Drilling Fluid: Cutting Removal Once the cuttings are out of the hole, they must be removed from the system to keep from being re-circulated. This can be done by using a low-gel-strength fluid and allowing the cuttings to settle out. The cuttings are also be removed by mechanical means such as shale shakers, de-sanders or de-silters. If the cuttings are re-circulated, they are subjected to further grinding action and abrasion. As the cuttings become smaller, they become harder to remove and tend to remain in the system. The problems caused if the cuttings are allowed to be re circulated can have a disastrous effect on both the hole and surface equipment . Settling in the suction lines can cause the pumps to starve, parts to ware prematurely, circulating lines to wash out and jets to plug. Over a period of time, this will cause undesirable rheological properties resulting in high chemical treatment costs and also slower penetration rates that result in higher well costs. Thinning agents are often used but by far the best way to remove them is having tank large enough to hold the volume at surface and removing them by mechanical means. The returning fluid should always run over the shakers they should  never be by passed. The first tank should be a sand trap and volume on surface should be such that the trap can be dumped should the need arise. Once the cuttings are out of the hole, they must be removed from the system to keep from being re-circulated. This can be done by using a low-gel-strength fluid and allowing the cuttings to settle out. The cuttings are also be removed by mechanical means such as shale shakers, de-sanders or de-silters. If the cuttings are re-circulated, they are subjected to further grinding action and abrasion. As the cuttings become smaller, they become harder to remove and tend to remain in the system. The problems caused if the cuttings are allowed to be re circulated can have a disastrous effect on both the hole and surface equipment . Settling in the suction lines can cause the pumps to starve, parts to ware prematurely, circulating lines to wash out and jets to plug. Over a period of time, this will cause undesirable rheological properties resulting in high chemical treatment costs and also slower penetration rates that result in higher well costs. Thinning agents are often used but by far the best way to remove them is having tank large enough to hold the volume at surface and removing them by mechanical means. The returning fluid should always run over the shakers they should  never be by passed. The first tank should be a sand trap and volume on surface should be such that the trap can be dumped should the need arise