The shale shaker is an essential piece of equipment in the oil and gas drilling industry. It is often used in the initial stage of the solids control system. Its role is to separate solids and liquids during the oil and gas drilling process. It helps to remove rock chips and other large particles from the drilling fluid, allowing it to be reused in the drilling process.

The AIPU Hunter-MG range of shale shaker is capable of effectively separating particles larger than 74 um.

Main components of shale shaker

The shale shaker components of a vibrating motor, screen panels, feeder trough, and basket or deck.

The AIPU Hunter-MG series of shale shakers utilize Ital-Vibras/Martin/Oli brand vibrating motors. For users, using brand-name motors can reduce downtime and maintenance costs, and provide reliable technical support and after-sales service in case of motor problems, thus avoiding unnecessary inconvenience for users. In addition, utilizing brand-name motors can ensure efficient equipment operation and provide the necessary vibration power while maintaining low energy consumption.

At the same time, users can choose between an iron frame or a composite frame for the screen material. Customization is also supported by the use of electric motors. This allows customers in different countries to manufacture products according to their own country’s electrical requirements. In addition, the system can be customized to include double or triple screens, based on the user’s requirements.

TBM Slurry Separation Plant

Different vibration modes of shale shaker

Linear motion shakers, elliptical motion shakers, balanced elliptical motion shakers, and dual motion shale shakers exist. Currently, the linear motion shaker remains popular with most users. Compared to other types of shakers, it provides a higher processing capacity.

Screen blockage and the horseshoe effect often hinder the operation of the linear motion shaker. Because the cuttings or harmful solids have irregular shapes with sharp edges, many particles will become lodged in the holes of the screen surface. And then, a more and more similar problem arises. Finally, there will be a spacious jam area overall.

Furthermore, due to the blockage on the screen cloth and the properties of the drilling mud, drilling fluids may become jammed on the screen surface. This will result in lost mud, decreased filtration efficiency, and increased costs.

What about the elliptical motion shaker? In the early days, elliptical shakers were not balanced. So, we also refer to it as an irregular circular motion shaker. The features of these shakers include lower cost, reduced capacity, but slightly improved filtration results. Since the material moves in a circular track, it avoids blocking on the screen. Under the force of gravity and drilling fluid pressure, solids will move away from screen holes more easily than under linear motion.

In reference to the balanced elliptical motion shaker, yes, it is a combination of linear and elliptical motion shaker. The balanced elliptical motion shaker can eliminate screen blocking or jamming as well as the horseshoe issue. Compared to an elliptical motion shaker, it can handle a larger capacity of material simultaneously.