Vacuum Shale Shaker

The ViST Vacuum Shale Shaker combines shale shaker screening with additional drilling fluid recovery. A vacuum screen is installed beneath the final screen panel to reduce the amount of drilling fluid carried out with the discharged cuttings.

The unit uses a collection pan, suction line, and vacuum unit. Recovered drilling fluid can be returned to the active mud system. TR offers the vacuum screen system on new shakers or as a retrofit for existing units.

For retrofit applications, the vacuum screen can be mounted at the shaker discharge end without replacing the existing shaker.

The system is used for OBM, WBM, and SBM on land and offshore drilling rigs. The compact layout requires little additional space, which is useful on offshore platforms with limited deck space.

Advantages of Vacuum Shale Shaker

1. Additional drilling fluid recovery: Recovers an average of 2–3 m³/day of additional drilling fluid when the vacuum is operating.

2. Drier cuttings: Less drilling fluid leaves with the solids, reducing waste handling, transportation, and disposal costs.

3. Finer screen operation: Vacuum-assisted recovery helps reduce fluid carryover when using finer shaker screens.

4. Reduced drying equipment: In suitable applications, the vacuum screen can reduce the need for a separate cuttings drying shaker.

5. Simple retrofit: The vacuum screen can be added to an existing shaker at the discharge end without replacing the shaker.

Working Principle

Drilling fluid and cuttings enter the shaker and travel across the vibrating screen deck. The screen separates the solids from the liquid while shaker motion moves the cuttings toward the discharge end.

At the final screen panel, the vacuum unit maintains negative pressure beneath the screen. The pressure difference draws additional drilling fluid through the screen and into the collection pan.

The recovered fluid is returned to the mud system, while the cuttings leave the shaker with less liquid.

Selection Guide

The right vacuum screen setup depends on the shaker size, screen area, drilling fluid, and site conditions.

For retrofit projects, the existing shaker model, screen dimensions, and discharge layout are important for matching the vacuum system.

Offshore projects may also require specific electrical and explosion-protection requirements.

TR can match the vacuum screen system to the existing shaker.