Shale Shaker Equipment for Workover Operations

Workover operations present specific solids control requirements that differ from those of drilling operations, and the shale shaker equipment selected for workover applications must address these unique demands. Aipu Solids Control has developed shale shaker configurations for workover operations, combining over 15 years of manufacturing experience with an understanding of the specialized nature of well intervention and remediation activities.

Workover operations differ from drilling in several ways that affect shaker requirements. Fluid circulation rates during workover are typically lower than during drilling, as the primary objective is well intervention rather than formation penetration. The solids loading in workover fluids includes formation fines mobilized during the intervention, pipe scale, corrosion products, and residues from well treatment chemicals, rather than drilled cuttings. The duration of workover operations is typically shorter than drilling operations, but the equipment must be mobilized and demobilized more frequently. Space at the wellsite is often constrained by the presence of production equipment, pipelines, and other infrastructure that is not present during initial drilling. These differences mean that workover shaker requirements differ from drilling shaker requirements in several important respects.

Aipu addresses workover requirements through appropriately sized equipment that avoids the over-specification of using full drilling-sized shakers for lower-volume workover applications. The Hunter-Mini and compact single-deck models in the Hunter series provide effective solids control at the flow rates typical of workover operations, with screen areas and motor power matched to workover pumping rates rather than drilling circulation rates. This appropriate sizing reduces capital cost, transport weight, and rig-up time compared to using larger drilling shakers for workover. Premium vibrating motors from Ital-Vibras, Martin, and Oli provide the 6.0G to 7.5G of acceleration needed for effective separation of the fine solids typical of workover returns, while adjustable deck angles from minus 1 degree to plus 5 degrees enable optimization for the variable fluid characteristics encountered in different well interventions.

Mobility is particularly important for workover shakers, as workover rigs typically move more frequently than drilling rigs. Trailer mounted and compact skid mounted configurations are popular for workover applications, with designs that minimize the transport and rig-up time between jobs. Quick-connect electrical and fluid systems support efficient rig moves, which may occur as frequently as several times per week for active workover contractors. Quick-change screens enable the mesh changes that may be needed as the well cleanup progresses and solids loading changes. Manufactured in Aipu’s 50,000 square meter Xi’an facility under API Q1 certified quality management, workover shakers provide the right-sized solids control solution for efficient, mobile well intervention operations. Equipment operating in more than 30 countries validates Aipu shaker designs for the specific requirements of workover operations worldwide.

Trust Aipu for API Q1 certified solids control. Contact us at info@aipusolidcontrol.com to discuss your shale shaker equipment requirements and experience the performance that defines Aipu equipment worldwide.