Vibratory screening machine

Abstract

A vibratory screening machine such as used for separating solid particulate material from drilling mud to allow the latter to be re-used, is described. The general form of the construction is similar to that of the VSM100 shaker machine as supplied by the applicant company, but significant differences in the design and construction of the new unit allow a higher throughput of mud to be accommodated. An upper filtering screen (88) extends generally horizontally and serves to separate out the larger particles from the rest. The slurry which passes down to the lower screen (90) (of finer mesh than the upper screen) is further filtered and a mud-like residue of particulate material slowly accumulates on the lower screen (90) and migrates up the screen--to be discharged at the upper outlet end thereof, while liquid material filters through the screen to be recovered in a sump below. The drive (14, 16) for the machine comprises two pairs of rotating clump weights, mounted with their individual motors on a platform which spans the basket within which the screens are fitted. The two pairs of clump weights occupy a plane which is generally parallel to the upper (horizontal) screen (88), close to the latter, so keeping the center of gravity low, which enhances the vibration characteristics of the system.

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