The AX-1 Shaker - Operation Overview
Parallel operation
In the parallel mode the 2nd and 3rd decks of the AX-1 can process fluid completely independently, therefore effectively doubling the fluid handling capacity of the shaker in comparison to traditional dual deck systems.
All of the fluid delivered to the AX-1 Shaker is processed through the coarse mesh top screen. The middle deck will process as much fluid as it is capable of, given the screen mesh size installed. The processed fluid from this deck is then diverted directly to the sump, bypassing the lower deck. Fluid and drilled solids, in excess of that processed by the middle deck, overflow via a weir to the rear of the machine and are diverted to the lower deck for processing. So, when configured for parallel operation, the AX-1 allows the maximum flow capacity through the primary solids control system, which in turn allows higher pump rates to be achieved in large hole sections; a situation which is becoming more desirable with the constant advances in the drilling industry.
Series operation
When configured for series mode drilling fluid is processed through all three decks of the shaker in turn – this allows gradually finer screens to be sequentially fitted to each deck. Ultra fine screen meshes can therefore be used, giving maximum solids separation. In addition, the life of ultra fine screens is significantly increased by the protection they receive through series operation of the AX-1.
Trends in drilling fluid formulations
Drilling fluids are more frequently being engineered to contain specifically sized particles. This can be either conventional loss circulation materials to combat significant down hole losses, or specifically sized material to bridge fractures and pore spaces. This allows higher fluid densities – often above the fracture gradient – to be employed.
This will result in:
- Reduced whole fluid losses in depleted zones.
- Reduced number of casing runs.
- Increased margin of safety.
The AX-1 allows for the use of these new fluid formulations by allowing the collection of sized particles from the middle deck, prior to screening of the drilling fluid on the lower deck to remove fine drilled solids.
