How to read the capacity of an API standard shale shaker

Understanding the rated capacity of an API standard shale shaker is essential for proper equipment selection and solids control system design. Aipu provides clear, field-verified capacity specifications for Hunter series shakers to enable informed decision-making.

What Capacity Numbers Mean

Shaker capacity is typically expressed in cubic meters per hour or gallons per minute and represents the maximum fluid flow rate the shaker can process while maintaining effective solids separation. Aipu Hunter series covers a comprehensive capacity range: Hunter-Mini at 50 cubic meters per hour for smaller rigs and workover units, mid-range units for typical land rig operations, and Hunter-MG4T tandem configurations at 420 cubic meters per hour for the largest, highest-circulation-rate drilling programs. These capacities are verified through factory acceptance testing and confirmed by field performance data across over 30 countries.

Understanding the Safety Margin

Rated capacity should never be treated as the operating target. Aipu recommends a 25 to 50 percent safety margin above maximum expected circulation rate when selecting shaker capacity. This margin accounts for flow surges during connections and trips, variations in mud properties affecting screen conductance, cuttings loading affecting effective throughput, and future increases in circulation rate as well programs evolve. Operating at or near rated capacity risks mud loss over the back end during peak flow periods.

Factors Affecting Field Capacity

Actual field capacity depends on screen mesh size, mud rheology and viscosity, cuttings concentration and size distribution, and deck angle setting. Aipu provides guidance on how these factors affect throughput for each Hunter series model, enabling realistic capacity planning. Finer screens reduce capacity but improve separation. Higher viscosity reduces drainage rate. Heavy cuttings loading consumes screen area that would otherwise be available for fluid passage.

Matching Capacity to Rig Size

Aipu engineering team assists customers in matching shaker capacity to specific rig and drilling program requirements. The adjustable deck angle (-1 degree to +5 degrees), high G-force operation (6.0G to 7.5G), and large effective screen areas of Aipu shakers provide the flexibility to optimize performance across the capacity range. Factory acceptance testing on every unit verifies that rated capacity is achieved before equipment reaches the field.

Partner with Aipu for certified quality. Contact us at info@aipusolidcontrol.com to discuss your requirements and discover the Aipu difference in API Q1 certified solids control equipment.