Tank Cleaning Solids Transfer System is part of the drilling-waste handling system, not a vacuum-degasser duty. Tank-cleaning transfer starts with layered material, not a steady feed stream, so the pickup method and fluidization discipline control the result.
Engineering Function
Tank cleaning is not the same duty as shaker-area cuttings collection. The material may be settled, stratified, oil-wet, water-wet, chemically treated or partly fluidized by washdown. The suction tool, agitation method, entry control, lighting, gas testing and discharge route all affect pump selection. The safest plan minimizes manual digging, avoids uncontrolled dilution and keeps contaminated sludge in a defined transfer path.
Recovered sludge rate = removed settled volume / controlled cleaning hoursExclude uncontrolled washdown volume when judging cleaning productivity.Recovered sludge rate check = removed settled volume / controlled cleaning hoursUse this as a second check against the actual installed route and receiving condition.Selection Matrix
| Tank Cleaning Solids Transfer System check | Required field evidence | Stop or redesign trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Duty definition | required flow, actual route, fluid condition, operating margin and downstream process response are recorded with units and operating state. | The duty is described only by equipment name or nameplate capacity. |
| Installed-route confirmation | Line length, elevation, valves, receiving point and material condition are checked. | The route cannot be restarted or isolated safely after a stop. |
| Process acceptance | The downstream process becomes stable after the correction. | One gauge improves while flow, quality or reliability gets worse. |
Calculated Checks
| Cleaning-sequence review | Calculation basis | Field evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning-sequence review | Measure removed settled volume, washdown volume, remaining heel and transfer interruptions | Tank cleaning record |
| Throughput confirmation | Net material moved after stoppages and delays | Receiving-point volume and shift log |
| Restriction check | Compare baseline cycle with current cycle response | Pressure, suction sound and route inspection |
| Restart control | Verify safe condition before returning to operation | Isolation, depressurization and restart record |
Operating Controls
A premium operating procedure defines safe start-up, normal cycling, line monitoring, emergency stop, isolation, depressurization, blockage clearing and restart. The crew should separate tank access constraints from pump capacity issues during cleaning work.
Field Use
Use this guide to connect pump selection, sludge behavior, washdown control and practical pit or tank maintenance work.
