Rational Selection of Parts for Oilfield Solids Control Shale Shaker: Solutions to Improve Performance

As the "first line of defense" in oilfield solids control systems, the performance of shale shakers directly determines drilling fluid solids control efficiency, drilling costs, and construction safety. The selection of shale shaker components should revolve around three core aspects: oilfield operating conditions, equipment parameters, and component compatibility, focusing on the goals of "improving screening efficiency, enhancing durability, and optimizing operational stability."

TR Solids Control's linear shale shakers are suitable for various oilfield conditions, from conventional drilling to complex shale gas drilling. The selection of its parts needs to be combined with the equipment parameters (such as the vibration intensity and throughput of the TRZS series) and the wear resistance, explosion-proof and corrosion resistance requirements of oilfield solids control.

I. Selection of Shale Shaker Parts

1. Vibrating Motor: This component is the core power source of the TR shale shaker. Its model and compatibility with the equipment directly determine the excitation force and throughput. TR TRZS series shale shakers are all equipped with dual vibrating motors. Selection must strictly match the equipment model. For example, the TRZS703 is compatible with 2×1.5KW motors, while the TRZS2000 corresponds to 2×1.72KW motors. Do not arbitrarily replace them with motors of higher or lower power. Simultaneously, the motors meet the ExdIIBt4 explosion-proof standard, suitable for flammable and explosive environments in oil fields. Avoid selecting ordinary motors to prevent safety hazards. For high-load conditions, consult the manufacturer for a customized reinforced motor to ensure stable excitation force without damaging the screen body.

2. Shaker Screens: The TR shale shaker box is made of high manganese alloy steel and heat-treated, and can be equipped with various shaker screens to adapt to different working conditions. For conventional drilling, polyurethane shaker screen can be selected, whose wear resistance life is 3-5 times that of stainless steel, and it is suitable for the basic screening requirements of TRZS series 40 mesh standard screen mesh. For highly corrosive environments such as offshore drilling, 316L stainless steel screen mesh can be selected to resist salt spray corrosion. For high sand content conditions such as shale gas drilling, it is recommended to use multi-layer composite polyurethane screen mesh, with a wear-resistant surface layer and a supportive bottom layer, in conjunction with the equipment's wedge block clamping device to prevent the screen mesh from loosening. The screen mesh size can be adjusted according to screening requirements, with 10-20 mesh for coarse screening and 30-60 mesh for fine screening to recover barite.

3. Vibrator: TR shale shakers rely on the synchronous counter-rotation of two motors to generate linear trajectory vibration. The eccentric block parameters of the vibrator determine the vibration intensity (its equipment vibration intensity can reach up to 7.5G). When selecting a model, prioritize the original manufacturer's matching eccentric block vibrator. The vibrating blocks should ideally be made of quenched 45# steel, and the outer shell should be made of cast steel to ensure sealing. If it is necessary to adjust the screening efficiency, the excitation force can be adjusted by finely adjusting the weight of the eccentric block. For coarse screening, increase the weight of the eccentric block to increase the amplitude to 6.0-7.2mm; for fine screening, appropriately reduce the weight to avoid damage to the fine-mesh screen due to excessive amplitude.

4. Vibration damping springs: These must be compatible with the weight and amplitude parameters of the TR shale shaker. For example, the TRZS703 weighs 1550kg and is best suited for moderately rigid rubber springs, balancing vibration damping and stability. If used in high-temperature drilling areas, steel springs made of 65Mn spring steel can be used to avoid rubber spring aging. When selecting springs, ensure uniform stiffness and control the compression to 1/3 - 1/2 of the total length to prevent equipment resonance. Simultaneously, coordinate with the equipment's support structure to reduce the impact of vibration on the foundation.
   

5. Bearings: The bearings of TR shale shakers need to withstand high-frequency vibration and radial loads. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) self-aligning roller bearings (such as model 22220CA/W33) are preferred, as they have self-aligning capabilities to compensate for installation deviations. Double-sided or labyrinth seals are selected to prevent drilling fluid and dust intrusion. High-temperature lithium-based grease is used for lubrication, replenished every 500 hours of operation, suitable for equipment vibration intensities ≤7.5G, to avoid dry-wearing damage to the bearings.

6. Seals: The seals of TR shale shakers must be compatible with the screen frame and motor shaft end to resist oil and salt corrosion from drilling fluids. Fluororubber sealing strips are used at the screen frame connections, offering superior oil and aging resistance compared to ordinary nitrile rubber. The motor shaft end uses a skeleton oil seal, and the vibrator area employs a dual structure of labyrinth seal + sealing strip. When selecting seals, precise matching to the equipment interface dimensions is essential. During installation, clean the interfaces of any impurities to prevent scratches on the seals and subsequent leaks.

II. TR's customized accessory combinations suitable for different working conditions

The core of selecting shale shaker parts for oilfield solids control is "working condition adaptation + parameter matching + collaborative optimization": prioritizing the quality of core accessories such as screens, motors, and vibrators (selecting industrial-grade, explosion-proof, corrosion-resistant, and wear-resistant types), then improving stability through auxiliary accessories such as damping springs, bearings, and seals, and finally combining personalized adjustments based on working conditions. This maximizes screening efficiency (increasing throughput by 15%-30% and screening accuracy by 10%-20%) while reducing equipment failure frequency (extending accessory life by 30%-50%), achieving the dual goals of "high performance + low cost".

TR Solid Control provides customized parts to ensure consistent specifications and installation compatibility, avoiding performance degradation or equipment damage due to incompatible accessories.