Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a power isolation adapter which can enable the use of multiple power sources in a bottom hole assembly (BHA) by isolating the power sources on a tool bus while maintaining a communication bus across the BHA. Such power sources may be part of a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) module, such as a mud turbine generator, providing power as a DC signal. The power isolation adapter isolates the power sources by blocking DC signals, but maintains an AC communication bus across the BHA. The ability to use multiple power sources in a BHA thus allows for more complex BHA configurations that normally could not be powered using a single power source.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting leaks from a gas pipeline or storage system includes a light source configured to emit a beam with at least one spectral component capable of interacting with pipeline gas, a reflector configured to reflect a portion of the beam, an optical detector configured to detect the reflected beam, a signal processing module coupled to the output of the optical detector configured to analyze the detected beam and output a measured concentration value that characterizes the amount of target gas in the beam path, and a statistical processing module coupled to the signal processing module configured to store and analyze the measured concentration value. The statistical processing module is further configured to compute a value based on statistical information associated with the stored plurality of concentration values and compare the computed value to a first predetermined threshold, and transmit a first alarm signal if the computed value is greater than the first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for selecting at least one drill bit that includes characterizing an application; checking for at least one drill bit with an equivalent characterization in a data store; when the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization exists, selecting the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization; and when the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization does not exist, recommending at least one drill bit, making an analysis request, analyzing the at least one recommended drill bit based on the analysis request, generating analysis results, and selecting at least one drill bit based on the analysis results is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for drill pipe tallying includes detecting that a drill bit (14) has tripped in through a rig floor and monitoring movement of a drawworks (6) that supports the drill bit and a length of drill pipe. If a tag interrogating device does not detect a wireless tag (26) associated with a set of slips, the method includes counting the movement of the drawworks toward a drill pipe tally. If a tag interrogating device detects a wireless tag associated with a set of slips, the method includes not counting the movement of the drawworks toward the drill pipe tally. The tag interrogating device is positioned at a fixed location relative to the rig floor.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for sampling water in a borehole and a method thereof. The apparatus includes a water sampling cylinder to sample the water in the borehole; a first camera to monitor the water sampling cylinder and a sample discharging part provided in the borehole; a first motor to insert the water sampling cylinder into the sample discharging part; a vacuum vessel to receive a sample input from the water sampling cylinder; a waterproof member having a hole serving as a passage through which the water sampling cylinder moves back and forth; and a supporting member that urges the waterproof member closely to the sample discharging part to prevent foreign substances from being introduced into the borehole. The first motor includes a plurality of protrusions meshed with a plurality of grooves provided in the water sampling cylinder.

Abstract: The method and system for determining position with improved calibration allows a device to initiate activity at the proper location, such as navigating a drill bit through a rock formation. A position sensor having an oscillation element with a range of displacement in a set direction according to gravity generates a position data signal based on an amount of displacement in the set direction. A temperature sensor detects temperature and duration of the temperature. A plastic bias value is determined by a processor module based on the temperature data signal, the duration of the temperature, and the position data signal so as to account for bias and hysteresis errors. A position value is set according to the plastic bias value so that the position value is more accurate. The activity of the terminal device is initiated or maintained according to the position value calibrated by the plastic bias value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor tasks in a process system enterprise are disclosed. In one example, a method is disclosed that comprises analyzing, using a processor, tasks in an enterprise to determine a criticality of each task and an actionability of each task, ordering, using the processor, the tasks based on the criticality and the actionability of each of the tasks, and rendering, via a display, a first graphic representative of at least a portion of the ordered tasks.

Abstract: A system includes a transmitter for use in conjunction with a horizontal directional drilling system that transmits a multi-bit symbol stream that characterizes sensor symbols for receipt by an aboveground portable device. The portable device receives the symbol stream for aboveground recovery of the sensor signals. The transmitter can precisely place the symbol frequencies at least to avoid a noise environment, as well as to avoid powerline harmonics, and can utilize wave shaping for transmitted symbols at least to provide for transmission power control, spectral content control and wideband antenna matching. The receiver can measure the noise environment to identify the symbol frequencies used by the transmitter. The noise can be scanned at an incremental resolution across a wide frequency bandwidth for display or automatic symbol frequency selection.

Abstract: An example calibration method for a galvanic tool may include determining an internal coupling impedance between at least two electrodes of the galvanic tool, and inputting the determined internal coupling impedances into an equation used to evaluate the response of the tool. Voltage and current measurements may be generated from the galvanic tool using a calibration device. A leakage current value through at least one of the two electrodes may be determined based, at least in part, on the voltage and current measurements and the equation. The leakage current may be stored.

Abstract: Expandable reamers may include a housing and at least one blade supported by the housing. The at least one blade may be movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The at least one blade may be in the retracted position when a first actuation member is in a first longitudinal position and a second actuation member sleeve is affixed to the first actuation member. The at least one blade may be movable to the extended position when the first actuation member is in a second longitudinal position and the second actuation member is affixed to the first actuation member. The at least one blade may be in the retracted position when the first actuation member is in the second longitudinal position and the second actuation member obstructs an opening in a sidewall of the first actuation member.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing. The housing includes a concentrator and a plurality of signal acquisition devices. Each signal acquisition device is coupled to a respective sensor. Each sensor measures an environmental parameter outside the housing. Each signal acquisition device includes an acoustic transducer. Each signal acquisition device includes a controller to accept measurements from the respective sensor, process the measurements and format them into a transmittable form, and transmit the formatted measurements via the acoustic transducer. A concentrator includes an acoustic transducer to receive acoustic transmissions from the plurality of signal acquisition devices, a processor to process the received acoustic transmissions, and a telemetry device through which the processor can transmit the processed transmissions.

Abstract: A method of and a device for computer controlled determination of operational parameters of a computational model of borehole equipment for drilling a borehole in an earth formation are described. The borehole equipment has a rotational drive system, a drill string having a bottom hole assembly and a top end coupled to the rotational drive system, and a speed controller for controlling rotational drive speed of the drive system. The drive system is controlled such that a torque provided by the drive system while driving the drill string is varied over a time period. From the varying torque and rotational top end drive speed of the drill string an estimated torque-speed transfer function is obtained and matched with a torque-speed transfer function computed from the computational model of the borehole equipment. The operational parameters are determined from the matched estimated torque-speed transfer function and the computed torque-speed transfer function.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data from a MWD system at the BHA of a drill string may include transmitting the data in a MWD signal from the MWD system. The MWD signal may be modulated at a position closer to the surface onto a mud pulse modulated signal. The mud pulse modulated signal may be generated by a downhole friction reducing device. The downhole friction reducing device may include a mud motor. The mud motor may create pressure pulses based on its speed of rotation. The downhole friction reducing device may include a modulating valve. The modulating valve may be electromechanically or mechanically operated. The modulated signal may be detected at the surface by a receiver using one or more pressure or flow sensors. The receiver may use one or more harmonics of the modulated signal to receive the data.

Abstract: A method of regulating downhole pressure using managed pressure drilling may include calculating an elasticity of a drill string during a drilling operation using a torque and drag model included in a managed pressure drilling (MPD) control system and calculating a surge pressure and a swab pressure acting on the drill string during the drilling operation using a hydraulics model included in the MPD control system. The surge and swab pressures may be based on movement of the drill string and in accordance with the elasticity of the drill string. The method may further include determining a set point pressure using a real-time hydraulics model and the torque and drag model, and operating a MPD choke system based on the set point pressure to regulate a predetermined downhole pressure at a predetermined location in a wellbore.

Abstract: A method of detecting an edge of a geological characteristic in a borehole comprises, in respect of an image log of a length of a borehole, carrying out the steps of a gradient-based edge detection method, a phase congruence-based edge detection method or a combination of such methods as preliminary, pre-processing stages. Subsequent steps of the method may include operating a relatively computationally simple process to identify sinusoids among detected edge features; and a relatively computationally complex process for parameterizing the thus-identified sinusoids.

Abstract: A method enables communication with downhole tools during a “flow off” condition by energizing at least one sensor and a controller using a local power source only after flow of drilling fluid has been reduced below the threshold flow rate value. Thereafter, the method involves generating the at least one predetermined pattern into the wellbore, detecting the at least one predetermined pattern using the at least one sensor and the controller, and transmitting a signal using the controller in response to the detected at least one predetermined pattern.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fast recovery from serious differential interferences. An exemplary method includes the following steps: transmitting, by a transmitter to a transceiver, at a fixed data rate above 100 Mbps; receiving, by a receiver from the transceiver, an indication indicating that the transceiver is experiencing a serious interference; responsive to the indication, reducing the data rate at which the transmitter transmits; storing excess data that could not be sent during the period of the reduced data rate; and increasing, within less than 1 millisecond, the data rate at which the transmitter transmits to a level that enables it to transmit both the stored excess data and the ongoing data at the fixed data rate.

Abstract: A wireless modem for communication in a network of wireless modems via a communication channel includes a transceiver assembly, transceiver electronics and a power supply. The transceiver electronics include transmitter electronics, receiver electronics and at least one processing unit. The transmitter electronics cause the transceiver assembly to send wireless signals into the communication channel. The receiver electronics decode signals received by the transceiver assembly.

Abstract: A drilling procedure is operated such that a formation around the wellbore being drilled is fractured and then reservoir fluids from a hydrocarbon reservoir contained in the formation are flowed into the wellbore where the flow of the reservoir fluids is tested. Production predictions for the wellbore are processed from the measurements made on the flow of reservoir fluids and decisions regarding further drilling operations are made based upon the reservoir fluid measurements. By testing reservoir fluids prior to completing the wellbore, drilling operations such as, for example, continuing to drill the wellbore may be made without tripping the drillstring from the wellbore.

Abstract: Optically interacting electromagnetic radiation with a flowing atmospheric air composition and optically interacting the electromagnetic radiation with an integrated computational element (“ICE”), the ICE being configured to analyze for a contaminant in the flowing atmospheric air. A detector receives the electromagnetic radiation that has optically interacted with the flowing atmospheric air and the ICE and generates an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the contaminant in the flowing atmospheric air.

Abstract: A fluid pressure pulse generator comprises a stator having a body with a cylindrical bore and a fluid flow chamber comprising a lateral opening and an uphole axial inlet, and a rotor having a cylindrical body rotatably seated within the bore, a rotor head connected to the rotor body, and a fluid diverter comprising a fluid passage through the rotor body and a nozzle in the rotor head. A fluid passage has an opening on an outside surface of the rotor body and an outlet at an end of the rotor body. The nozzle has an inlet end communicable with a drilling fluid and an outlet end in fluid communication with the fluid opening. The flow area of the nozzle increases from the inlet to outlet end such that the velocity of the drilling fluid slows while from inlet to outlet end.

Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a bit body having a cutting section, a shank attached to the cutting section and a neck section and at least one sensor in contact with a surface of the shank and wherein the at least one sensor provides a signal in response to a bending moment.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a subsea blowout preventer is provided. The monitoring system includes a fiber optic cable (435) wrapped around preventer portions to be monitored such as rams, pistons, cylinders, housing, connector, to capture acoustic emissions from those portions during operation. The preventer is tested to determine a baseline or fingerprint of normal operation. The acoustic emissions captured during operation are compared with the baseline to detect potential anomalies that may indicate a problem.

Abstract: A fluid pressure pulse generator comprises a stator with a body and cylindrical bore and a generally cylindrical rotor having uphole and downhole ends with different diameters to form an annular fluid barrier at the intersection of the two ends. An annular gap is formed between the rotor uphole end and stator body. The stator body and rotor body collectively have a fluid flow chamber comprising a lateral opening and an uphole axial inlet, and a downhole axial outlet and fluid diverter comprising a lateral opening in fluid communication with the axial outlet. The annular fluid barrier is in fluid communication with the fluid flow chamber or the fluid diverter. The rotor can be rotated such that the fluid diverter is movable in and out of fluid communication with the fluid flow chamber to create fluid pressure pulses.

Abstract: A drilling system that may include a drilling element for drilling a hole in a geological formation; a sensor module arranged to collect information about the drilling; a transmitter that is arranged to receive the information from the sensor module, amplify the information by a super-capacitor amplifier to provide amplified information and to provide the amplified information to a first element and to a second element of an antenna, the first and second elements of the antenna are located at two opposite sides of a band gap; wherein the antenna is arranged to transmit the amplified information via the geological formation; wherein the super-capacitor amplifier comprises a plurality of switched capacitor converters, each switched capacitor converter comprises a plurality of converter stages, each converter stage comprises capacitors and switches that are arranged to perform a current amplification of an input signal; wherein each converter stage is arranged to operate with alternating charge cycles and discha

Abstract: A fluid pressure pulse generator comprises a stator having a body and cylindrical bore and a rotor having a cylindrical body and cap. The diameter of the cylindrical body is smaller than that of the stator central bore such that an annular gap is formed therebetween. The cap has a base with a diameter larger than that of the rotor body, forming a protruding lip that covers at least a portion of the annular gap. The stator body and rotor body collectively have at least one fluid flow chamber comprising a lateral opening and an uphole axial inlet, and a downhole axial outlet and at least one fluid diverter comprising a lateral opening in fluid communication with the axial outlet. The rotor can rotate within the stator such that the fluid diverter moves in and out of fluid communication with the fluid flow chamber to create fluid pressure pulses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inspection apparatus for use in wellbores in the oil and gas industries. In particular the invention relates in general to the field of transmission of data between downhole module in a wellbore and a controlling module at the surface. The invention provides a method and apparatus for determining analog filter parameters for an analog front end comprising a plurality of filter stages receiving signals from a telemetry module, by repeating the steps of; receiving a signal of a known frequency and processing said signal by determining the magnitude of the frequency of the received signal until a plurality of signals have been received and processed; calculating an optimum set of filter parameters in dependence upon the measured frequency magnitudes and a predefined set of filter stage frequency responses.

Abstract: An autonomous downhole power generation system includes a power generation device configured to be disposed in an annular space around a portion of a production tubing, wherein the power generation device is switchable between a power generation mode and a bypass mode. The system further includes a power storage device electrically coupled to the power generation device and configured to store power generated by the power generation device. The system also includes a control processor communicatively coupled to the power storage device and the power generation device, wherein the control processor receives a measure of power stored in the power storage device and switches the power generation device between the power generation mode and the bypass mode based on the measure of power or an preprogrammed operational protocol.

Abstract: A method for measuring viscosity in a borehole includes: pumping downhole fluid through at least one tube disposed in a carrier configured to be disposed in a borehole in an earth formation; taking at least one differential pressure measurement of the fluid in the at least one tube via a pressure transducer; and estimating a viscosity of the fluid based on the differential pressure measurement.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing sag in a section of a wellbore may utilize computational methods that produce sag profiles, which may be useful in performing further wellbore operations. The computational method may include inputs of at least one wellbore fluid property, at least one wellbore condition relating to a section of a wellbore, at least one operational parameter into a computational method, and any combination thereof. Further, the computational methods may include a mass balance analysis for individual elements of the meshed section of the wellbore.

Abstract: Various hoisting systems with heave compensation are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a hoisting system having a crown block and a drawworks. The drawworks includes a rotatable drum for reeling in and reeling out a hoisting line that is wound on the rotatable drum and reeved over the crown block. The hoisting system includes active heave control at the drawworks and a passive heave compensation system. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for improving a drilling speed by using drill string vibration comprises a downhole drill string vibration-reduction and supercharging device, and an ultra-high pressure bit device used for a downhole supercharger. Also disclosed is a method for improving a drilling speed by using drill string vibration. Related embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a production logging tool and method for evaluating fluid produced from a formation of an oilfield. The fluid is measured by a water sensor to determine if the fluid is water, and a chloride sensor to determine chloride levels of the fluid. Based on the chloride levels of the fluid, it can be determined whether the fluid is naturally occurring water, or if the fluid is an injection fluid.

Abstract: The inventions herein include a measuring transducer, having a first transmission channel which conditions an analogue measurement input signal in an analogue manner and makes it available as a conditioned measurement signal. In addition, the measuring transducer may have a second transmission channel which conditions the analogue measurement input signal and makes it available as an influencing signal, wherein the conditioned measurement signal and the influencing signal are combined and made available as a measurement output signal. In a further embodiment of the inventions herein, a measuring system has a temperature sensor and a measuring transducer according to the present innovations.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing electromagnetic (EM) measurement-while-drilling (MWD) telemetry capabilities using an existing mud-pulse MWD tool. An EM tool intercepts the output from the mud-pulse tool and generates an EM signal that mimics a mud-pulse pressure signal. The EM signal is intercepted at the surface by a receiver module that conditions the signal and inputs the signal into the existing pulse tool receiver. Since the EM signal mimics a mud-pulse signal, the pulse tool receiver does not require software or hardware modifications in order to process an EM telemetry mode. The EM tool can be adapted to also provide dual telemetry by incorporating a conventional pressure pulser that would normally be used with the pulse tool.

Abstract: Systems and methods for insulating the Y-points of three-phase electric motors commonly used in ESP systems, in which the Y-points are not grounded or tied to a reference voltage, and may consequently experience high voltages. One embodiment is an apparatus for insulating the Y-point of the motor using an electrically insulating enclosure. The enclosure has apertures that extend from a cavity therewithin the to the exterior of the enclosure. The cavity accommodates the Y-point of the motor. The conductors which are connected at the Y-point junction extend from the cavity to the coils of the three-phase motor, and possibly to an instrument package. Seals are formed at the apertures to provide an electrically insulating barrier between the Y-point and the exterior of the enclosure. The cavity may be filled with an insulating material such as potting compound or oil.

Abstract: A master control system with remote monitoring that can perform, monitor, and control operations of a portable rig with a pipe handler as the pipe handler installs tubulars into a drill string or breaks out tubulars from a drill string for a wellbore. The master control system can include a processing device communicatively coupled to a data storage. The processing device receives a communication associated with a component of a portable rig. The processing device determines a position of the component of the portable rig based on the received communication. The processing device further provides an executive dashboard that includes at least one drilling rig function associated with the component of the portable rig. The processing device also initiates the portable rig to perform the at least one drilling rig function associated with the component of the portable rig.

Abstract: Wind turbine consisting of an anchoring to the ground or to a base and a mast, the natural oscillation frequency of which is purposely adjusted to the frequency of appearance of the air vortices or eddies produced after the collision of a laminar and stationary airflow against the surface thereof. The aeroelastic energy thus absorbed is converted into electrical energy due to the use of materials with high electromechanical coupling.

Abstract: A method for rotary steerable drilling, comprising calculating a first plurality of convergence plans if an estimated position of a drill bit is not within a defined margin of error of a desired point along a planned path for a borehole, calculating a second plurality of convergence plans if the estimated position of the drill bit is not within the margin of error, selecting a convergence plan that best satisfies a set of target parameters from the first and second plurality of convergence plans, producing a set of control parameters representing the selected convergence plan, transmitting one or more commands to one or more rotary steering components to actuate the one or more rotary steering components, in order to alter the planned path for the borehole in accordance with the set of control parameters, and drilling at least a portion of the borehole based on the set of control parameters.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a tool body, stator, and rotor. The tool body is aligned along a tool centerline and includes an aperture therethrough operable to pass a fluid to an exterior of the body. The stator is fixed relative to the tool body and includes a fluid flow restriction operable to pass at least a portion of the fluid from an interior of the stator to the exterior of the body at an adjustable flow rate. The rotor is disposed within the tool body and rotatable relative to the stator and includes an exhaust port selectively aligned with at least one aperture through the tool body by rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. The exhaust port is operable to pass at least a portion of the fluid from an interior of the rotor to the exterior of the body when aligned with the aperture.

Abstract: An acoustic energy source that amplifies the stroke of electrically reactive elements having a body with an elastomer filled first cavity, a highly incompressible fluid filling a second cavity, and bores intersecting the second cavity that extend radially outward from second cavity. Quill assemblies in the bores each include an electrically reactive element and a tip projecting radially into the second cavity. A dynamic yoke having a lower portion projecting into the second cavity, and a pressure disk projects into the first cavity. A diaphragm on the body and on a side of the dynamic yoke opposite its lower portion. A fluid forms a film between the dynamic yoke, static yoke and quill tips. Applying alternating electricity reciprocates the tips into and out of the second cavity; reciprocates the dynamic yoke and diaphragm to generate the acoustic energy.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring a drilling fluid for the formation of gas hydrates. One system includes a borehole containing a drilling fluid being circulated therethrough, a first optical computing device arranged in the borehole and having at least one integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the drilling fluid and detect one or more gas hydrates present therein, and at least one detector arranged to receive optically interacted light generated from optical interaction between the at least one integrated computational element and the drilling fluid, the at least one detector being configured to generate a first output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the one or more gas hydrates.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of making a drill bit is disclosed that includes selecting a drill bit configuration, obtaining a stress map for the drill bit configuration relating to a drilling operation, performing a mechanical test with an actual drill bit having the selected configuration, and selecting a location on a surface of the drill bit for installing a sensor thereat based on a location of low stress from the stress map and results of the mechanical test, and placing a sensor at the selected location.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a system includes at least one microsensor configured to detect one or more conditions of a fluidic medium of a reservoir; and a receptacle, wherein the receptacle encapsulates the at least one microsensor. In another general embodiment, a method include injecting the encapsulated at least one microsensor as recited above into a fluidic medium of a reservoir; and detecting one or more conditions of the fluidic medium of the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the bending on a drill bit operating down hole in a well may comprise at least three pockets circumferentially spaced equidistantly around the drill collar of the drill string to which the drill bit is attached. Four strain gauges are equidistantly circumferentially spaced around each of the pockets so as to form first and second sets of strain gauges. The strain gauges in the first set are connected into one Wheatstone bridge while the gauges in the second set are connected in a second bridge. Each of the strain gauges that are oriented similarly within each of the pockets are connected in series within a single leg of a bridge so that the output voltage of the bridge is unaffected by bending in the drill string. The output of first bridge is used to determine the bending on the drill bit.

Abstract: A resistivity measuring tool used in a drillstring having a drill bit on a distal end for drilling a wellbore in a formation includes a tool body having a longitudinal axis, a sensor configured to measure the angular position of the tool body relative to the wellbore, at least one axial antenna including a wire winding for generating an axial magnetic moment parallel with the longitudinal axis, and at least one transverse antenna. The transverse antenna includes an antenna body disposed within a pocket extending radially inward from an outer surface of the tool body and one or more turns of wire wound around the antenna body, the wire winding generating a transverse magnetic moment orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for the real-time detection and measurement of sag within a deviated borehole. One method includes measuring a first pressure at a first time at a point within the borehole, predicting a characteristic of the drilling fluid at the point using a computer model, thereby obtaining a predicted characteristic, calculating the characteristic based on the first pressure, thereby obtaining a calculated characteristic, and determining whether sag has occurred based on a comparison between the calculated characteristic and the predicted characteristic.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for wireless power and/or data communications transmissions to a sensor subassembly above a mud motor in a bottom hole assembly are disclosed. Power and/or data are supplied by rotary modulator and power generation system positioned above the mud motor. Wires may connect to an annular coil. Power and/or communications are transmitted through the annular coil to an inductively coupled second, mandrel coil that is attached to the rotor. By leveraging resonantly tuned circuits and impedance matching techniques for the coils, power and/or data can be transmitted efficiently from one coil to the other despite relative movement and misalignment of the two coils.

Abstract: Improved equipment and methods for determining the waiting-on-cement time after a cementing operation involve an optic-fiber coil that immersed in the cement slurry downhole. The intensity of a reflected light signal from the coil is monitored versus time. Attenuation of the reflected-light intensity corresponds to the development of gel strength, allowing operators to unambiguously determine when well-bore operations may recommence after a cement job. The optic-fiber coil is wound around a spool such that there is at least one coil crossing on the spool.

Abstract: A method for operating a shale shaker to separate solids from a solids laden fluid, the shale shaker comprising a basket for holding at least one screen and a vibratory mechanism for vibrating the basket to an acceleration value, the method comprising the steps of monitoring the magnitude of the load of solids laden fluid in the basket and adjusting the acceleration value induced in the basket according to the magnitude of the load, wherein the acceleration is stepped down to a low acceleration value below a low load threshold.