How Does Dual Motion Shale Shakers Work In Oilfield Drilling?

In oilfield drilling, dual-track shale shakers – key components of solids control systems – use two exciters in tandem to seamlessly switch between linear and elliptical trajectories, enabling high-efficiency solid-liquid separation of drilling fluid. Compared to single-track models, they deliver superior screening precision and throughput via composite vibration paths.

How It Works

The dual motion shale shaker is equipped with two sets of vibrating motors (or exciters). By adjusting the mass, angle, and rotation direction of the eccentric block, it can independently generate excitation forces in different directions, realizing real-time switching between the two tracks.

1. Linear trajectory mode: Two sets of excitation sources rotate synchronously in opposite directions. The excitation forces are superimposed in the vertical direction and canceled out in the horizontal direction, forming linear vibration along the screen surface. In this mode, the material conveying speed is fast and the processing capacity is large, making it suitable for rapid screening of coarse particles.

2. Elliptical trajectory mode: Two sets of excitation sources operate at different frequencies or with a phase difference, and the excitation force synthesizes an elliptical trajectory. At this time, the material is thrown on the screen surface, resulting in high efficiency of fine particle screening and strong self-cleaning ability of the screen, which can reduce the risk of clogging.

Linear vibration is responsible for rapidly pushing solid particles towards the slag discharge end, while elliptical vibration enhances the throwing and diffusion effect of drilling fluid, allowing the drilling fluid to form a uniform thin layer on the screen and avoiding local sludge accumulation.

Solid-Liquid Separation Process

1. Drilling fluid enters the screen box and spreads evenly across the screen via composite vibration.

2. Qualified liquid (drilling fluid) and fine solids pass through screen meshes into a sump, returning to the drilling circulation system via the reflux port.

3. Large solids (cuttings, barite) – exceeding screen mesh size – are continuously conveyed to the discharge end for removal.

Adaptive Operation

The dual motion shale shaker supports on-site switching and adjustment of excitation force and vibration trajectory according to drilling fluid viscosity, solid content, and throughput requirements.

1. When dealing with high-viscosity drilling fluids, the amplitude of the elliptical trajectory can be increased to enhance the dispersion effect of the drilling fluid.

2. When handling large-volume drilling fluids, the trajectory can be adjusted to a more linear path to accelerate the transport speed of solid particles and prevent screen clogging.

TR Solids Control’s dual motion shale shaker features mechanical screen angle adjustment (no shutdown required) and real-time vibration monitoring, auto-optimizing performance for diverse material properties.

Compared to single linear or circular shale shakers, dual motion shale shakers offer higher solid-liquid separation efficiency, longer screen life, and are adaptable to various drilling fluid conditions, including water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based fluids.

The dual motion shale shaker achieves efficient and flexible processing of drilling fluid through the synergistic effect of dual excitation sources and trajectory switching technology. Its linear trajectory mode is suitable for rapid screening of coarse particles, while the elliptical trajectory mode is good at handling viscous materials. The combination of the two can significantly improve drilling efficiency, reduce equipment wear, and adapt to a variety of complex working conditions, making it an indispensable core solids control device in modern oilfield drilling.