Vapor extracting and separator cleaning apparatus

An apparatus for cleaning and extracting vapors from a shaker, wherein the shaker includes a feed end to which drilling fluid containing solids is directed, a discharge end from which separated solids are discharged from the shaker, and a screening surface through which the drilling fluid is separated from the solids, the apparatus comprising:

• a cabinet including a plurality of walls enclosing the shaker;
• a sump below the screening surface of the shaker receiving separated drilling fluid;
• a fluid exit passage providing fluid communication from the sump to an area external to the cabinet;
• a vapor extraction system including a fresh air inlet and a vapor outlet for circulating clean air into the cabinet and vapors out of the cabinet;
• and
• a cleaning system including a plurality of nozzles selectively receiving cleaning fluid and directing the cleaning fluid towards the shaker.

A method for extracting vapors and cleaning a shaker comprising:

• enclosing the shaker in a cabinet including a plurality of walls through which a fresh air inlet and a vapor outlet are disposed, a solids collection container having a solids outlet, a sump having a fluid exit passage in which a valve is disposed, and a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with a cleaning fluid supply;
• substantially sealing the solids outlet and fresh air inlet;
• connecting the vapor outlet to a fume extraction system;
• activating the fume extraction system to reduce pressure in the cabinet and draw air through portions of the fresh air inlet;
• actuating the valve in the fluid exit passage to provide fluid communication from the sump to a drilling fluid collection area;
• directing drilling fluid and solids onto a screening surface of the shaker;
• discharging separated solids to a solids collection container, wherein the solids collection container includes a solids outlet in which a rotary valve is disposed;
• directing separated drilling fluid into a sump below the screening surface of the shaker;
• and
• selectively actuating the rotary valve to remove separated solids from the cabinet.