For the whole drilling mud recycling system, shale shaker is one of the most important solids control equipments. It removes drill cuttings from fluids processing system while circulating and drilling. A shale shaker can be used in all drilling applications in which liquid is used as the drilling fluids. Shaker screen selection is controlled by circulation rate, shaker design, well-bore properties, and drilling-fluids properties. Shale shaker screen is important spare part for shale shaker. Even for general solids control equipments shaker screen is rather consumable.

Shaker Screen

Screen selection is critical in the operation of a drilling rig, as the shale shakers are the primary stage of drilling mud solids control system. Shaker screens can remove the solids that are larger than the screen mesh openings. The drilling mud with small solids would flow through the screen meshes, and down to the mud tank for a further purification. while the large solids or the cuttings would stay on the screen, and be vibrated and flow to the discharge end of the shaker basket. So It is must to choose a proper screen according to the solids diameter, mud gravity, viscosity & density etc. As Improper screen selection can lead to, loss of expensive drilling fluids, premature pump failures, overloading of other solids removal equipment such as a decanter centrifuge, decreased equipment life, reduced rate of penetration and serious problems in the well bore.

Shale Shaker

Shaker screen types will be divided into various types according to different standard, generally, flat screens, pyramid screens, soft/hard hook strap screens, steel frame screens, composite screens, PU screens, etc.

According to different way, there will be differential types. Subject to the appearance, there will be flat type ( PWP ) and pyramid ( PMD ) screens, as per tensioning system there is soft and hard hook stripped and polyurethane wedge clamping screen.

Meanwhile, shaker screens also divided into single layer, two layers and three layers screens. Then, subject to shale shaker screen mesh size including common mesh screen, fine screen, super find screens.

Screen selection for shale shakers is dependent on geographical and geological location. Screen combinations that will handle specific flow rates in the Middle East or Far East will not necessarily handle the same flow rates in Norway or the Rocky Mountains. The best method to select shale shaker screens and/or number of shale shakers for a particular drilling site is to first use the recommendations of a qualified solids control advisor from the area. Screen use records should be established for further guidance.