10 Different Types of Shale Shakers Used in Drilling Rigs

Published on: May 26,

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In today’s oil drilling operations, the shale shaker is the first and most critical part of the 5-stage drilling fluid purification. Its main job is to quickly and effectively remove drill cuttings from the returning mud. This helps protect downstream equipment, improves fluid recycling, and lowers drilling costs. But here’s the catch—there are many types of shale shakers out there. Each one performs differently in terms of capacity, clog resistance, and maintenance. A poor choice can easily drag down your whole system’s efficiency.

To help you make smarter shaker selections, the SMSKT engineering team created this practical guide. It starts with the basic working principle of a shale shaker, then breaks down 10 common types based on screen structure, vibration mode, frequency control, and smart features. Whether you’re handling high-flow mud, HPHT wells, or aiming for dry discharge, this guide will help you choose the right shaker for your operation.

1. Basic Structure & Working Principle of a Shale Shaker

Before comparing shaker types, it’s important to understand how a shale shaker works. A typical unit consists of three primary components: the base (hopper), the screen basket, and the vibrator motor unit. Drilling fluid enters the system through the mud inlet line and is directed into the inlet tank, where it is evenly distributed onto the shaker screens mounted within the screen basket.

The vibrator motors generate high-frequency oscillations that drive the screen basket to move in a controlled pattern. These vibrations facilitate the separation process by conveying solid particles (such as drill cuttings) across the screen surface toward the discharge end. Meanwhile, the processed drilling fluid, also known as the underflow, passes through the screens and collects in the mud outlet located below the base. The separated cuttings exit the shaker along a designated cuttings discharge flow path.

The shaker’s separation efficiency and motion type—whether linear, elliptical, or circular—are determined by the shaker design and vibrator configuration.

2. 10 Different Types of Shale Shakers

Shale shakers can be categorized in several ways depending on their structural design, vibration characteristics, frequency range, and control systems—each affecting performance, adaptability, and maintenance needs in different drilling environments.

By Screen Deck Structure: Single vs. Double vs. Triple Deck

With the working principle in mind, the next key factor is the screen deck configuration, which directly affects separation performance and throughput. Based on the number and layout of screens, shale shakers are generally classified as single-deck, double-deck, or triple-deck models. Each configuration offers unique advantages in terms of efficiency, footprint, and adaptability to field conditions.

1) Single-Deck Shale Shaker

The single-deck shaker is the simplest design. It uses one screen layer and relies on linear or elliptical vibration to separate cuttings from drilling fluid. Known for its compact build, low cost, and easy maintenance, it’s ideal for basic jobs with low solids and smaller mud flow rates. Though it lacks the precision and speed of more advanced models, the single-deck shaker offers a budget-friendly, reliable solution for small to mid-sized rigs. Its ease of use and low upkeep make it a popular choice in operations where performance demands are modest.

2) Double-Deck Shale Shaker

The double-deck shaker features two stacked screens that allow for layered separation. Mud passes through the top coarse screen first, which removes larger particles. It then flows to the finer lower screen for deeper separation. This design boosts separation accuracy and helps recover more usable fluid. It also increases processing volume and reduces strain on downstream equipment, extending the life of the entire solids control system. Double-deck shakers work best in wells with mixed particle sizes and medium to high flow rates. While they cost more upfront and require a bit more upkeep than single-deck units, the performance boost and durability make them a smart investment for more demanding jobs.

3) Triple-Deck Shale Shaker

The triple-deck shaker is a high-end option designed for demanding solid-liquid separation tasks. With three screen layers, it creates a multi-stage filtration path. As drilling fluid flows through each screen, solids are removed in steps, greatly improving separation precision and overall efficiency.

This type of shaker works especially well in challenging conditions like high-temperature, high-pressure wells, shale gas projects, or deep drilling operations where fluid quality is critical. Some models can even replace desanders or desilters, simplifying the entire solids control setup. Though it’s larger, heavier, and more expensive than double-deck models, its high throughput, minimal fluid loss, and dry discharge make it a must-have for advanced drilling projects.

Quick Comparison:

Category Single-Deck Double-Deck Triple-Deck+ Decks 1 2 ≥3 Precision Low Medium High Capacity Low Medium to High High Footprint Small Medium Large Cost Low Medium Higher Best For Standard drilling, budget-sensitive projects Improved separation and fluid recovery Deep wells, harsh or complex conditions

By Vibration Mode: Linear vs. Elliptical vs. Balanced Elliptical vs. Dual Motion

The vibration mode of a shale shaker directly impacts how well it separates solids, how long the screen lasts, and how fast it drains the mud. Different motion patterns move solids across the screen in different ways. That’s why it’s important to consider the type of drilling fluid, the shape of solids, and your separation goals when picking a shaker.

4) Linear Motion Shale Shaker

Linear motion shakers are the most widely used type. They use two synchronized motors to create opposing forces, making solids move straight across the screen. This sharp, forward motion quickly pushes cuttings off the deck, boosting processing speed and capacity. They’re perfect for high-flow, high-sand drilling fluids and are often used in vertical or extended-reach wells. However, the intense vibration can wear out screens faster and cause blockages, so regular screen checks are a must. If your main goal is high throughput, a linear shaker is hard to beat.

5) Elliptical Motion Shale Shaker

Elliptical motion shakers use two motors running slightly out of sync to produce an elliptical vibration pattern. This gentler motion keeps cuttings on the screen longer, improving separation accuracy and reducing the chance of clogs. They perform well with thick muds or fluids packed with fine solids, especially in shale formations. The softer vibration also extends screen life. While not as fast at removing solids as linear shakers, their steady and reliable performance makes them a solid choice for complex wells.

6) Balanced Elliptical Motion Shale Shaker

Balanced elliptical shakers take elliptical motion to the next level. With improved structure and dynamic balancing, they deliver smoother and more efficient vibrations. These models combine the speed of linear shakers with the clog resistance of elliptical ones. They run quieter, shake less, and handle fast-paced operations well, especially when drilling conditions change often. Though they cost more to build and maintain, their versatility and stable performance make them a top pick for high-spec drilling projects that demand both power and precision.

7) Dual-Motion Shale Shaker

The dual-motion shaker is a premium, multi-functional model. It can freely switch between linear and elliptical vibration modes. Some advanced versions even allow real-time control of the motion pattern through a smart system, adapting to different drilling phases or changing well conditions. This flexibility means it can handle everything from high-flow, low-solids fluids to thick, sticky, or mixed-particle mud. In high-intensity projects that require fast response to formation changes or continuous operation, the dual-motion shaker shines.

Yes, it comes with a higher price tag and requires skilled operation. But its ability to fine-tune performance on the fly makes it a top pick for deep wells, shale gas sites, and horizontal drilling operations where adaptability is key.

Shale Shaker Vibration Mode Comparison

Category Linear Motion Elliptical Motion Balanced Elliptical Motion Dual / Dynamic Motion Motion Pattern Straight Line Elliptical Optimized Elliptical Adjustable Discharge Speed High Medium Medium-High Variable Anti-Clogging Low Strong Strong Variable Cost Low Medium Medium-High High Best For High-flow, easy muds Sticky or complex muds Projects needing speed + stability Multi-phase, changing conditions

By Frequency and Control System: Fixed vs. High-Frequency vs. Smart Control

Vibration frequency plays a key role in how well a shale shaker separates solids and handles fluid. Traditional models run at a fixed frequency, while newer, high-end shakers now offer variable speed and smart control systems. These upgrades help the equipment better adapt to different mud types and drilling stages, improving the overall efficiency of solids control.

8) Fixed Frequency Shaker

Fixed frequency shakers are the most classic design. They operate at a set frequency range and can’t adjust on the fly during drilling. This makes them simple, steady, and easy to operate. They’re commonly used in stable drilling environments where mud properties don’t change much.

With fewer electronics, they cost less to buy and maintain. That makes them ideal for low-budget operations or where flexibility isn’t a major concern. However, when well conditions change often or the mud makeup varies a lot, these shakers can struggle to keep up. Their separation performance tends to drop in more dynamic scenarios.

9) High-Frequency Shaker

High-frequency shakers boost the vibration speed and G-force to improve separation power. They’re designed to handle dense, sticky fluids packed with fine solids. These models shine when fast liquid recovery and low fluid loss are top priorities.

The strong vibration helps keep the screen clear and speeds up processing. But it can also wear out the screens faster and put more stress on the motor. That’s why they’re often used in high-demand jobs like shale gas drilling or ultra-deep wells. With high-frequency units, it’s important to balance performance with maintenance—shorter run cycles and regular checkups can help extend the machine’s lifespan.

10) Variable Frequency Shaker (VFD-Controlled Shaker)

The variable frequency shaker is one of the most advanced models on the market. It uses a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) that allows operators to adjust both the vibration frequency and amplitude in real time. By doing so, they can fine-tune the G-force to match different drilling conditions without swapping out hardware. This flexibility is ideal for multi-stage wells, complex well paths, or any project where mud properties change frequently. With just a few adjustments, the shaker can shift modes to suit new conditions, boosting both efficiency and responsiveness on site.

Most VFD shakers also come with smart control systems. These offer remote monitoring, warning alerts, and energy management, helping extend screen life and keep operations stable. While the upfront cost is higher, the flexibility and performance gains have made variable frequency shakers the go-to choice for high-end drilling jobs.

Frequency Control Comparison

Category Fixed Frequency High-Frequency Variable Frequency (VFD) Frequency Adjust No No Yes G-Force Range Fixed High (>6 G) Adjustable (3–8 G) Flexibility Low Medium High Equipment Cost Low Medium High Best For Standard, low-budget wells Dense or sticky mud drilling Multi-stage, deep wells, shale gas

3. Other Key Selection Factors & Maintenance Tips

Beyond deck structure, vibration mode, and frequency control, several finer details also impact a shale shaker’s real-world performance. These factors can influence everything from equipment lifespan to maintenance needs and overall project efficiency.

1) Screen Material & Structural Design

The shaker screen is both the most critical and most wear-prone part of any shale shaker. Thanks to advances in materials, composite screens are now widely favored over traditional steel- or plastic-framed ones. Made from layered stainless mesh and high-strength resin frames, these screens are lighter, more corrosion-resistant, and structurally stiffer, resulting in longer life and better performance.

Don’t Miss: 5 Main Types of Shale Shaker Screens for Oil and Gas Drilling

3D screen designs like pyramid screens are also gaining popularity. Compared to flat screens, they offer over 25% more effective screening area. This makes them ideal for fast-flowing, high-volume operations. Choosing the right screen not only improves separation but also cuts down on screen replacements and reduces maintenance costs.

2) Vibration Force & Deck Angle Adjustment

The G-force, or vibration strength, is a key metric for evaluating separation power. Different drilling conditions require different G values—usually somewhere between 3 and 8 G. Higher Gs help throw off fluids quickly and improve dry discharge, but they also wear out screens and shaker parts faster.

To meet changing field conditions, many modern shakers now feature variable frequency drives that let you adjust vibration strength and amplitude in real time. Some units also include adjustable deck angle systems—either hydraulic or pneumatic. These let operators tweak the screen tilt based on mud thickness and flow rate, improving how long the fluid stays on the screen and enhancing overall separation. These small adjustments can make a big difference in both shaker efficiency and equipment lifespan.

3) Quick-Change Screens & Modular Maintenance Design

Smooth, efficient maintenance is key to keeping drilling operations running nonstop. On older shaker models, changing a screen often meant stopping the machine and needing multiple crew members—costly, time-consuming, and riskier.

To solve this, many modern shakers now feature fast-swap designs like snap-lock tensioning or quick-mount rails. These upgrades allow a single operator to safely replace a screen in minutes, without shutting everything down.

Modular design is another growing trend. Instead of dismantling the entire unit, operators can easily swap out screen frames, motors, or dampening systems. This reduces downtime and keeps productivity high, even during maintenance.

4) Smart Control & Remote Monitoring Systems

As automation becomes more common in drilling, smart controls are now a standard feature on high-end shale shakers. Many units come with PLC touchscreen interfaces, VFD control panels, and built-in alarm systems. These let operators monitor and adjust vibration frequency, amplitude, current, voltage, and more—all in real time. Some advanced models even connect to site-wide SCADA systems, allowing centralized control of multiple shakers, remote maintenance alerts, and real-time energy tracking.

These intelligent features not only boost safety but also give teams better insight into shaker health. They make it easier to fine-tune performance, catch problems early, and avoid issues like screen breakage or motor overload, greatly improving the system’s long-term reliability.

Conclusion

Choosing the right shale shaker is not just a technical detail—it’s a strategic decision that directly impacts drilling efficiency, fluid recovery, and overall project cost. As we’ve explored, factors like deck configuration, vibration mode, frequency control, and smart features each play a critical role in shaker performance.

Before making a selection, take a holistic view of your drilling conditions. Consider mud flow rate, solid content, fluid properties, and whether your operation spans multiple well sections or complex environments. The more accurately your shaker matches the job’s demands, the better your results will be in terms of throughput, reliability, and long-term cost savings.

Shaker screen is used for shale shaker, as we all know, MI SWACO is a very professional manufacturer of soldis control equipments, so does the shale shaker. Offshore and land rigs running M-I SWACO* BEM-600,* BEM-650* and MONGOOSE* PT shale shakers,and Brandt^ VSM 300^ brand shakers. Mi-swaco manufacturer all types of shaker screens for these shakers. So does GN Solids Control.
DURAFLO* OEM screens for the M-I SWACO BEM-600, BEM-650 and MONGOOSE PT shale shakers and replacement screens for  Brandt VSM300 brand shakers offer higher throughput rates than metal screens as well as longer life, lower weight, and fast, easy repair. And GN Solids Control, as a professional manufacturer of soldis control system, just like Mi-Swaco, Brandt, can supply all kinds of replacement of shaker screens for miswaco derrick and brandt.

There are four different screen meshes miswaco and GN can offer, with the DURAFLO frame as a solid base.

XR MESH for unmatched screen life and exceptional capacity. Largerdiameter wire gives XR MESH screens the longest life in the industry today. Combining XR MESH screens with the DURAFLO composite frame technology allows for exceptionally high fluid-handling
capacity.
Continue reading “Mi Swaco Shaker Screen”

GN is a China Centrifugal pump top manufacturer,we supply centrifugal pump mainly used for Oil gas  drilling mud solids control system,HDD(Horizontal directional Drilling) mud recycling system.Our centrifugal pump can be used as desander desilter feeding pump,mixing pump,supercharging pump,trip pump.Learn more:China Sand Pump.

Both horizontal and vertical type centrifugal pump are available from GN Solids Control.

Following is some recommendations for USA and Japan Centrifugal pump manufacturers.

Want more information on Mongoose Shale Shaker Screen Replacement? Feel free to contact us.

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• NOV Mission Centrifugal Pumps American Manufacturer

Ceramic Filter Plate Knowledge

The National Oilwell Varco Mission centrifugal pump line has proven to be the best centrifugal design for handling abrasive mud. This pump line offers a broad selection of innovative features for a variety of routine, demanding, abrasive and corrosive applications. These pumps are designed for a wide range of flow rates, from a few gallons per minute to thousands of gallons per minute.

During the ’s the Mission® type “W” pumps were introduced to replace duplex pumps while creating the first low pressure mud system. The use of a high quality, concentric type centrifugal pump allowed abrasive fluids to be mixed and transferred while reducing initial and maintenance costs for the drilling industry. The low-pressure mud system with Mission Type “W” centrifugal pumps became the industry standard.

As well depths increased, so did the need for heavier mud weights. When the mud weight began exceeding 14 ppg, the need for a pump that could withstand greater horsepower loads arose. During the ’s, Mission organized a design

team that engineered the Mission Magnum. The Magnum was designed to have the same footprint, flange locations, and drive shaft diameter as the “W”. This allowed a to be replaced by a Magnum without any skid modifications. The Magnums were engineered with a 2 1/2″ shaft (3″ between the bearings), double row bearings with an engineered life of over 2 years at 200 HP, larger impellers and heavier frames. The Magnum allowed drilling contractors to upgrade their centrifugal pumps and mix heavier fluids.

National Oilwell Varco is dedicated to continual improvement of our product line and offering innovative solutions to service our customers for centrifugal pump.

Derrick Centrifugal pump-USA Manufactuer

• Open impeller design
• Grease lubrication
• SKF premium bearings
• Tungsten carbide mechanical seal

Derrick offers a complete line of centrifugal pumps to accommodate a full variety of drilling applications. Sizes range from 2 × 3 to 6 × 8. Bare pumps, horizontal packages, and overhead belt drive configurations are available. Explosion proof electric motors are available up to 200 HP, in , or RPM.

The Derrick Premium 250 pump series incorporates proven oilfield features including a heavy-duty 2-1/2” diameter shaft. Standard features include a replaceable casing wear pad, premium bearings and tungsten carbide mechanical seal. The Derrick Premium 250 pump parts are interchangeable with industry standard type pumps

Derrick’s large diameter shaft is designed with a replaceable shaft sleeve, allowing packing wear area replacement independent of the shaft. Minimal shaft deflection aids in packing or mechanical seal life. The Derrick Premium 250 replaceable casing wear pad allows worn area replacement without replacing the entire casing.

Premium bearings throughout include a double row ball-bearing inboard to accommodate large impellers. High thrust load, zero endplay angular contact bearings are utilized outboard. Grease type lubrication is standard and oil bath lubrication is also available.

Overhead belt drive packages are skidded, as shown, and include the Derrick Premium 250 pump, an explosion proof electric motor, belts and sheaves, and OSHA type belt guard. Starters are optional.

Horizontal packages are skidded, as shown, and include the Derrick Premium 250 pump, explosion proof electric motor, and coupling with OSHA type guard. Starters are optional.

Available on the website, Derrick offers a centrifugal pump-sizing calculator to assist in determining total dynamic head requirements, impeller sizing and proper line sizing. Please consult a Derrick representative for further information.

EBARA Centrifugal Pump(Japan Maufacturer)

EBARA Fluid Handling (EFH), an EBARA International Corporation, located in Rock Hill, SC is the US sales and service subsidiary of EBARA Corporation, Japan. EBARA Fluid Handling offers a full product line in both cast iron and stainless steel pumps.

EBARA Fluid Handling maintains inventory that allows it to assemble, test, and ship 1/2 to 60 HP cast iron submersible pumps in 5 to 14 working days, and as well, offer a 24-hour Quick Ship program on most stainless steel pumps and parts. EFH also serves as EBARA Corporation’s worldwide Custom Service Center to assist customers in replacement of parts or complete pumps and motors.

With horsepower ranges up to 800 HP and capacities to 100,000 GPM, EFH’s cast iron submersible pumps meet a wide range of industrial, municipal, flood control, and residential water and wastewater applications. The cast iron line of pumps includes submersible sewage, submersible sump, semi-vortex, vortex, grinder, non-clog, and dry pit models.

EFH offers a comprehensive line of corrosion resistant formed stainless steel pumps that include end suction centrifugal, multistage, and submersible sump, effluent, and sewage centrifugal pumps.

If you are interested in competitive price reliable centrifugal pump made in China,pls contact GN Solids Control.

Work over drilling rig mud system is also one kind of solids control system in drilling work. And GN Solids Control is professional at this kind of mud system. After 2 mud tank systems for workover drilling rig to Indonesia, and Drilling mud system and mud mixing system for Australia,  today Another 2 Sets XJ550 HP Petroleum Workover Drilling rig solids control mud system are finished within 40 days ready for delivery to Kazakhstan.

The workover rig mud system is usually contains shale shaker, decanter centrifuge, and mud tank. The desander and desilter is optional, it depends on the environment you faced.

As you may have noticed, we have send the work over rig mud system to two different place, Indonesia and Kazakhstan. South, North,and Middle of the earth, hot and cold. GN Solids Control can supply all the equipments customized, wherever you are, Indonesia or Kazakhstan, south or north of the earth,or you are in the coldest area or hottest area, you need, and GN do it, what’s more, do it perfect! Continue reading “Workover Rig Mud System”

Solid control system, also referring as mud system, is used to separate the solids or gas from the drilling mud. There are several centrifugal mud separators such as hydro-cyclone separators (desander and desilter) and decanter centrifuge, and mud gas separator, which separate drilling mud and gas.

Hydrocyclone Separator

Hydrocyclone separator is always referring as desander and desitler, used after shale shaker in the solids control system. Usually the cone diameter is more than 6″is called Desander, and used as the second-control equipment in drilling operation. the cone diameter is less than 6″is called Desilter, and used as the third-control equipment in drilling operation. We commonly used 5 “and 4” cone to separate solid-phase particle size 15-47μm in the drilling fluid.

Decanter Centrifuge

Decanter centrifuge are used to process unweighted and weighted, water-based and oil-based drilling fluids (muds). Mechanical energy is utilized to increase the gravitational force exerted on solids that are present in the mud system. Continue reading “Mud Separator in Solids Control System”

Once a client asked a very interesting question. If we add Solids control equipment system ( Shale shaker,mud cleaner & vacuum degaser ) to the centrifugal decanter separator what will be the advantages ,or we can utilize only the decanter?
Briefly answer this question: Drilling mud with drilling cutting is very complicated. So we need a system to deal with different solids.
The equipments before decanter is used to separate the solids bigger than 7μm，maybe you can only use decanter, but I should say it is a precision instrument, and it is tender. A system is needed to keep each equipment work in his own role, and prolong each one’s life.

The Separation Size of Every Phase of Solids Control Equipment:

Equipment Shale Shaker Desander Desilter Decanter
Centrifuge Separation Size >76 47-76 15-47 2-7

Continue reading “Why We Need Solids Control Sysetm or Only Decanter Centrifuge”

Mud agitator is one important part of mud system, since GN Solids Control supply solids control equipments to Jidong Oilfield, there are 16 mud sotorage tanks, and each tank is used with 2 mud tank agitators. As we have introduced the mud tank agitator, here comes a more interesting question: how to size mud agitator.
I have give some Purchase Tips:

Please contact GN Solids Control representative with your tank dimensions and maximum mud weights for the correct agitator model, horsepower, impeller (size, type and quantity), and shaft length to meet your requirements.

• Mud Tank Dimensions

Mud tank dimension is used to confirm the length of the shaft and the type of the impellers.

• Motors

Which brand do you prefer, do you need explosion prevent motors.

• Gear box

This is the key part of tank agitator. Inch-bound is always needed. How to matching with the motor, and which rotate ratio is you really need.(Usually 60 or 72r/min)
P.S. : Contact GN Solids Control to get more professional advice.

A few days ago, our engineer comes back from Jidong Oilfield, and take some pictures of solids control equipment used in Jidong Oilfield, which is one part of CNPC.

They are used for a lot of years, and it keeps working very well even now, they are famous brand, and very expensive, but they deserve that. And then, after cooperating with GN Solids Control for a few times, we found a trustworthy company in China, I think. One of a leader in Jidong Oilfield.

After a series of trial order, Jidong finally purchase mud system from us, 16 mud storage tanks, and mud agitators compared with, and jet mud agitators, and so on. If it works well, they would cooperate widely with us for more solids control systems.
And GN will always keeping the principle, Quality First! And in the near future, not only Jidong, more and more uers of solids control system clients will choose us. Feel free to click here to contact.

Once one of our customer asked us a series of questions, and I find these question may be very useful for all the solid bowl screw decanter centrifuge buyers. So we answered all of them and post here for reference of our customer.

Know more about our Decanter Centrifuge or Download the decanter centrifuge brochure.

1.What type of material is used in constructing the bowl, scroll, heads, etc.? is it 316 stainless, carbon steel?
The material is usually SS304, and you can choose what type of material, SS304, or 316, or others you required. Price will be different. Because we located in steel city: Tangshan Hebei.

2.What type of material is the skid, case bottom and case top, guards made of?

Usually the Skid is Carbon steel Q235, Case Bottom ,case top, guards are made of SS304.

3.What type of gear box is used on the unit?
The gear box is cycloidal pinwheel gear box.

4.How many inch pounds can the gear unit withstand?
.2 inch-pounds (196.5 N.M)

5.what is the maximum operating speed of the unit closest to the 14”x48”?
Our high speed decanter centrifuge have two models, GLW355xN, and GLW-V355XN, maximum speed is r/min. GLW-V355xN is variable  speed.

6.Do the units come with warranty? Continue reading “Solid bowl screw decanter centrifuge QA”

Are you interested in learning more about Brandt VSM 300 Primary Steel Screen? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!