Drilling Mud Agitators
Configurations and Options
- Vertical and Horizontal Configurations
Available in both vertical and horizontal configurations to accommodate different tank setups.
- Impeller Options
Offers a choice of canted or hydrofoil impellers available in carbon or stainless steel, providing versatility for various applications.
Gearbox Housing
Built with a rugged cast iron gearbox housing, featuring helical bevel gearing that runs smoother and cooler compared to standard worm gears, ensuring more efficient operation and extended lifespan.
Lower Bearing Configuration
The unit’s unique lower bearing configuration allows for maintenance from the top of the tank, eliminating the need for in-tank inspections.
Grease Pocket & Seal Arrangement
Lower bearing seals are strategically arranged to maintain a grease pocket supplemented by four rings, ensuring the gears are consistently bathed in uncontaminated lubricant.
Strongest Shaft Coupler
The agitator boasts a unique shaft coupler, known as the strongest and most reliable in the industry.
FEATURES
- The MAX2000® Agitator features a rugged cast iron gearbox that houses helical bevel gearing. The gear sets are precisely ground to prevent all but the slightest amount of backlash in the gear sets. This feature promotes longer life by eliminating the high impact forces generated when the unit is energized at start-up. Each helical bevel gear stage is 98% efficient. A typical worm gear set is only 85% efficient, since it loses most of its efficiency through the generation of heat.
- Internal gears and bearings are lubricated with mineral oil. When the ambient temperature drops below 23ºF or rises above 140ºF, a synthetic lubricant should be substituted. A unique feature of the MAX2000® Agitator is the lower bearing, which can be maintained from the top of the tank. This feature eliminates the need for in-tank inspections of the lower bearing, and also provides a barrier of grease that can be expunged out the lower seal.
- The lower seals are arranged to accommodate the grease pocket and make for a four-tier layer of protection for the gearing. The end result means the lower bearing stays in contact with good, uncontaminated lubricant at all times. All four of these levels must be breached prior to loss of oil in the gearbox.
Drilling Mud Agitator Supplier
Process Solutions International (PSI) is an ISO 9001:2015 certified drilling mud agitator manufacturer based in Houston, TX, serving oil and gas drilling operators, oilfield services companies, rig contractors, and solids control equipment suppliers worldwide since 1991. The MAX2000® agitator line is available in electric (50 Hz and 60 Hz), diesel, and hydraulic drive options for both domestic and international oilfield deployments.
Also Available: MAX2000® Drop Bearing Agitators
For applications requiring extended shaft lengths into deep tanks, PSI manufactures the MAX2000® Drop Bearing Agitator — a vertical mud agitator configuration with an intermediate bearing support for long-shaft installations. Drop bearing units eliminate shaft deflection in deeper tanks, maintain impeller concentricity, and reduce vibration at high torque loads. Used extensively in large-volume surface mud systems, offshore platforms, and custom-built tank systems.
Where MAX2000® Mud Agitators Are Used
PSI’s MAX2000® is the drilling mud agitator of choice for operators and oilfield services companies across multiple sectors.
Oil & Gas Drilling: Onshore & Offshore
On active drilling locations, mud agitators maintain homogeneous drilling fluid in surface tanks throughout the circulating system. Proper agitation keeps solids suspended, prevents barite sag in weighted muds, and maintains consistent fluid properties from the suction tank to the bit. MAX2000® vertical mud agitators are sized for any tank volume, from small reserve pits to large offshore circulating systems. Available with explosion-proof motors for hazardous area (ATEX/IECEx) classification.
Solids Control Systems: Drilling Fluid Management
In a complete solids control equipment setup, mud agitators work alongside centrifugal pumps, shale shakers, and degassers to maintain drilling fluid quality. MAX2000® agitators integrate directly into new-build and retrofit mud tank systems. As a full oilfield material handling equipment supplier, PSI can configure an agitator system alongside MAX2000® mud guns, high shear hoppers, and MAKDADDY® centrifugal pumps for a turnkey drilling fluid system.
Permian Basin & West Texas Oilfield Operations
PSI serves Permian Basin and West Texas operators from its Midland, TX facility. Fast lead times on MAX2000® mud agitators, parts, and replacement impellers are critical when drilling programs run continuous 24/7 operations. PSI’s West Texas presence supports drilling mud agitator supplier needs for operators and oilfield services companies across the Permian, Delaware, and Midland sub-basins.
Middle East & International Oilfield Deployments
PSI has supplied MAX2000® mud agitators to drilling operations in Saudi Arabia, the GCC, and South America. All units are available with 50 Hz motor configurations for international power standards. PSI’s ISO 9001:2015 certification supports procurement requirements for national oil companies, EPC contractors, and oilfield services companies operating under international quality management standards. As a mud agitator manufacturer in Saudi Arabia-capable supply chain, PSI provides documentation packages for international project specifications.
MAX2000® Mud Agitator Specifications & Configurations
Available in a full range of motor sizes, shaft lengths, and configurations to match any tank geometry and drilling program. Contact PSI for application-specific engineering data and sizing.
| Specification | Range | Details |
| Configuration | Vertical or Horizontal | Both configurations available to accommodate different tank setups and rig layouts. Vertical is most common for mud tanks; horizontal available for space-constrained installations. |
| Motor HP Range | 5 to 100+ HP | Motor size selected based on tank volume, fluid density, and agitation requirements. PSI engineers size each unit to the application. |
| Drive Options | Electric / Diesel / Hydraulic | Electric motors available in 50 Hz and 60 Hz configurations for domestic and international oilfield deployments. Diesel and hydraulic for remote or offshore locations. |
| Impeller Type | Canted or Hydrofoil | Both available in carbon steel or stainless steel. Hydrofoil impellers deliver high flow at lower power draw. Canted impellers suited for higher-viscosity drilling fluids. |
| Gearbox Type | Helical Bevel Gear | 98% efficiency per stage vs. 85% for worm gear sets. Precision-ground gear sets minimize backlash, reducing impact forces at start-up and extending gearbox life. |
| Gearbox Housing | Rugged Cast Iron | Cast iron housing engineered for continuous-duty oilfield service. Mineral oil lubrication standard; synthetic lubricant for ambient temps below 23°F or above 140°F. |
| Shaft Coupler | Proprietary MAX2000® Design | Industry’s strongest and most reliable shaft coupler. Designed to handle shock loads and prevent catastrophic failures in high-torque drilling fluid applications. |
| Lower Bearing | Top-Access Maintenance | Unique zero-entry design — lower bearing serviced from the top of the tank. Eliminates in-tank inspections. Four-tier grease seal arrangement protects gearbox oil from contamination. |
| Seal Arrangement | 4-Tier Grease Pocket | Lower seals arranged to maintain a grease pocket with four layers of protection. All four must be breached before gearbox oil loss occurs — maximizing run time in harsh drilling environments. |
| Fluid Compatibility | Water-based & Oil-based Muds | Handles both water-based and oil-based drilling fluids, weighted muds, and fluids with high solids content. |
| Mounting | Tank-mounted, zero tank entry | Mounted on tank top with no internal tank penetrations required for maintenance. Reduces HSE risk and maintenance time on active drilling locations. |
| Certifications | ISO 9001:2015 | Manufactured by Process Solutions International — ISO 9001:2015 certified. UL Listed and ATEX/IECEx certifications also held by PSI. |
MAX2000® Mud Agitator Parts & Field Support
Replacement Parts In Stock
PSI maintains an in-house inventory of MAX2000® mud agitator replacement parts for same-day shipping. Critical wear items are stocked as standard to minimize downtime on active drilling locations. Parts available for all MAX2000® agitator models, including legacy configurations. Impeller blades, shaft assemblies, seal kits, gearbox components, and bearing assemblies available on request.
Engineering & Application Support
PSI’s team provides agitator sizing and selection support for new-build and retrofit drilling fluid systems. Sizing is based on tank volume, fluid density, solids loading, and circulation rates. General arrangement drawings, bill of materials, and dimensional data available for engineering and procurement packages. 50 Hz and 60 Hz motor data sheets are available for international project specifications.
MAX2000® Mud Agitators
The MAX2000® Agitator offers rugged reliability and design flexibility, featuring efficient helical bevel gearing and a unique lower bearing for easy maintenance. Available in various configurations, it boasts the industry’s strongest shaft coupler and offers a choice of carbon or stainless steel impellers.
MAX2000® Mud Guns
The MAX2000® Mud Guns efficiently mix and suspend particles in submerged service, preventing solids buildup in tank corners. Made of durable materials, they are designed for high-volume applications and feature a 360° swivel joint with handles for easy rotation.
Screw Conveyors
Screw conveyors are an age-old, cost-effective method for transporting semi-solid materials like drill cuttings. The PSI conveyor system uses stock components customizable to specific needs, featuring rugged motors, heavy-duty troughs, and various options like speed control and safety features.
High Shear Hoppers
The shear hopper efficiently diffuses additives into materials using high velocity and turbulence, requiring fewer polymers and reducing bentonite usage by up to 50%. The PSI shear mixer acts as both a radial premixer, preventing clumping, and a mixing eductor, ensuring vigorous mixing and robust shearing.
Product Categories
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Industrial pumps move liquids and slurries for various applications in water treatment, wastewater management, food processing, manufacturing, factories, plants, and worksites.
Material Handling Equipment
This category includes three essential products that cater to various material handling needs: the MAX2000 Mud Agitators, Screw Conveyors, and High Shear Hoppers.
Gas Management Systems
Gas management systems are vital for controlling the entrained gasses during these operations. Here’s a closer look at some of the top systems in this category.
Fuel Filtration Systems
Our range of fuel filtration systems is designed to enhance and simplify your operations, saving you time and costs and ensuring a cleaner and safer working environment.
FAQs
What is a drilling mud agitator and why is it needed?
A drilling mud agitator is a mechanical mixing unit mounted on a mud tank that keeps drilling fluid in suspension during circulation. Without agitation, solids settle in tank corners, and barite sag occurs in weighted muds, causing inconsistent fluid weight, poor hole cleaning, and stuck pipe risk. The MAX2000® uses a helical bevel gearbox and impeller to generate continuous circulation and suspension throughout the tank.
What motor sizes are available for MAX2000® mud agitators?
MAX2000® mud agitators are available from 5 HP through 100+ HP depending on tank volume, fluid density, and application requirements. PSI's engineering team sizes each unit based on your specific drilling program and tank geometry. Electric motors are available in both 50 Hz and 60 Hz configurations for domestic and international oilfield deployments. Diesel and hydraulic drive options are also available.
Why does the MAX2000® use helical bevel gearing instead of worm gears?
Each helical bevel gear stage in the MAX2000® operates at 98% efficiency. A standard worm gear set runs at approximately 85% efficiency because it converts most of the energy loss to heat. Helical bevel gearing also runs cooler and quieter, and the precision-ground gear sets minimize backlash, reducing the high-impact forces generated at start-up that cause premature gearbox wear on worm gear designs.
What is the difference between a canted and a hydrofoil impeller?
Canted impellers generate high axial thrust and work well in high-viscosity drilling fluids and weighted muds with significant solids loading. Hydrofoil impellers produce high fluid flow at lower power consumption, making them efficient for lighter muds and larger tank volumes where circulation efficiency matters more than raw mixing power. PSI offers both in carbon steel and stainless steel. Selection depends on fluid type, tank size, and required agitation intensity.
Does PSI offer mud agitators for international 50 Hz power systems?
Yes. MAX2000® mud agitators are available with 50 Hz electric motors for international drilling operations, including the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, South America, and Southeast Asia. PSI has supplied mud agitator systems to international oilfield operators and can provide IEC-compliant motor documentation and ATEX/IECEx-rated units for hazardous area classifications. Call (281) 893-4774 to discuss international supply requirements.
Who manufactures MAX2000® mud agitators?
MAX2000® mud agitators are manufactured by Process Solutions International (PSI), an ISO 9001:2015 certified drilling fluid handling equipment manufacturer based in Houston, TX. PSI has been manufacturing oilfield material handling equipment since 1991 and supplies operators and oilfield services companies across the U.S., Middle East, and South America. Address: 7519 Prairie Oak Drive, Houston, TX 77086. Phone: (281) 893-4774. Email: info@psimax2000.com.