Abstract: Techniques described herein relate to a method for identifying downhole conditions during a drilling operation using a vibratory separator. The method includes calibrating a sensor system attached to the vibratory separator by periodically measuring the G-force acting on the vibratory separator functioning under steady-state operating parameters. The method also includes determining the relationship between the G-force acting on the vibratory separator and the flow rate and rate of penetration (ROP) for the drilling operation by measuring the G-force acting on the vibratory separator functioning under different non-steady-state operating parameters.

Abstract: A lost circulation system and a method for reducing losses of drilling fluid in a lost circulation zone of a wellbore. The lost circulation system includes a sheet of lost circulation fabric and particles of a second lost circulation material. The sheet of lost circulation fabric is a material whose structure and composition limit a flow of fluids, particularly drilling fluid, through the sheet. The sheet of lost circulation material has a maximum thickness of 1 millimeter, a length of one foot to one thousand feet, and a width of one inch to twenty inches. The sheet of the lost circulation fabric has holes extending through the sheet.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide: an algae water concentration system that efficiently concentrates algae water in a culture pond into algae water containing algae having a desired size, with a simple structure and at low cost; and a method for operating the same.

Abstract: Deionizing fluid filter devices and methods of use are described herein. An example filter device comprises a plurality stacked panels that comprise filter structures. The filter structures comprise filter features that filter a fluid. The fluid is processed by the filter device such that filtered fluid is output as well as a concentrate of particulate matter extracted from the fluid.

Abstract: A method for separating solids from a drill cuttings and drilling mud mixture feed in a shale shaker includes providing a shale shaker (1) having a basket (4) including a stack of at least two screen decks (8,8a, 8b), wherein the screening surfaces (9,9a, 9b) of the decks are spaced apart and superposed one above the other. A fluid retaining wall (5) and the feed receiving end (12a, 12b) of the screening surface of the lowest screen deck define a pond region (15). In use of the method a drill cuttings and drilling mud mixture feed (18) forms a pond of solids and liquid in the pond region that immerses a portion of the screening surface at the feed receiving end of each of the two screen decks. Apparatus for use in the method is also described.

Abstract: A screening apparatus (10) comprising a frame, a motor assembly (16) for vibrating the frame, at least one screen (20, 30) mounted on the frame for separating materials by size and at least one feed device (35A, 35B, 35C, 35D) provided for delivering a liquid onto said at least one screen (20, 30), said at least one feed device (35A, 35B, 35C, 35D) being adapted to deliver said liquid onto the at least one screen (20, 30) to define a laminar flow of liquid and entrained or suspended solid material over the at least one screen (20, 30).

Abstract: There is provided a focus ring capable of preventing a part of a heat transfer sheet from adhering to and remaining on a mounting table. The focus ring is arranged to surround a periphery of a substrate mounted on the mounting table having a temperature control device. Further, the focus ring includes a flexible heat transfer sheet. Furthermore, the focus ring is in contact with the mounting table via the heat transfer sheet, and the heat transfer sheet has a contact surface in contact with the mounting table and an anti-adhesion layer formed on the contact surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of sodium bentonite as a fluid bed that supports the grit and debris resulting from sawing. The invention also relates to the use of vibrating tables for separating the debris resulting from bentonite sawing. The invention describes a special centrifuge for concentrating the bentonite and recovering same. The invention includes an improvement to the supply of the inclined-plate settlers. The invention describes a centrifugal bentonite concentrator with no moving parts. The method can be used to reduce current sawing costs by up to about 70% and to achieve forward movements up to six times greater than usual.

Abstract: A scalping insert includes a scalping surface having a plurality of scalping slots therethrough, and a vertical base portion. A shaker screen assembly includes a screen frame having at least one slot, and at least one scalping insert disposed in the at least one slot of the screen frame. A method of processing fluid includes providing a flow of fluid to a shaker screen assembly; and flowing the fluid through a scalping surface and a screen surface of a single shaker screen deck.

Abstract: A filter vial and piston are provided where the vial has a cylindrical wall with a closed bottom and open top and with the hollow, tubular piston therein. The piston has a position stop located and configured to abut a mating position stop on the vial to limit relative movement of the piston and vial. The position stops are located to stop the distal end of the piston away from the bottom of the vial a distance of about 10-30% the height of the vial. That a material to be dissolved in a liquid in the vial and to remove unwanted molecules from the liquid with the piston forcing the liquid through the filter but not squeezing the slurry of material so as to force it into the filter.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fluid distribution apparatus. The fluid distribution apparatus has a housing including an inlet configured to receive a drilling material, a first outlet configured to direct a first portion of the drilling material onto a first separatory surface, and a second outlet configured to direct a second portion of the drilling material onto a second separatory surface. The fluid distribution apparatus further includes a screen disposed within the housing and configured to separate solids from the second portion of the drilling material directed through the second outlet onto the second separatory surface.

Abstract: The apparatus and method provide for the removal of well fluids from well cuttings and a method of disposal thereof. A vibratory separator mechanically shakes the well fluids from the cuttings into a first compartment and the well cuttings fall into a second compartment. Once the well cuttings are dried, cement kiln dust (CKD) is added to neutralize any remaining well fluids on the well cuttings. The neutralized well cuttings are applied to the roadbed of a gravel or dirt road.

Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a tank adapted to hold a fluid, a photoresist filter adapted to receive the fluid and allow the fluid to flow through the filter, and a vibrator that is operatively coupled to the photoresist filter and adapted to vibrate the photoresist filter as the fluid flows through the photoresist filter. A method disclosed herein includes forcing a fluid through a photoresist filter and actuating a vibrator so as to vibrate the photoresist filter while the fluid is flowing through the photoresist filter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for qualifying a filter used to filter fluid used in a coating operation associated with photolithography or other semiconductor manufacturing processes, provides a semiconductor manufacturing tool that includes a filter and an acoustic wave generator. The filter may be housed inside a filter housing and the acoustic wave generator may produce ultrasonic, megasonic or other acoustic energy. The acoustic wave generator contacts or is in close proximity with the filter housing and provides acoustic wave energy to the filter through the housing. The acoustic wave energy causes any bubbles in the filter to become disengaged.

Abstract: A screen panel assembly includes a screen panel and one or more raised screen components, wherein at least one of the raised screen components is disposed on the screen panel. Furthermore, each of the one or more raised screen components includes at least one inclined screen surface that defines a first plane that is oriented at a first angle relative to said screen panel. Additionally, the first plane is substantially aligned with a second plane that is oriented at a second angle relative to a third plane that is perpendicular to a displacement vector along which the screen panel assembly is accelerated by a vibratory separation device.

Abstract: A system for dewatering a stream of slurry has a first and a second separator. The first separator removes objects above a first size, to produce a stream of primary treated slurry. The second separator removes objects above a second size from the primary treated stream, the second size being smaller than the first size. Optionally, a third separator removes objects above a yet smaller third size from the stream of secondary treated slurry. The first separator has a plurality of sieve mat supports alternately connected to a main support frame section and a movable support frame section so that the flexible sieve mat can be agitated by the movable support frame section, a collector being provided for collecting the primary treated slurry passing through the flexible sieve mat. In an optional step, water contained in the separated solids is removed.

Abstract: A vibrating centrifuge having a separation screen that is rotated and vibrated to separate a material, typically slurry (e.g. coal slurry). The separation screen is vibrated by a vibrator, such as an unbalanced motor. One or more constraint members, preferably leaf springs, are provided that restrict vibration generated by the vibrator to a single degree of freedom that is parallel to the drive shaft axis. The vibrating centrifuge has a biasing member in the form of a compression spring to tune the vibration frequency. Optionally a tuning mass can also be used to tune the vibration frequency.

Abstract: A screen media element having at least one apertured section. The apertured section has a first surface intended to receive and carry material to be screened, a second surface opposite the first surface, apertures extending from the first surface to the second surface and a circumferential surface connecting the first and second surfaces. The apertured section is surrounded by an outer frame along the circumferential surface, characterized in that the apertured section is made from ceramic material and that the outer frame is made of elastomeric material. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a screen media element, and a screen comprising such screen media elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drilling fluid reclaimer. The reclaimer has at least one adjustable screen assembly for providing a leveling filter for reclaimed drill fluid. Used drill fluid is placed at the screen assembly at the front the of the screen assembly. The at least one screen is vibrated to separate large particulate matter from liquid drilling fluid. A second screen is provided for additional filtering. Large particulate matter is expelled by a chute at the back of the screen assembly. Drilling fluid passing through the screen is “reclaimed” for use with a drilling system.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids from solids laden drilling fluid, the apparatus comprising a skid and a basket resiliently suspended thereto and a vibratory mechanism to vibrate the basket, the basket having at least one screen deck for receiving at least one screen, the basket having a feed end at which solids laden drilling fluid is introduced and a discharge end at which solids are discharged through a solids discharge opening, the apparatus further comprising a hood encompassing at least a discharge end of the basket and at least one extraction outlet arranged at the discharge end to remove fume laden air from the basket.

Abstract: A system and method include a shaker configured to separate solids from a drilling fluid, the shaker having a screen assembly, and an actuated arm operatively coupled to the shaker, the actuated arm configured to interact with the screen assembly of the shaker. The actuated arm is configured to interact with the screen assembly of the shaker, with the actuated arm configured to remove, to inspect, to clean, to repair, or to replace the screen assembly of the shaker.

Abstract: A system for processing returned drilling fluid including a flow line configured to provide a return flow of drilling fluids and at least one vibratory separator having at least one screen, wherein the vibratory separator is fluidly connected to the flow low and is configured to receive at least a partial flow of fluids and separate the flow of fluids into a primarily fluid phase and a primarily solids phase. The system further includes a dual-trough configured to receive the primarily solid phase from the at least one vibratory separator and a slurry tank configured to receive the solids phase from the trough. Additionally, a method of processing a return drilling fluid including dividing the return drilling fluid into a primarily fluids phase and a primarily solids phase with a primary separatory operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to membrane bioreactor (“MBR”) system that includes a mechanical membrane reciprocation system to reduce or eliminate membrane fouling. The disclosed MBR system can be operated with higher flux and lower fouling than MBR systems using air scouring. Furthermore the system can remove nitrogen and phosphorous with one RAS and one or no internal recirculation line. The membrane can be reciprocated by a low RPM motor connected to a pulley via belt to rotate rotor to convert rotational motion into reciprocating motion of membrane. Various mechanical means can also be employed to create the reciprocating motion.

Abstract: A dewatering system is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a debris tank configured to receive a slurry through an inlet and a dewatering filter installed in the debris tank. In addition, the system includes a bar screen forming a curvilinear surface of the dewatering filter, where the bar screen is configured to prevent sediment from passing through and into an interior space of the dewatering filter. A first end of the dewatering filter is in communication with a discharge port to remove filtered liquid from an interior of the debris tank, and a vibratory device is configured to shake the dewatering filter to remove sediment from an exterior surface of the dewatering filter.

Abstract: A filter for removing at least some impurities (e.g. foreign matter of any nature including a solid, a liquid or a gas) from water or wastewater. A vibrator operably associated with at least a portion of the filter for imparting a vibrational force to enhance any one or more of numerous aspects of the filtration process including: (i) installation of the filter and/or various components thereof; (ii) servicing of the filter and/or components thereof; and, (iii) operation of the filter during a filtration cycle and a cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A three-stage separator system for separating the solids and liquids from a slurry includes a first stage having an inclined housing defining a liquid channel. A slot sieve is disposed over an open surface of the channel. A mechanical vibrator assembly imparts mechanical vibration to a vibration zone of the slot sieve. A slurry delivery apparatus delivers the slurry to the slot sieve. A second stage includes an inclined conveyer positioned to convey partially-separated solids and includes a drive mechanism driven at a speed to cause the partially-separated solids to tumble as they are transported up the conveyor. A third stage includes a press positioned to accept partially-separated solids passing out of the tunnel press restrictor.

Abstract: A filter for removing at least some impurities (e.g. foreign matter of any nature including a solid, a liquid or a gas) from water or wastewater. A vibrator operably associated with at least a portion of the filter for imparting a vibrational force to enhance any one or more of numerous aspects of the filtration process including: (i) installation of the filter and/or various components thereof; (ii) servicing of the filter and/or components thereof; and, (iii) operation of the filter during a filtration cycle and a cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A system for separating components from a slurry of drilling fluid and drill cuttings on a shaker screen having an upper side and a lower side within a shaker. The system also has a pressure differential generator to pull an effective volume of air through a section of the shaker screen to enhance the flow of drilling fluid through the section of the shaker screen and the separation of drilling fluid from drill cuttings and further maintain an effective flow of drill cuttings off the shaker. A method of separating components of a slurry of drilling fluids and solids has the steps of delivering the slurry to a shaker, flowing the slurry over a first screen and applying an effective amount of vacuum to a first portion of the first screen to remove the drilling fluids from the slurry without stalling the solids on the first screen.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for mechanical axial vibration in membrane separation treatment processes. The apparatus includes a separation membrane element having an axial dimension, a membrane support structure having the element therein, and means for vibrating the membrane element (hydrodynamically or using motors) in the axial dimension.

Abstract: A filter device and a method for the filtration of beer, where, for an improved and simplified filtration, the filter includes a nonfiltrate chamber having a nonfiltrate inlet and a nonfiltrate outlet, wherein the nonfiltrate flows into the nonfiltrate chamber substantially tangentially to the walls thereof, and the bottom of the nonfiltrate chamber is constructed at least partially as a filter. The filter also includes a filtrate chamber underneath the bottom, and a filtrate outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids from solids laden drilling fluid is provided. The apparatus includes a shale shaker and a screen assembly. The shale shaker includes a base and a basket isolated from the base, a flow tray arranged in the basket for directing screened drilling fluid. The screen assembly includes at least one layer of screening material, a screen support having a perimeter with at least one support point within the perimeter, wherein the flow tray includes at least one raised portion to support the screen assembly. In some versions the shale shaker has a basket having side supports and at least one intermediate support arranged between the side supports. The screen assembly includes a screen support supporting at least one layer of screening material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating fluids from drill cuttings, specifically, shakers that incorporate modifications including vacuum systems and/or partitions and methods of operating such shakers to affect a high degree of fluid separation. The systems and methods are effective across a variety of screen sizes, vacuum flows and vacuum designs. The systems are also particularly effective in assisting in the separation of gases from drilling fluids.

Abstract: The device according to the invention serves for classifying or concentrating liquids laden with fibers or solids by means of screening or filtration. For this purpose, a cylindrical fine screen is arranged in a vertical position in a housing comprising an axially cylindrical vibrator being somewhat smaller than the fine screen so as to produce an annular gap between the screen and the vibrator. In the vibrator, there is a vibration motor with imbalances, which generates circular horizontal oscillations. The liquid to be treated is introduced into the annular gap, primarily from above, and the concentrated liquid is removed at the bottom. The cleaned liquid is discharged between the screen and the wall of the housing. The feature of the invention is that the vibrator is mounted on at least three rubber elements which primarily allow the vibrator to perform a circular horizontal movement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for qualifying a filter used to filter fluid used in a coating operation associated with photolithography or other semiconductor manufacturing processes, provides a semiconductor manufacturing tool that includes a filter and an acoustic wave generator. The filter may be housed inside a filter housing and the acoustic wave generator may produce ultrasonic, megasonic or other acoustic energy. The acoustic wave generator contacts or is in close proximity with the filter housing and provides acoustic wave energy to the filter through the housing. The acoustic wave energy causes any bubbles in the filter to become disengaged.

Abstract: A fine particle separator includes a channel having an inlet; a chamber; a filter that is in communication with the channel and the chamber; and a piezoelectric element that vibrates the filter. The piezoelectric element may be provided on the channel forming member, and may vibrate the filter via the channel forming member. The channel may include an outlet. With the piezoelectric element directly or indirectly vibrating the filter, particles or a solid phase can be suppressed from adhering to the filter, and from closing the through holes of the filter. As a result, clogging can be reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the continuous treatment of the flow of a mixture containing liquids and solids. A pump provides the mixture to tube that includes a woven material. The liquid is filtered from the mixture, leaving a solids-enriched mixture in the tube. The tube may be flexed during the process, freeing solids trapped in the tube to flow through the center of the tube. A valve may be provided to the tube to generate a back-pressure in the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating drilling fluid from drill cuttings using pressurized air and/or a vacuum. In a first embodiment, the apparatus provides for improved separation of drilling fluid from drill cuttings on a shaker, the shaker including a shaker screen, an air vacuum system and a drilling fluid collection system. In a second embodiment, the shaker includes a shaker screen and an air blowing system.

Abstract: A filter for removing at least some impurities (e.g. foreign matter of any nature including a solid, a liquid or a gas) from water or wastewater. A vibrator operably associated with at least a portion of the filter for imparting a vibrational force to enhance any one or more of numerous aspects of the filtration process including: (i) installation of the filter and/or various components thereof; (ii) servicing of the filter and/or components thereof; and, (iii) operation of the filter during a filtration cycle and a cleaning cycle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for easy installation and removal of a screen assembly for vibratory machinery and more particularly to shake table screening. The screen assembly comprises a screen frame, a screen cloth and a screen bed, whereby no clamping components are visible on top of the screen. Each assembly section can be controlled independently and clamping force is controlled by a pneumatic regulator located near an air line connection on the side of a shaker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the easy installation or removal of screen elements from a shaker table without the use of tools. Pneumatic cylinders are used to move hold down bars up and down to either allow for screen elements to be installed or removed from the screen bed section assembly, or to clamp them into the screen bed section assembly of a shaker so that the screen elements will not move during shaker operations.

Abstract: A filter includes a crucible, a filtering container, and a receiving tank. The crucible has a heater for heating a pre-filtered object to comprise a primary material in liquid and at least one other material in solid. The filtering container has a body, a sieve, and a press rod. The body connects with the crucible for receiving the heated pre-filtered object in a channel and provides a guide-out member; the sieve is disposed in said channel; and the press rod movably received in the channel for pressing the primary material of the pre-filtered object to flow through the sieve and to the guide-out member. The receiving tank has an entrance facing the guide-out member of the filtering container to receive the filtered primary material.

Abstract: An improved shaker screen filter for a well fluid shale shaker includes a main frame arranged for being arranged in the well fluid shale shaker for screening, preferably under vibration, of drilling mud, wherein the mainframe is subdivided into a plurality of smaller cell frames, one or more cell plug filters with one or more layers of screen cloths on top of at least one support cloth or support layer, wherein each of the cell plug filter includes a cell plug filter frame arranged to be held in each of the cell corresponding frames of the main frame, wherein at least one of the cell plug filter frame includes a locking mechanism arranged for locking the cell plug filter frame, upon desire, in a preferred position in the cell frame, correspondingly releasing the cell plug filter frame from the cell frame.

Abstract: A lift type pore-controllable fiber filter includes a filter tank, a strainer coaxially formed as a porous tub in the filter tank, extending to an outside of the filter tank at a bottom thereof to communicate with a treated water drain pipe, and having a piston guide recessed in an axial direction at an upper portion thereof, a lifting driver including a cylinder and a piston, an upper filter material fixing plate having fixing means, fixed to the piston above the strainer, and working in collaboration with reciprocation of the piston, a lower filter material fixing plate having fixing means and fixed below the strainer, and at least one fiber filter material fixed to the fixing means of the upper and lower filter material fixing plates at upper and lower ends thereof respectively, and forming filtering pore layers on an outer circumference of the strainer.

Abstract: A fuel filter for an internal combustion engine is provided comprising a fuel conduit configured to transport fuel from a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine. A fuel filter manifold has an inlet and an outlet for fluid communication with the fuel conduit. A fuel filter housing is associated with the fuel filter manifold and is configured to receive fuel from and dispense fuel to the fuel filter manifold. A filter element is disposed within the fuel filter housing between the inlet and the outlet and is configured to filter fuel passing through the fuel filter housing. An electromagnetic transducer is associated with the fuel filter and is configured to emit high frequency waves operable on the fuel to reduce, via ultrasonic cavitation, wax crystals suspended in the fuel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibratory screening apparatus (1) for use in removing solids from a liquid feed, and a basket (4) therefore. The apparatus comprises a static outer housing (2), and a floating basket vibratable by a vibrator device (10). The basket mounts a stack (7) of screen assemblies (8) provided with respective flow directing trays (9) for receiving filtrates from the screen assemblies. A flow distributor (15) divides the feed into at least first and a second feed streams and directs them onto respective screen assemblies, and receives from the flow directing trays, filtrates from respective screen assemblies.

Abstract: A filter device and a method for the filtration of beer, where, for an improved and simplified filtration, the filter includes a nonfiltrate chamber having a nonfiltrate inlet and a nonfiltrate outlet, wherein the nonfiltrate flows into the nonfiltrate chamber substantially tangentially to the walls thereof, and the bottom of the nonfiltrate chamber is constructed at least partially as a filter. The filter also includes a filtrate chamber underneath the bottom, and a filtrate outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for mechanical axial vibration in membrane separation treatment processes. The apparatus includes a separation membrane element having an axial dimension, a membrane support structure having the element therein, and means for vibrating the membrane element (hydrodynamically or using motors) in the axial dimension.

Abstract: A retention device for use with a filter apparatus having a main frame and an intermediate frame member, and a plurality of parallel filter elements in a filter zone being spaced one from another at a selected distance and forming a filter screen known as a harp screen, is disclosed. The filter screen is mounted to the main frame. The retention device includes a clamp disposed at an intermediate portion of the filter elements for clamping at least a clamped portion of the filter elements to the intermediate frame member, with the arrangement being such that a neutral region is provided adjacent or within the clamped portion of the filter elements, the neutral region being such that the filter elements may be manipulated within that region, and their relative spacing varied, within that region, without affecting spacing between filter elements outside the neutral region.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating dry matter from liquid includes an enclosed separation environment capable of being pressure regulated. Within the enclosed separation environment, a suspension is brought into contact with at least one filter so as to accumulate dry matter on the at least one filter. The filter with the dry matter passes through at least one set of rollers such that liquid is removed from the dry matter on the at least one filter to form a substantially dry filter cake. Thereafter, the substantially dry filter cake is removed from the at least one filter. The above steps are performed in the enclosed separation environment either under vacuum or overpressure. The invention may be used in various fields such as the food industry.

Abstract: A method of forming a shaker screen includes forming a frame, and attaching a first sealing element to at least one side of an outer perimeter of the frame, wherein the attaching comprises aligning a first mating surface of the frame to a second mating surface of the first sealing element, and wherein the first mating surface of the frame includes an extension, and the second mating surface of the first sealing element includes a groove configured to align with the extension. A system of sealing shaker screens includes a first screen and a second screen disposed adjacent the first screen, wherein a first sealing element of a first frame and a portion of the second screen interact to provide a seal between the first screen and the second screen.