Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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VIBRATORY SEPARATOR AND SCREEN ASSEMBLY
The present invention relates to an apparatus
comprising a vibratory separator and a screen assembly.
The invention also relates to a vibratory separator and a
screen assembly for the apparatus. The invention also
relates to a method for removing a seal arranged in a
holder attached to or forming part of a screen for
screening solids laden drilling mud and to a tdethod for
removing a seal arranged against a screen in a vibratory
separator for screening solids from a solids laden
drilling mud.
In the drilling of a borehole in the construction of
an oil or gas well, a drill bit is arranged on the end of
a drill string and is rotated to bore the borehole. A
drilling fluid known as "drilling mud" is pumped through
the drill string to the drill bit to lubricate the drill
bit. The drilling mud is also used to carry the cuttings
produced by the drill bit and other solids to the surface
through an annulus fo=ed between the drill string and
the borehole. The drilling mud contains expensive
synthetic oil-based lubricants and it is normal therefore
to recover and re-use the used drilling mud, but this
requires the solids to be removed from the drilling mud.
This is achieved by processing the drilling fluid. The
first part of the process is to separate the solids from
the solids laden drilling mud. This is at least partly
achieved with a.vibratory separator, such as those shale
shakers disclosed in US 5,265,730, WO 96/33792 and WO
98/16328.
Shale shakers generally comprise an open bottomed
.basket having one open discharge end and a solid walled
feed end. A number of rectangular screens are arranged in
the basket, which are held in C-channel rails located on
the basket walls, such as those disclosed in GB-A-
2,176,424. The basket is arranged on springs above a
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receptor for receiving recovered drilling mud. A skip or
ditch is provided beneath the open discharge end of the
basket. A motor is fixed to the basket, which has a drive
rotor provided with an offset clump weight. in use, the
motor rotates the rotor and the offset clump weight,
which causes the basket and the screens fixed thereto to
shake. Solids laden mud is introduced at the feed end of
the basket on to the screens. The shaking motion induces
the solids to move along the screens towards the open
discharge end. Drilling mud passes through the screens.
The recovered drilling mud is received in the receptor
for further processing and the solids pass over the
discharge end of the basket into the ditch or skip.
The screens are generally of one of two types: hook-
strip; and pre-tensioned.
The hook-strip type of screen comprises several
rectangular layers of mesh in a sandwich, usually
comprising one or two layers of fine grade mesh and a
supporting mesh having larger mesh holes and heavier
= gauge wire. The layers of mesh are joined at each side
edge by a strip which is in the form of an elongate hook.
In use, the elongate hook is hooked on to a tensioning
device arranged along each side of a shale shaker. The
shale shaker further comprises a crowned set of
supporting members, which run along the length of the
basket of the shaker, over which the layers of mesh are
tensioned. An example of this type of screen is disclosed
in GB-A-1,526,663. The supporting mesh may be provided
with or replaced by a panel having apertures therein.
The pre-tensioned type of screen comprises several
rectangular layers of inesh, usually comprising one or two
layers of fine grade mesh and a supporting mesh having
larger mesh holes and heavier gauge wire. The layers of
mesh are pre-tensioned on a rigid support comprising a
rectangular angle iron frame and adhered thereto. The
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screen is then inserted into C-channel rails arranged in
a basket of a shale shaker. An example of this type of
screen is disclosed in GB-A-1,578,948.
A further example of a known rigid support is
disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 01/76719, which
discloses, amongst other things, a flat panel like
portion having apertures therein and wing portions which
are folded to form a support structure, which may be made
from a single sheet of material. This rigid support has
been assigned the Trade Mark "UNIBODY" by the applicants.
The layers of mash in the screens wears out
frequently and therefore needs to be easily replaceable.
Shale shakera are generally in the order of Sft wide and
lOft long. A screen of dimensions 4ft wide by lOft long
is difficult to handle, replace and transport. It is
known to use two, three, four or more sereens in a single
shale shaker. A standard size of screen currently used is
of the order of 4ft by 3ft.
It has been found that, in use, solids pass between
adjacent screens and around the ends of screens. This is
unsatisfactory, as cpntamination of the recovored
drilling mud could cause damage to other processing
equipment and daatage to the oil or gas well and well
tools and equipment.
An attempt at solving this problem is disclosed in
GB-A-2,206,501, which discloses a tongue and groove
interface bet*reen adjacent frames of screens.
PCT Publication Number WO 01/97947 discloses in
Figures 1 to 5H improvements in a tongue and groove
interface by the addition of a sealing member and in two
embodiments, by the addition of two sealing members.
PCT Publication Number WO 01/97947 also discloses a
"UNIBODY" rigid support structure disclosed in WO
01/76719, having a lip on one end and a lap on the other,
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such that, in use, the lap of a first rigid support
structure fits under the lip of a second rigid support
structure. Either of the lip or lap or both may be
provided with a seal member.
In certain circumstances, such as when drilling
through porous rock formations, it is desirable to turn
porous rock formations surrounding the borehole non-
porous. This is achieved by circulating Lost Circulation
Material through the drill pipe and back through the
annulus formed by the drill string and the borehole. Lost
Circulation Material generally comprises a fibrous
material. When recovering used drilling mud, it is
desirable to separate the fibrous Lost Circulation
bdatarial from the drilling sud.
The present invention attempts to provide a seal
which will prevent solids from passing between adjacent
screens and passing between the end of a screen and a
fitting in the shale shaker into which it cooperates in
use.
The present invention also attempts to provide a
seal, which inhibits solids falling into the receiver
where drilling mud is recovered during replacement of the
screen.
The present invention also attempts to retain
rigidity in the screen at its interface with another
screen or the end fitting arranged in the basket of the
shale shaker.
The present invention also provides a seal which is
replaceable to reduce down time of the shale shaker, if
the seal fails during use. Further, a seal which is
easily replaceable during reconditioning of the screen or
shale shaker. In many prior art apparatuses these seals
are accessed by removing the screen assemblies. This can
be a relatively long and expensive procedure and can
require unnecessary handling of a screen assembly that
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can result in damage to an otherwise acceptable screen
assembly which has some useful life remaining. Such a
procedure also requires that the apparatus be shut down
while the screen assemblies are removed. The seal is
changed, and the screen assemblies reinstalled.
Another problem is accessing the seal to inspect a
seal in a relatively short time.
According to the present invention, there is
provided an apparatus coa-prising a vibratory separator
and a screen assembly, the apparatus further comprising a
seal arranged in a holder, the seal for sealing between
the vibratory separator and the screen assembly
characterised in that said seal coassprises a pull
apparatus for facilitating removal of said seal from said
holder.
For example, the pull apparatus may comprise a ring
connected to one or both ends of the seal suitable for a
operator to pull or slide the seal out of the holder.
Preferably, the seal is alidably removable from the
holder. Advantageously, the holder compri,es a channel in
which the seal is located. Preferably, the seal holder is
generally C-shaped in cross-section. Advantageously, the
holder has a projection and the seal has a recess therein
for receiving the projection. Preferably, the holder
extends substantially the entire width of the screen
assembly. Advantageously, he seal extends substantially
the entire width of the screen assembly. Preferably, the
seal and the holder are substantially the same length.
Advantageously, the vibratory separator comprises a hatch
through which the seal can be accessed. A movable, for
example a bolted, hinged, removable or openable door or
cover selectively closes off the access opening. By
opening the door, removing the door, or moving the door
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access is provided to the seal and to the seal holding
structure permitting the seal to be removed and inspected
and, if needed, replaced. For multi-tiered separators and
shakers with screen assemblies at different levels,
multiple access openings are provided for accessing
multiple seals. Preferably, a spacer member within the
seal holder between an inner surface of the seal holder
and an outer surface of the seal member, wherein the
spacer member is made of cushion material.
Advantageously, the seal comprises a base and at
least one lip. The lip is preferably flexible for floxing
upon contact with another member to facilitate sealing of
an interface between the screen assembly and the another
member. Preferably, the seal comprises a further lip and
most preferably, spaced apart and connected to the main
body of the seal. Advantageously, the seal has a void or
hollow therein.
Preferably, the holder has an outer surface and the
seal has a portion for sealingly contacting the outer
surface.
Advantageously, the holder is formed from a single
piece of material, folded, extruded or cast into a shape.
Preferably, the holder is arranged on or forms part
of the vibratory separator.
Advantageosuly, the holder is arranged on or form
part of the screen assembly.
The present invention also provides, in or for use
in the apparatus of the invention, a screen assembly
characterised in that the screen assembly further
comprises a seal for sealing between said screen assembly
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and an adjacent screen assembly, and a holder for
removably holding said seal characterised in that said
seal comprises a pull apparatus for facilitating removal
of said seal from said holder.
Preferably, the holder is integral with the screen
assembly. Advantageously, the screen assembly is formed
from folded sheet material and the holder is formed from
folded sheet material. Preferably, the holder comprises a
channel in which the seal is located. Advantageously, the
holder has a projection projecting into a cavity in which
a seal is held. Preferably, the holder extends
substantially the entire width of the screen assembly.
Advantageously, the holder is formed from a single piece
of material, folded, extruded or cast into a shape.
Preferably, the screen assembly further comprises a seal
for sealing between the screen assembly and an adjacent
screen assembly. Advantageously, the seal is slidably
removable from the holder. Preferably, the saal extends
substantially the entire width of the screen assembly.
Preferably, the seal comprises a base and at least one
lip. Advantageously, the seal comprises a further lip.
Preferably, the seal has a void or hollow therein.
Advantageously, the holder has an outer surface and the
seal has a portion for sealingly contacting the outer
surface.
The present invention also provides In or for use in
the apparatus of the present invention, a seal comprising
a base and at least one lip. Preferably, this part of the
seal member is flexible to enhance the sealing effect.
The seals in accordance with the present invention
are removably installable in holders.
Preferably, the seal further comprises a further
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lip. Advantageously, the seal further comprises a pull
apparatus for facilitating removal of the seal from the
holder. Preferably, the aeal has a void or hollow
therein. Advantageously, the seal comprises a recess or
indentations for receiving a projecting part of a holder.
Preferably, the seal is made of material able to
withstand the drilling fluid material.
The present invention also relates to a method for
removing a seal arranged in a holder attached to or
forming part of a screen for screening solids laden
drilling mud, the method comprising the steps of pulling
on pull apparatus attached to the seal to remove the seal
from the holder.
The present invention also relates to a method for
removing a seal arranged against a screen in a vibratory
separator for screening solids from a solids laden
drilling mud, the method comprising steps of opening a
hatch in said vibratory separator to access a pulling
apparatus and pulling on the pulling apparatus to remove
the seal.
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The present invention also provides a shale shaker
or vibratory separator with access hatches for accessing
and inspecting seals at the interface between the
vibratory separator and the screen assembly and between
adjacent or abutting screen assemblies.
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For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference will now be made, by way of example, to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a side view of a basket for a vibratory
separator or shale shaker in accordance with the present
invention, with hidden parts shown in dashed line;
Figure 2 is an enlargement of a seal and seal
holding structure of the vibratory separator or shale
shaker shown in Figure 1, with a screen assembly therein;
Figure 3 is a top view of the screen assembly, the
seal and the seal holder of the vibratory separator or
shaker as shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4A is a perspective view, Figure 4B is an end
view (of both ends), Figure 4C is a top view, Figure 4D a
bottom view, Figure 4E a front view, and Figure 4F an
rear view of the seal in accordance with the present
invention shown in Figure 2;
Figures 4G and 4H are side cross-section views of
other seals in accordance with the present invention in
seal holders in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 41 is a bottom view of a seal in accordance
with the present invention;
Figures 5 to 8 are side cross-section views of seals
and seal holders in accordance with the present
invention;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of a shale shaker in
accordance with the present invention.
Figure 10A is a top view of a screen assembly in
accordance with the present invention; Figure lOB is a
front view and Figure lOC is a rear view of the screen
assembly of Figure 10A; Figure 10D is a side cross-
section view of two screen assemblies as in Figure 10A in
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a shale shaker; Figure 10E is a cross-section view of a
seal and seal holder of the screen assembly of Figure
10A;
Figure 11A is a side view in cross-section of screen
assemblies in accordance with the present invehtion;
Figure 11B is a side cross-section view of the screen
assemblies of Figure 11A.
Figures 1 to 3 show a vibratory separator or shale
shaker 10 (henceforth referred to as shaker 10) which has
a basket 12 for holding a plurality of screen assemblies
20, 21, and 22. The basket 12 has spring mounts 14 and
side walls 16 (one shown) with ends 17 and 18
interconnecting the two spaced-apart side walls. The
screen assemblies 20 and 21 each have an ends 20a and
21a, respectively, which abuts a seal member mounted
within the basket 12. As shown in detail in Figure 2 the
end 20a of the screen assembly 20 sealingly contacts a
seal member 30 in accordance with the present invention
which is removably held within a seal holder 22a in
accordance with the present invention.
Adjacent each seal holder is a removable cover 24
which is secured (e.g. with bolts, not shown) over
corresponding openings 24a through the side wall 16 of
the basket 12. A dotted line 24b indicates the location
of this opening in Figure 2. Upon removal of the cover
24, the seal member 30 can be grasped and removed from
the seal holder 22a. If necessary, a new seal member 30
can be installed in the seal holder 30 and the cover 24
replaced. It is within the scope of this invention to
use doors hingedly connected over the openings 24. Seals
or gasket may be used on the covers or doors to seal
their interface with the basket wall. Alternatively the
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cover 24 is movably secured over the opening 24b (e.g.
with a bolt or rod on which it can rotate) and is moved
aside to access a seal member.
The seal holder 22a is secured to a support 26 which
is connected to a structural member 27a within the shaker
10. The structural member 27a is itself connected to
another structural member 27b which rests on a base 28 of
the shaker 10.
The seal member 30 as shown in Figures 4A to 4F has
at least one recess 32 (two shown in Figure 4A) into
which projects a projecting part 29 of the seal holder
22a. The seal holder 22a has at least one (two shown in
Figure 2) projecting part 29. The seal member 30 has a
body 35 from which projects a part 34. Two lips or arms
33 project from the part 34. Initially an obtuse angle
is defined between the lips 33. The lips 33 are flexible
so that upon contacting an end of a screen assembly they
are movable resulting in an increased amount of the
surface of the lips 33 contacting the end of the screen
assembly, e.g. to move to a position as shown in Figure
2. This flexibility enhances the sealing contact of the
lips 33 against the end of the screen assembly. The seal
member 30 (as is the case for any seal or seal member of
Figures 5 to 9 and any disclosed herein) may be made of
any suitable known seal material, including, but not
limited to neoprene, nitrile rubber, plastic, fiberglass,
metal, wood, or composite material. In one particular
aspect the seal member 30 is made of urethane, is about
2.5cm (1 inch) in height, about 4cm (1.5 inches) in
width, about 75cm (29.5 inches) long and has a hardness
of 95 durometer. In certain aspects such a seal has a
hardness of 70 durometer. Such a seal member is suitable
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for use in a shale shaker which is used to treat drilling
fluid material from an earth wellbore. In one aspect,
the lips 33 are deleted. As shown, the recesses 32
extend along the entire length of the seal member 30.
This permits the seal member 30 to be installed from the
side in a seal holder. In one aspect, e. g. as shown in
Figure 2, the body 35 of the seal member 30 fills
substantially all of he interior space of the seal holder
22a (as may be the case with any seal in accordance with
the present invention). As shown in Figure 41 the seal
member 30 may, optionally, (as may any seal or seal
member in accordance with the present invention) have a
pulling apparatus 36 on one or both ends to facilitate
removal from a seal holder. Although the pulling
apparatus 36 is shown as a ring with an open center, the
open center may be deleted or any suitable structure such
as, but not limited to a tab or cylinder, may be used to
facilitate movement of a seal or seal member.
Figure 4G shows a seal holder 40 in accordance with
the present invention which has a lower part 41a, an
upright part 41b, and a top part 41c projecting
downwardly. A seal 42 has a body 43 releasably and
removably disposed in an interior space of the seal
holder 40. Optionally, the body 43 is hollow as shown
(or it may be solid). A lip 44 is connected to or formed
integrally of a projecting part 45. The projecting part
46 is connected to or formed integrally of the body 43.
The seal holder 40 can be used in a vibratory separator
or shale shaker as the seal holder 22a, Figure 2, is
used. Preferably the shape of the interior space of the
seal holder 40 and of the body 43 of the seal 42 are
substantially the same. The lip 44 is optional.
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Preferably the seal 42 is flexible to enhance its sealing
effect against the end of a screen assembly. The top
part 41c of the seal holder 40 projects into a recess 46
formed between the lip 44 and the body 43 of the seal 42.
This assists in maintaining the seal 42 in a desired
position with respect to the end of a screen assembly.
Figure 4H shows a seal holder 47 in accordance with
the present invention which has a lower part 47a, an
upright part 47b, and an inclined part 47c projecting
upwardly. A seal 48 has a body 48a releasably and
removably disposed in an interior area of the seal holder
47. Optionally, the body 48a is hollow as shown (or it
may be solid). A lip 49 is connected to or formed
integrally of a projecting part 48b. The projecting part
48b is connected to or formed integrally of the body 48a.
The seal holder 47 can be used in a vibratory separator
or shale shaker as the seal holder 22a, Figure 2, is
used. Preferably the shape of the interior space of the
seal holder 47 and of the major portion of the body 48a
of the seal 47 are substantially the same. The lip 49 is
optional. Preferably the seal 82 is flexible to enhance
its sealing effect against the end of a screen assembly.
The inclined part 47c of the seal holder 47 projects into
a recess 48c formed between a lower part 48d of the lip
49 and the body 48a of the seal 48. This assists in
maintaining the seal 48 in a desired position with
respect to the end of a screen assembly. In one aspect
the lip 49 is flexible with respect to the projecting
part 48b and can move backwardly (to the left in Figure
4H) to accommodate a screen assembly end and/or to
enhance sealing contact therewith.
The screen assembly 20 as shown has a tongue-end 21,
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a frame 23, and screening material 25. It is within the
scope of this invention for the screen assembly 20 (as is
the case for the screen assemblies in Figures 5 to 9 and
any screen assembly disclosed herein) to be any known
screen assembly that abuts an end, side, or surface of a
vibratory separator or shaker; and for the screening
material to be any known screening material of one or
more layers, with or without support, with or without
layers connected together, which are generally flat or
undulating.
Figure 5 shows a seal 50 removably mounted in a seal
holder 51 with a screen assembly 52 (shown schematically)
having an end 53 sealingly contacting the seal 50. The
seal 50 has a lip 54 that abuts an exterior surface 55 of
the seal holder 51. The seal holder 51 is positioned,
e.g., as is the seal holder 22a, Figure 2. The screen
assembly 52 has screening material 56. The seal 50 is of
a length substantially equal to or slightly larger than a
length of the end 53. The seal holder 51 is secured to,
connected to, or formed integrally of a side wall 57 of a
basket or other screen supporting structure of a
separator or shaker.
Figure 6 shows a seal 60 removably mounted to a seal
holder 61 with a screen assembly 62 (shown schematically)
having an end 63 sealingly contacting the seal 60. The
seal 60 has a recesses 64 that receive portions 65 of the
seal holder 61. The seal holder 61 is positioned, e.g.,
as is the seal holder 22a, Figure 2. The screen assembly
62 has screening material 66. The seal 60 is of a length
substantially equal to or slightly larger than a length
of the end 63. The seal holder 61 is secured to,
connected to, or formed integrally of a side wall 67 of a
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basket or other screen supporting structure of a
separator or shaker. Optionally, the seal 60 has a void
space 68 which enhances seal/screen assembly contact and,
also optionally, a corrugated surface 60a for contacting
the screen end 63. Optionally a member 69 may be
permanently or removably positioned within the seal
holder 61 to serve as a space maintainer, shock absorber,
cushion, and/or seal and may be made of any suitable
plastic, metal, composite, fiberglass, alloy or seal
material.
Figure 7 shows a seal 70 removably mounted in a seal
holder 71 with a screen assembly 72 (shown schematically)
having an end 73 sealingly contacting the seal 70. The
seal 70 has a lip 74 that abuts a surface 75 of a seal
holder 79. The seal holder 79 is removably or
permanently positioned within a seal holder 71 which is
positioned, e.g., as is the seal holder 22a, Figure 2.
The screen assembly 72 has screening material 76. The
seal 70 is of a length substantially equal to or slightly
larger than a length of the end 73. The seal holder 71
is secured to, connected to, or formed integrally of a
side wall 77 of a basket or other screen supporting
structure of a separator or shaker. The seal holder 79
may be made of any material mentioned above for the
member 69. Optionally the seal holder 79 may have a
corrugated outer surface 79a to facilitate its movement
within the seal holder 71. A recess 79b receives a lip
74 of the seal 70. A wall 75 connects the lip 74 to an
outer part 78 of the seal 70. Optionally, the seal 70
has an inner void space 70a.
Figure 8 shows a seal 80 removably mounted in a seal
holder 81 with a screen assembly 82 (shown schematically)
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having an end 83 sealingly contacting the seal 80. The
seal 80 has a lip 84 that abuts an exterior surface 85 of
the seal holder 81. The seal holder 81 is positioned,
e.g., as is the seal holder 22a, Figure 2. The screen
assembly 82 has screening material 86. The seal 80 is of
a length substantially equal to or slightly larger than a
length of the end 83. The seal holder 81 is secured to,
connected to, or formed integrally of a side wall 87 of a
basket or other screen supporting structure of a
separator or shaker. A recess 81b receives a lip 88 of
the seal 80. A wall 89 connects the lip 81b to an outer
part 81c of the seal 80. A rigid member 80d extends
throughout the length of the seal 80 to provide strength
and rigidity. Any seal or seal member in accordance with
the present invention may have a rigid member like the
rigid member 80d of a cross-sectional shape similar to or
different than that of the rigid member 80d (e.g., oval,
circular, square).
The seal holders of Figures 5 to 8 have a length
corresponding to the length of the seals mounted therein
or thereto (e.g. slightly shorter, slightly larger or
similar to that of the seal holder 22a)
Figure 9 shows a shale shaker 90 in accordance with
the present invention with screens B (with screen or
screening cloth or mesh as desired) mounted on the
vibratable screen mounting apparatus or basket C. The
screens B may be any screen disclosed or referred to
herein or have any combination of any feature or features
of any screen or screen part disclosed herein. The
basket C is mounted on springs I (only two shown; two as
shown are on the opposite side) which are supported from
a frame D. The basket C is vibrated by a motor E and
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interconnected vibrating apparatus F which is mounted on
the basket C for vibrating the basket and the screens.
Elevator apparatus G provides for raising and lowering of
the basked end.
An access cover V is removably secured with bolts T
over an opening through a wall W of the basket C for
providing access to seal structure (not shown, like any
discussed above) which seals a screen/basket interface
within the basket C.
Figures 10A to 10C show a screen assembly 100 in
accordance with the present invention which has a support
102 for screen material. The support 102 has a plurality
of different openings 105a, 105b, 105c therethrough, but
it is to be understood that the support 102 may be any
known support or frame or part thereof used to support
screen material in a screen assembly. The pattern and
size of the openings in the support 102 are disclosed in
U.S. Patent No. 6,601,709. The support 102 has an end
shoulder 102a.
A seal holder 104 removably holds a seal 110. The
seal holder 104 is formed of or connected to an end 106 of
the screen assembly 100. An end 108, spaced-apart from
the end 106, has a shoulder 109. The seal holder 104 has
a part 107 that projects into a recess 112 of the seal
110.
The seal 110 has a body 114 with an optional hollow
center that extends along the entire length of the seal
110. The seal 110 is, in certain aspects, substantially
as long as the end 106 of the screen assembly 100 and, in
one particular aspect is as long as the seal member 30,
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Figure 4A, and may be made of any of the materials used
for the seal member 30 and of a similar hardness.
The seal member 110 has two lips 116 and 118. Part
of the exterior of the body 114 and a lower surface of
the lip 118 define the recess 112. In certain aspects
the seal 110 is made of flexible seal material so that
the body 114 is flexible to facilitate insertion of the
body 114 into a recess 109 of the seal holder 104 and so
that the lip 116 can flex to a position shown by the
dotted line in Figure 10E when the seal 110 abuts part of
a shaker or separator, or an end or shoulder of an
adjacent screen assembly (like the shoulders 108 shown in
Figure 10D) to facilitate sealing of the interface
between two adjacent screen assemblies.
Figure 10D shows two screen assemblies 100a, 100b
(like the screen assembly 100) in abutting relationship
to a shale shaker basket 101. A seal 110a of the screen
assembly 100a seals a basket/screen-assembly interface
where the screen assembly 100a has an end adjacent a
shoulder lOla of the shale shaker basket 101. A seal
110b of the screen assembly 100b seals a screen-assembly-
100a/screen-assembly-100b interface. The screen assembly
100a has a shoulder 109a and the screen assembly 100b has
a shoulder 109b, both like the shoulder 102a of the
screen assembly 100.
Figures 11A and 11B show screen assemblies 120, 121.
It is to be understood that screen assembly 121, shown
partially, has an end (not shown) like the end that is
shown of the screen assembly 120; and the screen assembly
120 has an end (not shown) like the end that is shown of
the screen assembly 121. A seal holder 122 formed of or
connected to a body 123 of the screen assembly 120
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releasably holds a seal 124 in a recess 125 of the seal
holder 122. Optionally the seal 124 has a hollow center.
The seal 124 may have dimensions like the seal 110 or the
seal member 30 described above and may be made of the
material used for them.
The seal 124 has a flexible projection 126 which can
flex as shown in Figure 11B when contacted by an end 127
of the screen assembly 121, thus sealing the interface
between the two screen assemblies.
Any of the seals in Figures 10E and 11A may have a
pull apparatus like that of the seal member 30.
The present invention, therefore, provides, in at
least certain embodiments, a support apparatus for
supporting at least one screen assembly of a vibratory
separator, the vibratory separator having seal apparatus
for sealing an interface between a portion of the at
least one screen assembly and an interior surface of the
support apparatus, the seal apparatus including a seal
member removably held by a seal holder within the
vibratory separator, the support apparatus having
container apparatus (e.g., but not limited to, a basket
of a shale shaker) having a side wall, the side wall
having an opening therethrough adjacent an end of the
seal apparatus, and a cover movably connected to the side
wall on an exterior surface thereof, the cover movable to
provide access to the seal apparatus.
The present invention, therefore, provides, in at
least certain embodiments, a seal (seal structure or seal
member) for sealing an interface between a screen
assembly and a vibratory separator in which the screen
assembly is mounted, the seal having a body, at least one
recess in the body, and the at least one recess sized,
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configured and positioned for releasable receipt therein
of part of a seal holder of the vibratory separator. Such
a seal may have one or some, in any possible combination,
of the following: a projecting portion of the seal
projecting from the body and adjacent the at least one
recess, the projecting portion for sealingly contacting
the screen assembly; and/or wherein the projecting
portion includes a main arm projecting from the body, and
one lip or two spaced-apart lips projecting from the main
arm; wherein the two spaced-apart lips are at a right
angle or at an obtuse angle to each other.
An advantage with the apparatus of the present
invention is that the seal access systems permit the
efficient inspection of seals and, if needed,
replacement; and the screen assemblies need not be
removed and then reinstalled to inspect and/or replace
such seals.
