Patent attributes
A method for separating solids from a drill cuttings and drilling mud mixture feed in a shale shaker includes providing a shale shaker (1) having a basket (4) including a stack of at least two screen decks (8,8a, 8b), wherein the screening surfaces (9,9a, 9b) of the decks are spaced apart and superposed one above the other. A fluid retaining wall (5) and the feed receiving end (12a, 12b) of the screening surface of the lowest screen deck define a pond region (15). In use of the method a drill cuttings and drilling mud mixture feed (18) forms a pond of solids and liquid in the pond region that immerses a portion of the screening surface at the feed receiving end of each of the two screen decks. Apparatus for use in the method is also described.
