The core goal of drilling fluid solids control is to remove harmful solid particles in the drilling fluid and retain useful solid phase to ensure that the density, viscosity, water loss and other properties of the drilling fluid meet the drilling process requirements.

The drilling fluid solids control system is a general term for all solids control equipment (such as shale shaker, vacuum degassers, desanders, desilters, centrifuges, etc.). The shale shaker as the primary solids control equipment is the first line defense of the entire system.

The shale shaker uses a motor to drive the vibration, generating a periodic inertial force that causes the shaker basket to vibrate in a specific direction. Drilling cuttings and other solid particles carried by the drilling fluid are fed onto the screen surface, where they are thrown by the vibration and gravity. Liquid and fine particles smaller than the mesh size pass through the screen, while larger particles are separated and discharged.

The types according to shale shaker vibration mode

1. Circular shale shaker: The motion path is circular, the material moves quickly across the screen surface, suitable for separating coarse particles.

2. Elliptical shale shaker: The excitation device is fixed directly above the center of the screen box. The screen box is tilted at a certain angle, using gravity to accelerate the material forward and prevent particles from being thrown backward. It improves solids movement performance, but the processing capacity is relatively reduced.

3. Linear shale shaker: Two main shafts with eccentric blocks rotate synchronously in opposite directions to generate linear excitation. The motion direction is constant with high separation effect.

4. Dual-motion shale shaker: The different areas of screen box have different motion paths to improve material conveying rate and particle separation effect

Shaker screen types based on supporting frame and surface:

1. Framed type/Pretentioned type: Sturdy structure, easy to replace;

2. Hook-strip: Stable installation and good tension;

3. Wave-shaped/Corrugated panel: Increases effective screening area and improves throughput.

4. Flat panel: More suitable for linear motion shakers, ensuring even material distribution.

More interesting points during shakers operation

1. Deck angle : Increasing the inclination appropriately can increase material conveying speed, but excessive inclination reduces separation accuracy.

2. Amplitude and frequency: A high amplitude can prevent screen clogging, while a high frequency facilitates separation of fine particles.

3. Material properties: Drilling mud/fluids density, viscosity, and solids content all affect separation efficiency.

4. Maintenance: Screen tensioning system, vibrator lubrication, and spring fatigue all affect performance.

In short, drilling fluid shakers are important components of a solids control system, and their performance directly impacts drilling fluid quality and drilling efficiency. Properly selection the vibration mode, screen mesh size, and operating parameters, along with flexible adjustments during the construction phase can significantly improve solids control, reduce drilling costs, and extend equipment life.