What Is Magnetic Debris in Drilling Fluids?
During drilling, small ferrous particles are introduced into the active mud system. These may originate from:
- Casing wear or tool joint contact
- Metal fines in cement returns
- Magnetite-rich formations or steel fragments from bit wear
Often microscopic and irregularly shaped, these metal particles are magnetically responsive, and they circulate within the drilling fluid loop. Without proper removal, they accumulate on sensitive equipment and interfere with both mechanical and electronic performance.
Why Traditional Filtration Methods Fall Short
Many rigs still rely on surface-level tools like bottom laying ditch magnets, flowline screens, or baskets to capture metallic debris. These legacy systems underperform for several reasons:
- Delayed Placement
Magnetic filters positioned at the shaker or mud pit intercept debris after it has already passed through pumps, MWD tools, or motors. - Insufficient Magnetic Field Strength
Placement of traditional ditch magnets are not optimized to retain fine, fast-moving particles in turbulent fluid conditions. Furthermore, the field strength of the traditional ditch magnets is insufficient to remove the metallic fines from a fluid with yield strength - Passive Collection Design
These systems depend on chance-based flow paths and do not actively guide debris into magnetic fields.
As a result, studies and field audits show that typical surface magnets capture only 10 to 20 percent of ferrous particles, allowing the majority to recirculate through the system.
What Magnetic Debris Does to Your BHA
Particles that bypass weak filtration systems contribute to:
- MWD and LWD Failures
Metallic debris interferes with sensors, signal paths, and accelerometers. The consequence is that measured well path direction becomes incorrect. - Rotary Steerable and Motor Wear
Abrasive fines wear seals, reduce bearing life, and contaminate gearboxes. - Electronics Degradation
Fine metallic powder migrates into tool housings, increasing the likelihood of electrical shorts or sensor drift. - Operational Costs
Failures lead to unplanned trips, BHA rebuilds, and elevated non-productive time (NPT).
Each instance of magnetic contamination reduces tool lifespan and inflates rig time and replacement costs.
Inline Magnetic Particle Separation: A Proactive Strategy
Jagtech’s JAG-MAG and Dual MAPS units are purpose-built to intercept magnetic debris inline before it reaches sensitive downhole tools.
How It Works:
- High-strength neodymium magnets form a focused magnetic grid inside a flow-through area
- Internal flow diverters slow and redirect fluid, increasing magnetic contact time
- Ferrous particles are captured and retained even under high-velocity flow
- Units can be installed in OBM or WBM loops, upstream of the standpipe, or between pump and manifold
Unlike passive systems, these tools continuously remove magnetic contaminants in real time, protecting critical equipment during every circulation.
Documented Field Results
Operators using Jagtech’s inline filtration systems have reported:
- Documented improvement in directional measurement and surveying
- Significant reduction in MWD and LWD tool failures
- Fewer unplanned BHA pullouts and repairs
- Longer operating life for downhole motors and electronics
- Return on investment after a single saved run
Take Control
Today’s drilling environments demand more from your tools and your mud system. Whether operating in complex wells or under compressed timelines, passive magnetic filtration is no longer sufficient.
Upgrading to inline separation helps ensure:
- Consistent tool performance
- Fewer NPT-inducing trips
- Longer tool lifespan and reduced capex replacement costs
Magnetic debris doesn’t stop circulating on its own. But with the right filtration strategy, you can stop it before it causes damage. Explore the JAG-MAG system or contact us to configure the right inline filtration setup for your rig.
