Surge Tank Cementing System Buffer Vessel For Stable Material Delivery

A surge tank is a pressure vessel installed between the cement storage tank and the mixing system in a cementing unit. Its primary function is to receive dry cement from bulk storage and deliver it to the mixer at a constant, stable pressure, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted flow of material.

In cementing operations, dry cement is typically transported pneumatically from storage silos over long distances. When the distance from the cement storage tank to the mixer is too long, the cement can separate from the conveying air, creating a pulsating flow. Additionally, as the storage tank pressure drops during bulk delivery, fluctuations in pressure can cause unstable material flow. When switching between storage tanks, interruptions in cement delivery can negatively impact slurry quality and the precision of automated mixing equipment.

The surge tank solves these problems by providing a buffer that absorbs pressure fluctuations and maintains a constant delivery pressure, effectively removing pulsation waves and eliminating dust from the mixer.

Technical Specifications

Key Features:

1. Constant Pressure Control

Equipped with a constant pressure valve, the surge tank maintains stable internal pressure regardless of fluctuations in the upstream supply. This ensures a consistent, pulsation-free flow of dry cement to the mixing system.

2. Accurate Material Level & Weight Indication

The tank features an M/D Totco load cell with scales for precise indication of material weight and level inside the tank. Sight glasses are also provided as an auxiliary means of visual cement level indication.

3. Easy Maintenance Fluidizer Aerator

An easy-maintenance fluidizer aerator is incorporated to keep the dry cement fluidised, preventing bridging and ensuring smooth discharge.

4. Explosion-Proof Lighting

An explosion-proof lamp is installed inside the tank, allowing for safe and convenient monitoring of the cement level even in hazardous environments.

5. Large Access & Discharge Openings

20" hinged quick-opening manhole – Provides easy access for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance.

10" butterfly valve on the gravity discharge opening – Enables controlled and reliable material discharge.

6. GB 150 Pressure Vessel Compliance

The tank is designed, manufactured, and inspected in accordance with the compulsory requirements of GB 150 (Chinese standard for steel pressure vessels), ensuring structural integrity and safety.

7. Robust Construction

The surge tank features an upper cylindrical and lower conical shape with a three-point-supporting structure at the bottom, mounted on a dedicated skid frame for stability and easy transport.

Applications & Use Cases

The surge tank is an essential component in oilfield cementing systems, with applications including:

Cementing operations – Stores and regulates dry cement flow during well cementing, maintaining wellbore stability and integrity.

Bulk material handling – Manages the flow of bentonite, barite, and other dry additives used in drilling and completion fluids.

Cementing units – Integrated into skid-mounted or trailer-mounted cementing equipment to ensure consistent material supply to the mixing tub.

Automated mixing systems – Enables precise slurry density control by providing a steady, uninterrupted flow of dry cement to the mixer.

Why Choose Our Surge Tank?

Proven design – Engineered specifically for oilfield cementing applications to solve pulsation and pressure fluctuation problems.

Reliable construction – Built to GB 150 pressure vessel standards with high-quality materials and rigorous inspection.

Comprehensive monitoring – Load cell, sight glasses, and explosion-proof lighting provide multiple levels of material level indication.

Easy maintenance – Quick-opening manhole, accessible fluidizer aerator, and simple design reduce downtime.

Compact and portable – Skid-mounted design with three-point support for easy transport and installation on location.

Contact us to learn more about our surge tank and how it can improve the reliability and precision of your cementing operations.