubrication for vibration motor bearings should fill one-third to one-half of the bearing’s internal volume, and gearbox oil levels should be kept at the midline of the oil sight gauge.
In one project, overfilling the gearbox led to motor overheating and shutdown. Repairs took two days and resulted in production losses exceeding RMB 30,000. It is recommended to check lubricant level and condition monthly, and to use the specified grade for each equipment model (for example, ISO VG 46 anti-wear hydraulic oil recommended by Black Rhino), avoiding the mixing of different lubricant types.
Mistake 3: Failing to clean mud tanks, allowing solids buildup to clog the system
If sediment and debris at the bottom of mud tanks are not removed regularly, they can enter pumps and hydrocyclones with the drilling fluid, causing accelerated component wear. Traditional cleaning methods require a three-day shutdown, so many teams choose to “operate with hidden problems” to keep schedules on track. However, accumulated sediment significantly accelerates mud pump piston wear, with replacement costs exceeding RMB 8,000 per occurrence.
The correct practice is to shut down for two hours per week and use a mud pump to transfer bottom sediments to a settling pit, combined with a comprehensive tank cleaning once per quarter. Black Rhino can provide dedicated tank-cleaning tools to reduce full cleaning time to one day. A gas field project that followed this regimen extended mud pump service life from six months to ten months, saving more than RMB 20,000 in annual maintenance costs
Mistake 4: “Only checking the surface” of the electrical system—overlooking wiring aging
During maintenance, some teams only confirm whether the motor is running, while ignoring aging cables, connectors, and control panel wiring. In humid environments, deteriorated wiring can easily cause short circuits, tripping, or even serious safety incidents. Black Rhino recommends checking circuit insulation resistance with a multimeter at least once a month (it should be ≥ 1 MΩ), increasing inspection frequency during the rainy season. Any oxidized connectors or damaged cables should be replaced promptly, and control panels should be cleaned regularly using dry compressed air to remove dust.
In one water well project, aged wiring caused an unexpected shutdown that delayed the schedule by one week. After implementing standardized maintenance, electrical failures occurred only once in an entire year.
To completely avoid these maintenance pitfalls, users can refer to the “Solids Control Equipment Maintenance Manual” provided by Black Rhino Industrial. The manual includes daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance checklists, and customers can also schedule on-site maintenance training by Black Rhino engineers. Currently, customers who follow standardized maintenance practices have seen average equipment failure rates drop by 70% and service life extended by 30%, keeping their equipment operating in a consistently stable condition.
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