Solids Control Shale Shaker Equipment for Shale Gas Drilling

Shale gas drilling—characterized by horizontal wells, high flow rates, and the use of oil-based drilling fluids—places specific demands on solids control shale shaker equipment. Aipu Solids Control provides shale shakers configured to meet the exacting requirements of modern shale gas drilling operations.

Shale gas wells are typically drilled in two distinct phases, each with different solids control requirements. The vertical section through surface and intermediate formations may be drilled with water-based mud at moderate to high rates, requiring shakers with good throughput capacity and the ability to handle varied formation types. The horizontal lateral section is drilled through the target shale formation using oil-based or synthetic-based drilling fluid, requiring shakers that can handle the stickiness of oil-wet cuttings and the higher viscosity drilling fluids typical of these systems. Aipu Hunter series shakers, particularly the Hunter-MGD with dual-motion capability, address both phases effectively. Linear motion provides efficient separation for the vertical section, while balanced elliptical motion improves cuttings conveyance and screen cleaning for the sticky cuttings of the horizontal section.

High Flow Rate Capability

Shale gas drilling often employs high circulation rates to maximize rate of penetration in the long horizontal sections. Aipu Hunter shakers accommodate these flow rates with capacities from 120 to 420 cubic meters per hour. For the highest flow rate applications, the Hunter-MG4T tandem configuration at 420 cubic meters per hour provides the capacity margin that prevents mud losses and ensures consistent solids removal. Multiple shakers configured in parallel provide both capacity and redundancy for critical operations where uninterrupted solids control is essential.

Screen Strategy for Shale Drilling

Screen selection for shale gas drilling must balance the competing demands of throughput and separation quality. The vertical section allows coarser screens (API 40 to API 80) for high-rate drilling through varied formations. The horizontal lateral through the target shale demands finer screens (API 100 to API 200) to minimize low-gravity solids content in the expensive oil-based drilling fluid. Aipu quick-change screen system enables practical implementation of this progressive screen strategy. Composite frame screens offer advantages with oil-based mud, with reduced sticking and easier cleaning during screen changes.

Proven in Shale Gas Operations

Aipu equipment has been deployed in shale gas operations across multiple regions, validating the performance and reliability of Hunter series shakers in this demanding application. API Q1 certified manufacturing quality, over 15 years of experience, a 50,000 square meter Xi’an facility, and equipment in more than 30 countries provide the foundation for confident equipment selection. The comprehensive Hunter series product range ensures that each shale gas drilling program can be matched with appropriately sized and configured solids control equipment.

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.