PILVAD side entry agitators
Advantages of using DIAF PILVAD side entry agitators on drilling-mud vessels
Top entry agitators are the largest, and probably the most expensive solution. They are equipped with very large impellers, slow speed and the tank need to be almost full, to have a good mixing performance. Top entry agitators are difficult to fit and install with current vessel design.
Side entry agitators are smaller agitators, mostly due to the shorter agitator shaft. They are mounted on the side of the tank and are always in contact with the drilling mud. It is very important that these agitators are equipped with a mechanical seal, and with a system for changing the seal, in case of a leak, although rarely seen. As the motor of the device is placed outside the tank operation and maintenance is hassle free and uncomplicated.
PILVAD supplies side entry agitators – the right choice
The right size
PILVAD produces side entry agitators in various sizes. They all have short and strong shafts, a powerful motor and are mounted close to the bottom of the tank.
The right place
This fixed position is an advantage as it gives the possibility to address the mixing power exactly at the preferred place: the center of the bottom of the tank, where the sediments occur.
The right performance
PILVAD side entry agitators give a good mixing performance, with a well known flow pattern and ensure that all sediments are suspended to provide as efficient use of the drilling mud as possible.
The right system
PILVAD agitators are equipped with a standard mechanical seal towards internal side of the mud tank to prevent leaks. We also provide a special system for replacement of the seal, called a “shut off device”.
This device is a well integrated part of PILVAD side entry agitators and secures easy repair of the sealing system.
The right approach
With the “shut off device” You do not need to remove the agitator nor have to empty the tank. To prepare the seal change the PILVAD agitator is stopped, and the shaft is pulled a short way towards the tank wall whereby a built-in o-ring seals the tank. Thereupon follows the disassembly of motor and gear and finally the change of the seal.
The right know-how
Given the needed spare parts, equipment and tools a skilled and trained operator is able to completely change the seal in 2 hours, in the odd case that a leak is spotted. All of this is described in the attached folder: Replacement of mechanical seal.
The operators choice
Flow – Top view
Flow – Side view