RIG FLOOR EQUIPMENT

M-I SWACO introduces meerkat pt dual-motion shaker

M-I SWACO has introduced its patented MEERKAT PT dual-motion shale shaker that is ideally suited for drilling rigs and separation operations where space is at a premium and performance requirements are high. The new generation solids-control technology, which can be customized to meet tight-space requirements and high-performance criteria, is engineered to adapt to changing drilling rates and conditions throughout the well construction process. In linear motion, the shaker is designed to manage the high volume of drill cuttings generated in surface hole sections. The unit can be changed on the fly to balanced elliptical motion with the flip of a switch for maximum retention time, which produces dryer cuttings as the well progresses.

Because drilling rates and conditions change as drilling progresses, solids-control equipment must be able to handle varying solids characteristics. When premium drilling fluids are used, maximum fluids recovery is of heightened concern. Owing to its high throughput capacity, the shaker easily can handle the cuttings load produced by high ROP, thereby reducing rig time. When in balanced elliptical motion, the shaker also recovers significant volumes of useable drilling fluid, while reducing disposal requirements by producing drier cuttings that require less treatment.

M-I SWACO’s MEERKAT PT dual-motion shaker generates high G-forces necessary during drilling intervals that produce heavy, high-volume solids.

The dual-motor, linear-motion shaker is especially effective when drilling top-hole sections where heavy, high-volume solids usually are encountered. In these intervals, shakers need to generate high G-forces to effectively move dense solids across the screens.

The modular construction of the shaker provides the end user with the option of bolting single units into a dual or triple configuration, with different feed systems and mud cleaner options. In the field, rig personnel can reconfigure the unit quickly, via bolted connections, to meet changing requirements. By incorporating a bolted, modular design, the shaker can be disassembled and re-assembled easily for shipment to location. Once onsite, crews can configure the modules and install the shakers, using bolted, not welded, connections.

Two or three shakers can be configured into one integral assembly by bolting together skids with field-installable kit. While the standard assembly includes a common possum belly, available options include multiple header tanks, a mud cleaner, lifting frame and distribution box. In a dual configuration, the flow distribution is controlled by slide gates and flow can be opened and closed to any shaker.

The balanced basket of the unit is equally effective in either linear or balanced-elliptical mode or with loads that are either dry and light loads or wet and heavy. The unique distribution box option can replace the flowline possum belly, providing increased handling capacity and dampening the velocity of fluid from the flowline. Further, the pre-tensioned composite screens provide for fast screen changes and overall ease of use.