Mud degasser pump

Abstract

Gas laden drilling mud is effectively handled by a centrifugal pump system which allows the flow of released gases from the drilling mud to move in the same axial direction as the mud flow through the pump; whereupon the released gases may be conducted to safe disposal areas. A hollow-centered impeller is driven by a hollow shaft through which the gases may be withdrawn. A prerotation chamber and impeller shroud below the impeller admit drilling mud into the impeller housing, providing the drilling mud with initial rotational velocity through a reduced radius, and further establishing a central opening through which gases escaping from the drilling mud will be released due to centrifugal forces on the mud. Released gases may then be removed through the central passage in the hollow shaft, which shaft may be provided with external means for preventing upward flow of fluid therearound.