Shale shaker design-vibrating system

The type of motion imparted to the shale shaker depends on the location, orientation, and number of vibrators used. In all cases, the correct direction of rotation must be verified.
Unbalanced elliptical motion shakers use a single vibrator mounted above the shale shaker’s center of gravity. Integral vibrators, enclosed vibrators, and belt-driven vibrators are used for this shale shaker design.
Circular motion shale shakers use a single vibrator mounted at the shale shaker’s center of gravity. Belt-driven vibrators and hydraulic-drive vibrators are used for this shale shaker design.
Most linear motion shakers use two vibrators rotating in opposite directions and mounted in parallel, but in such a manner that the direction and angle of motion is achieved. Integral vibrators, enclosed vibrators, belt-driven vibrators, and gear-driven vibrators are used for this shale shaker design.
Balanced elliptical motion shakers use two vibrators rotating in opposite directions but at a slight angle to each other so that they are not parallel. These vibrators must be oriented correctly to achieve the direction and angle of motion desired. The elliptical motion traces must all lean toward the discharge end and not backward toward the possum belly. If two vibrators of different masses are mounted in the same manner as the linear motion vibrators (i.e., parallel), a balanced elliptical motion is also achieved.
Various vibrating systems are used on shale shakers. These systems include:
1. Integral vibrator: The eccentrically weighted shaft is an integral part of the rotor assembly in that it is entirely enclosed within the electric motor housing.
2. Enclosed vibrator: This is a double-shafted electric motor that has eccentric weights attached to the shaft ends. These weights are enclosed by a housing cover attached to the electric motor case.
3. Belt-driven vibrator: The eccentrically weighted shaft is enclosed in a housing and a shaft is attached to one end. A sheaved electric motor is used to rotate the shaft with a belt drive. The electric motor may be mounted alongside, above, or behind the shaker, depending on the model. It may also be mounted on the shaker bed along with the vibrator assembly.
4. Dual-shafted, belt-driven vibrator: This system is similar to that of the belt-driven vibrator except that it has two vibrator shafts rotating in opposite directions and is driven by one electric motor with a drive belt.
5. Gear drive: A double-shafted electric motor drives a sealed gearbox, which in turn rotates two vibrator shafts in opposite directions.
6. Hydraulic drive: A hydraulic drive motor is attached directly to a vibrator shaft, which is enclosed in a housing. The hydraulic motor must have a hydraulic power unit that includes an electric motor and a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic-drive motor powers the vibrator shaft.