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.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transportation and slurrying of cuttings from an oil well or drilling rig is taught comprising a vessel and a vertical shaft type centrifugal pump located below the vessel. Paddles or similar blades are mounted on the shaft to agitate the slurry during pumping. Means for recirculating part of the exiting slurry through a control valve and into the top of the vessel are included.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of, and apparatus for detecting and analyzing moving particles using an impact responsive transducer which generates a detection signal having an amplitude related to force of particle impact. The transducer output signal is monitored and when it exceeds a given threshold, any local maximum values are noted. Those values are compared to determine which has the overall maximum amplitude. A final signal is then generated in order to provide a representation of the maximum value, and hence the momentum and time occurrence of a particle impact.

Abstract: A vibratory filtering screen assembly comprises an upwardly inclined member (12) on which is mounted the main filtering screen (14). At the exit (16) of the main screen is a secondary screen module (20) comprising a plurality of transverse supports (22) of rectangular section on which is mounted a screen (24) held in position by a silicon beading (26). Surrounding the secondary screen is a perimeter border or dam (28) for containing the discharge which is passed on to the secondary screen. In operation slurry is fed onto the main screen (12) where vibration passes it to exit (16). Wet solids components of the slurry drop into the secondary screen (20) where the vibration continues to dry out the solid particles, waste liquid being diverted away by a plate (30).