Page 256 - Shale Shakers Drilling Fluid Systems
P. 256
238 SHALE SHAKERS AND DRILLING FLUID SYSTEMS
Problem: Items to check: Solution:
Cuttings moving erratically Unit not level Adjust installation to level position;
on screen check tank for level alignment
Motor rotational problem Check manufacturer's
recommendations
Shock mount damage Replace mounts
Drive belt too tight Adjust to proper manufacturer's setting
Motor failure Replace motor
Mud overflowing screen Screens plugged Replace or clean screens
Wrong screens Adjust screen size up or down to
determine proper selection
Incorrect deck angle Temporarily adjust screen angle up
or down
Water-wet screens in an Change screens; add more oil-wetter
oil-based drilling fluid to drilling fluid
Oversized cuttings returned Torn screens Replace or repair torn or worn screens
to active system Worn tensioning device Replace
Leaking bypass valve Repair or replace
Worn screen supports Replace or repair
Improper screen tensioning Adjust screen tension
Drilling fluid not added to Check all procedures for adding or
system through shale shaker returning drilling fluid (such as
screens from trip tanks, etc.)
No drilling fluid flowing Valve closed Open valve
to shale shaker Solids blocking valve or flow Locate and remove or clear blockage
line
Bypass open Open bypass
Check bell nipple for overflow
Screen failure Within an hour Heavy solids loading
Vibrators operating improperly
Coarse formations on fine screen
cloths
Within a few hours Loose screen cloth
Missing tension bolts or locks
Vibrators operating improperly
Damaged shaker bed
Missing channel rubbers
Improper tension
Within a day Damaged shaker bed
Inoperable vibrator
Extremely high mud weights
Misalignment of screens
Failure to maintain screen tension
Within a few days Hematite used as a weighting agent
Worn channel rubbers
Worn side or cross supports
Bent drawbars
