CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of US Patent Application No. 62/868,448, filed June 28, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[002] Generally, vibratory shakers may be used to separate solid materials from drilling fluids. The drilling fluids may then be reused and the solid materials (“cuttings”) discarded. As drilling proceeds, the material volume (solid and liquid) needing to be treated grows. During the drilling process, the solid materials can change as different layers of stratum are experienced as the drill bit penetrates successive stratum layers.

[003] One problematic situation encountered by operators is the separation of materials in a slurry. Slurry mixtures are not prone to being separated efficiently. During processing of slurry mixtures, clumping may occur that may hinder the separation of the solid phase from the liquid phase. Currently, conventional apparatus may have difficulty with clumping under certain circumstances. There is a need to provide an apparatus and method of operating the apparatus to prevent clumping and promote efficient vibratory screening of slurry mixtures that enter a vibratory shaker used in hydrocarbon recovery operations.

[004] There is also a need to provide an apparatus that will allow for agitation of materials that are in a slurry mixture such that screening, drying, and cleaning of separated materials may be achieved on a cost-efficient basis.

SUMMARY

[005] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized below, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the drawings. It is to be noted that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments without specific recitation. Accordingly, the following summary provides just a few aspects of the description and should not be used to limit the described embodiments to a single concept.

[006] In one embodiment, an apparatus for agitating a slurry mixture in a vibratory shaker is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise a bar blank with a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one protrusion extending away from the top surface of the bar blank. The at least one protrusion may be configured to agitate the slurry mixture as the slurry mixture passes around the at least one protrusion.

[007] In another embodiment, a screen for processing a slurry mixture in a vibratory shaker is disclosed. The screen may comprise a frame having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first side connecting the leading edge and the trailing edge, and a second side opposite the first side and connecting the leading edge and the trailing edge. The screen may also comprise a wire mesh connected to the frame. The screen may also comprise at least one protrusion positioned on a top side of the frame and configured to agitate the slurry mixture.

[008] In another embodiment, a method of processing a slurry is disclosed. The method may comprise feeding the slurry from a downhole environment to a vibratory shaker. The method may also comprise passing the slurry over bar blank with at least one protrusion. The method may further comprise agitating the slurry with the at least one protrusion positioned on the bar blank. The method may also comprise separating the slurry into a constituent solid fraction and a liquid fraction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[010] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an agitator incorporating a bar blank and protrusions coupled to a screen, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[011] FIG. 2 is a front view of the agitator of FIG. 1.

[012] FIG. 3 is a plan view of an agitator incorporating a bar blank and protrusions coupled to a screen, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[013] FIG. 4 is a front view of the agitator of FIG. 3.

[014] FIG. 5 is a plan view of screen including an agitator, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[015] FIG. 6 is a front view of the screen of FIG. 5.

[016] FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting a method for processing a slurry in a vibratory shaker, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an agitator including a plurality of protrusions, wherein adjacent protrusions form a U shape.

[018] FIG. 9 is a side view of the agitator of FIG. 8.

[019] FIG. 10 is a front view of the agitator of FIG. 8.

[020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an agitator including a plurality of protrusions, wherein adjacent protrusions form a V shape. [021] FIG. 12 is a side view the agitator of FIG. 1 1.

[022] FIG. 13 is a front view of the agitator of FIG. 11.

[023] FIG. 14 is a top view of an agitator with flow proceeding through the agitator, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure.

[024] FIG. 15 is a side view of a set of screen decks connected by agitators, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure.

[025] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a screen with an agitator at a screen leading edge and vacuum system.

[026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a screen with an agitator at a screen trailing edge and vacuum system, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure.

[027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a screen including an agitator positioned on a top surface of the screen, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure.

[028] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an agitator, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure.

[029] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a screen including an agitator positioned on a top surface of the screen, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure.

[030] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures (“FIGS”). It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [031] In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the disclosure. Furthermore, although embodiments of the disclosure may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and/or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the disclosure. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the claims except where explicitly recited in a claim. Likewise, reference to“the disclosure” shall not be construed as a generalization of inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element or limitation of the claims except where explicitly recited in a claim.

[032] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as“first”,“second” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[033] When an element or layer is referred to as being“on,”“engaged to,”“connected to,” or“coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, coupled to the other element or layer, or interleaving elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being“directly on,”“directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or“directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no interleaving elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion. As used herein, the term “and\or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms. [034] Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures. Like elements in the various figures will be referenced with like numbers for consistency. In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of various embodiments and/or features. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the art, that some embodiments may be practiced without many of these details, and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible. As used herein, the terms “above” and “below”, “up” and “down”, “upper” and “lower”, “upwardly” and“downwardly”, and other like terms indicating relative positions above or below a given point are used in this description to more clearly describe certain embodiments.

[035] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an agitator 100 is illustrated. The agitator 100 is coupled to a screen 132. The agitator 100 allows for agitating a slurry of drilling fluids and solids developed from drilling in a downhole environment. Drilling fluid is pumped from a mud pit to a downhole environment by mud pumps. The drilling fluid travels through a drill string to eventually exit near or at the drill bit at the base of the drill string. The cuttings developed by the rotary motion of the drill bit are lifted or“removed” from the downhole environment by the drilling fluid that flushes the cuttings to the surface through an annulus in the wellbore. In the illustrated embodiment, the agitator 100 is a stand alone component, separate from the screen 132. In other embodiments described below, agitation may occur from an agitator being integral with the screen 132.

[036] As drilling fluids can be expensive, it is desired to re-use the drilling fluids such that the drilling process may continually progress without creation of new drilling fluid. The drilling fluids traveling from the downhole environment, however, have cuttings that are transported from the downhole environment. Screening technology is used to remove the cuttings from the drilling fluid. Screening technology, in one embodiment, uses a vibratory shaker to create a vibration on the slurry received, thereby allowing for separation of the heavier solid particles. To aid in the separation, screens are used to allow fluids to flow out from the slurry, while solid particles remain above or“at” the screening level. In one embodiment, a single level of screens is used. In another embodiment, multiple levels or banks of screens may be used.

[037] In order to achieve a quicker separation of solids from liquids, agitation at the screen level has advantages. Without agitation, the slurry is more difficult to separate into both the liquid and solid phases. Aspects of the disclosure herein provide for agitation of the slurry prior to the slurry entering a screening area of a vibratory shaker. In an embodiment, the agitator 100 has protrusions 104 provided on a bar blank 102 located before a screen 132 or screen bank or at the leading edge 108 of the screen itself. The protrusions 104 are located on and extend from a top surface 106 of the bar blank 102. The bar blank 102 is positioned directly before the leading edge 108 of a screen, which allow the protrusions 104 to contact the slurry. In one embodiment, the agitator 100 is connected to the vibratory shaker through a bolted connection. In this embodiment, the number of protrusions 104 may be varied along the bar blank 102 such that greater or lesser agitation occurs within the slurry. In one example embodiment, rather than relying upon fluid motion to cause the agitation, the agitator 100 may be connected to a rotary or linear apparatus that will allow for motion of the bar blank 102 and the agitator 100. This additional motion may eliminate clumping and coagulation of materials that would hinder the screening process provided by the vibratory shaker. In the illustrated embodiment, five protrusions 104 are located on and extend from the top surface 106 of the bar blank 102 before the leading edge 108 of the screen 132 in the vibratory shaker. A greater or lesser number of protrusions 104 may be used based on, for example, the amount of slurry that is being processed. In the embodiment provided in FIGS. 1 and 2, the protrusions 104 are cylindrical shape posts. The height of the protrusions 104 may be altered such that if greater amounts of slurry are being processed, the protrusions 104 penetrate into the slurry at a greater overall depth.

[038] The bar blank 102 is configured to be disposed at the leading edge 108 of the screen 132. The screen 132 is configured with a frame 134 that has longitudinal supports 136 and lateral supports 138. A wire mesh 140 is held in place by the supports 136, 138. The wire mesh 140 provides for separation of a solid fraction of a slurry flow from a liquid fraction. The frame 134, in one example embodiment, is made of a tubular steel. The screen 132 is configured to be vibrated by a linear or a rotary motion vibratory system 170 to allow materials to be separated. In the illustrated embodiment, the bar blank 102 is separate from the screen 132. The bar blank 102, may therefore be vibrated independently from the frame 134 of the screen 132.

[039] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, FIG. 3 is a plan view of an agitator 300 incorporating a bar blank 302 and protrusions 304 coupled to a screen, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a front view of the agitator 300. In this embodiment, the agitator 300 includes the bar blank 302 having diamond shaped protrusions 304 located on a top surface 306 of the bar blank 302. As shown in FIG. 3, the top surface 309 of the diamond shaped protrusions 304 appear to be substantially parallel to a top surface 306 of the bar blank 302. In FIG. 4, however, it can be seen that the top surface 309 of the diamond shaped protrusions 304 are angled such that a leading edge 311 of the diamond shaped protrusions 304 is lower in elevation than a trailing edge of the diamond shaped protrusion 304. The slurry, while traveling over the diamond shape protrusions 304, is agitated so that a separation of solids from fluids liquid phases may occur.

[040] As will be understood, the diamond shaped protrusions 304 may be located on the bar blank 302. In another embodiment, the diamond shaped protrusions 304 may be integral with the screen and may be disposed on the leading edge 308 of a screen itself. As will be understood, the geometry of the protrusions may be round, spherical, square, rectangular, triangular, or other shapes. These shapes may include sloping or angled surfaces and also may have varied heights. In other embodiments, although disclosed as a bar blank, other arrangements may be used to support the protrusions, including varying width and height bars, perforated plates or the screens themselves.

[041] In another non-limiting embodiment, the agitator 300 may be connected to a device to further agitate the bar blank 302. In example embodiments, the device may be a rotary or linear motion device that may accelerate the slurry flow allowing for a separation. [042] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, FIG. 5 is a plan view of screen 500 including an agitator, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a front view of the screen 500. The agitator may be a plurality of protrusions 502 disposed on a leading edge 506 of the screen 500 for a vibratory shaker. The screen 500 may include the leading edge 506 and a trailing edge 510. The leading edge 506 and the trailing edge 510 are connected through a first side 504 and a second side 508. A frame 512 provides the structural support for the screen 500 such that separation operations may be performed in a regular acceleration mode or an enhanced acceleration mode, which is generally provided on a vibratory shaker. The frame 512 may be constructed of a tubular steel for rigidity. Additional rigidity may be added to the frame 512 by providing lateral members 516 and longitudinal members 518 as illustrated. The members 516, 518 may vary according to the amount of structural load that is anticipated on the screen 500. Structural load is developed through the amount of acceleration (“g” loading), the weight of the screen, and the amount of slurry being processed. In one embodiment, at least one protrusion 502 extends from a top surface 522 of the screen 500. A bottom surface 520 of the frame 512 rests in the vibratory shaker (not shown). A wire mesh (not shown) is disposed on the frame 512 to provide for separation of liquid and solid fractions of the slurry mixture being processed.

[043] Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting a method 700 for processing a slurry in a vibratory shaker, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. At 702, the method 700 may include providing the slurry from a downhole environment to the vibratory shaker. At 704, the method 700 may further include agitating the slurry with one of a bar blank with at least one protrusion and a vibratory screen with at least one protrusion, the at least one protrusion extending from a top surface of the bar blank or the vibratory screen. Accordingly, the agitation may occur with protrusions that exist on a bar blank, perforated plate, a screen, or as part of the shaker. At 706, the method 700 may also include separating the slurry into a constituent solid fraction and a liquid fraction. [044] In another embodiment, the method 700 may include providing further agitation of the slurry from an outside source, such as a vibratory shaker or from a separate vibration arrangement. A separate vacuum arrangement may be used during the processing of the slurry through the vibratory shaker. In one embodiment, a vacuum system may be used to collect, sort and remove drilled cuttings. The vacuum system may be used to prevent safety and environmental risks associates with conventional cuttings collection. In an example vacuum system, a cuttings collection box, a rig vacuum tank, and a vacuum power skid are used. A flow of drill cuttings within a fluid stream may be provided to the vacuum collection system. A suction may be drawn on the cuttings being processed, such that the liquid fraction of the cuttings may be separated from the cuttings.

[045] The method 700 may be performed with different types of protrusions and different amounts of protrusions. In other embodiments, the agitation may take place in between banks of screens or the agitators may be positioned within a screen, as opposed to on an outside leading edge. Protrusions may have different configurations from outermost protrusions to inside protrusions. By definition, an outermost protrusion is a protrusion farthest from a centerline of the screen running along the flow path of the slurry mixture. As described below, different geometries may be used for the protrusions and the above described embodiments should not be considered limiting. Protrusions may be located in rows and columns. The protrusions may also be staggered, therefore along each row, for example, therefore creating different flow paths through each row of protrusions.

[046] Referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view of an agitator 800 including a plurality of protrusions 801 , wherein adjacent protrusions form a U shape (see FIG. 10) is disclosed. In this configuration, the agitator 800 has a curvature between the protrusions 801 that provide agitation. Referring to FIG. 9, is a side view of the agitator 800 of FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 10, a front view of the agitator 800 is presented. Referring to FIG 9, the agitator 800 is configured with interlocking features 802 and a plurality of protrusions 801 , wherein the agitator 800 and each protrusion 801 forms a ramp 806 and trough 804. The ramp 806 ends in an apex 808. As will be understood, and as shown in FIG. 8, the the agitator 800 and each protrusion 801 transitions from an apex 808 to a trough 804 back to an apex 808, thereby allowing slurry to pass through successive apex locations. In this embodiment, the apexes 808 of individual sections do not meet at a point, creating a flat portion between edge portions of apexes.

[047] Referring to FIG. 1 1 , a perspective view of an example embodiment of an agitator 1100 including a plurality of protrusions 1101 , wherein adjacent protrusions 1101 form a V shape. In this configuration, the agitator 1100 has a V shaped configuration between the protrusions 1101 that provide agitation. Referring to FIG. 12, FIG. 12 is a side view of the agitator 1100 of FIG. 1 1. Referring to FIG. 13, a front view of the agitator 1100 is presented. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 1 -13, apexes of different adjacent protrusions 1101 meet at a common apex, therefore forming a sharp edge. As presented above in relation to FIGS. 8 to 1 1 , an apex and trough arrangement may also be included. In other embodiments, a vacuum system may be used in conjunction with each of the agitators. The purpose of the vacuum system is to provide for suction of fluids from the slurry mixture as the slurry moves over the vacuum system. This allows for a drier end product of cuttings exiting the ends of the screen arrangements.

[048] Referring to FIG. 16, an example screen 1601 and agitator 1602 are shown with a vacuum system 1600 being used to remove fluids from a slurry being processed. In FIG. 16, the agitator 1602 is located at a leading edge of the screen. In FIG. 17, an agitator 1702 is located at the trailing edge of the screen 1701 with the vacuum system 1700 being used to remove fluid. The screen 1601 , 1701 is sectioned in half on the right side to show the vacuum device 1600, 1700 using pressurized air. In embodiments, a cavity may be placed under the screen 1601 , 1701 where air is pulled via a hose connection to the screen 1601 , 1701.

[049] The embodiments described above, both method and apparatus, may be modified to provide different separation capabilities. In one or more examples, the protrusions may be cylindrical shaped. In other embodiments, the exterior periphery of the protrusions may be elliptical, square, or other shapes, such as a polygon. The protrusions may also be placed in any location (e.g., center) on the top surface of the bar blank. [050] The overall height of the protrusions may also be provided such that the height may extend through the entire thickness of the fluid flow of the slurry, For example, if the height of the slurry flow being processed is approximately 3 inches (7.62 cm) tall, the protrusions may be 4 inches (10.16 cm) tall. The height of the protrusions between successive protrusions may vary.

[051] Other configurations of protrusions are possible. These configurations may have appendages extending from the sides of the protrusion such that both a vertical and horizontal obstruction to flow are imparted to the slurry. As will be understood, such additional obstructions to flow will prevent slurries with a high solids content from clumping.

[052] Stiff further configurations of protrusions are possible wherein different shapes of protrusions are placed in different areas, thereby causing different flow patterns. In one embodiment, cylindrical protrusions are placed at some positions, while the remaining positions include square protrusions. In other embodiments, the protrusions may be added or removed by an operator, wherein each protrusion is provided an individual connection to the bar blank or screen. The protrusion connection may be a screw connection wherein the protrusion has a matching thread that allow for installation protrusion on to the bar blank or the screen. Such configurations have advantages, wherein clumping may not be experienced in a center of the slurry flow but is present at the exterior edges. In this example, protrusions may be added to the bar blank or screen in the areas that experience clumping but are not present in the areas that do not experience clumping.

[053] In an embodiment of a protrusion threaded into a bar blank or a screen, the bar blank or the screen may have a matching threading to allow for insertion of the protrusion into the bar blank or screen. The protrusion may then be torqued to prevent the protrusion from becoming loose. Operators may also choose protrusion sizes that are larger than screen/mesh sizes. Such a selection will prevent a protrusion from accidentally being processed through the mesh into the skid or fluid capture system used to recycle the fluid

[054] In one or more embodiments, the protrusions may be constructed from rugged materials such that the service experienced does not degrade the surface of the protrusion. In one embodiment, protrusions may be made of stainless steel. In other embodiments, aluminum may be used. Other materials may also be used including, but not limited to, titanium and plastic.

[055] In other embodiments, protrusions may be used to provide a control of the flow of the slurry being processed. As an example, protrusions may be used to push a flow of the slurry from outside edges of a bar blank to a more center located position. In such a configuration, a protrusion, such as a vane, may be used to direct the slurry flow back to a center position. As will be understood, a vane may have a convex, concave or complex shape.

[056] In other embodiments, multiple rows of protrusions may be positioned on the bar blank or screen to cause a more turbulent flow, thereby preventing clumping. In one such example, a first row of cylinder protrusions may be followed by a second row of square shaped protrusions. In another embodiment, a first row of protrusions may have a concave configuration and a second row of protrusions may have a convex configuration. In this embodiment, a more turbulent flow will be created with the slurry, consequently breaking materials that are clumped together. In one example embodiment, four protrusions are provided on the bar blank, wherein a first and a second of the protrusions are in a first row configuration and a third and a fourth protrusion are in a second row configuration. The first and the second of the protrusions in the first row configuration may align with the third and the fourth protrusion in the second row configuration, thereby creating two columns and two rows. In another example embodiment, the first and the second protrusions are staggered from the third and the fourth protrusion. The resultant configuration is a two row configuration with no protrusions placed in a column.

[057] In other embodiments, three or more rows of protrusions may be used. Spacing within the rows may be altered to allow for different flow conditions. For example, a series of closely spaced cylinder protrusions may be located at an upstream location wherein the cylinder protrusions are constructed of stainless steel as these protrusions will experience a faster slurry flow and will experience greater structural loads. A second row of concave vane protrusions may be provided at a more downstream location from the cylinder protrusion. These concave vane protrusions may be used to direct the slurry flow in one direction. A third row of convex vane protrusions may be provided at a most downstream location to again change the slurry flow, thereby causing a mixing effect within the slurry. The spacing between the concave vane protrusions may be greater than a spacing between the cylindrical protrusions. The second and third row of protrusions may be made of different materials than the first row as the structural loads from the slurry flow will be reduced by the first row of protrusions.

[058] The surface of the bar blank itself may be provided with a surface to help in the separation of solids from liquids. In one embodiment, the bar blank may be provided with a leading edge lip that causes the bottom most layer of slurry flow to be redirected, thereby creating a mixing effect. In another example embodiment, the surface of the bar blank may be provided with a wave shape, causing a consequent mixing of the slurry stream that passes over the wave shape.

[059] In other embodiments, a surface of the protrusions may be configured to provide additional mixing capability. In one embodiment, a smooth surface of each protrusion may be provided. In other configurations, a dappled surface may be provided. In another embodiment, a wave shaped surface may be provided.

[060] In still further embodiments, different protrusions may be connected together. As an example, a cross bar member may connect two adjacent protrusions, thereby adding structural rigidity. Although disclosed as connecting two different protrusions, a connecting member can connect more than two protrusions. Such connections are useful in high lateral load cases where the solids fraction of the slurry flow is high and the structural integrity of a single protrusion would be enhanced by a connection to another or multiple other protrusions.

[061] In a still further example embodiment, the protrusions may not be located in a row but may be located at any position on the bar blank. The protrusions may be positioned at any location on the bar blank and may be positioned at multiple locations to aid in agitation of the slurry.

[062] As will be further understood, as vibratory shakers may be configured with multiple banks of screens, other configurations are also possible. In these configurations, multiple agitators may be used prior to each screen bank. In these configurations, two, three, or more agitators may be used at the leading edge of each screen bank. Each of the agitators may be connected to a vibratory system, as described above. In an instance of multiple agitators, a first agitator may be configured with cylindrical protrusions, which successive agitators may be shaped with square agitators. In some embodiments, blank bars may be connected to a vibratory system, while some blank bars are not connected to a vibratory system.

[063] In still further embodiments, different agitators may be connected to different vibratory systems. As will be understood, the vibratory system connected to the bar blank may be varied; therefore, in a first agitator assembly, the bar blank is agitated in a linear fashion, while in successive agitators, the vibratory system is configured to provide a cyclical motion.

[064] As screens may be located in successive banks, in embodiments with protrusions directly on frame of the screen, alterations are possible wherein screens may have protrusions on both the leading edge and trailing edge of the screen Such configurations allow for a successive screen to receive an agitated slurry mixture prior to receipt. Thus, possible configurations include successive rows of screens with both leading edge and trailing edge protrusions. In a configuration with three example screens, the first and the third rows of screens may have leading and trailing edge protrusions, while the second row of screens has none. In this configuration, a regular screen (screen without protrusions) may be interspersed with screens with protrusions. In other configurations, it may be discovered that clumping does not occur until later in the screen processing arrangement and therefore having protrusions for the first row of screens is not necessary as a relatively large amount of fluid is present within the slurry to prevent clumping. After the first row of screens have processed the slurry mixture, however, the amount of fluid removed from the slurry has increased, causing clumping. In this situation, protrusions may be located on a leading edge of a successive screen to cause agitation and enhance processing.

[065] In still further example embodiments, combinations of protrusions on screens and blank bars may also be used. As an example, slurry may pass over a bar blank with protrusions and a screen with protrusions at a leading edge. In this example embodiment, protrusions exist on both the bar blank and the screen, providing for two arrangements to prevent clumping.

[066] In another example embodiment, a bar blank with protrusions may be followed with successive screens, some of which have protrusions and some of which do not have protrusions. In this example embodiment, the bar blank may be configured with a single row of cylindrical protrusions, followed by a first screen and a second screen. The first screen may be a screen without protrusions, however the second screen may have protrusions at a leading edge. In embodiments, an interlocking feature may be provided on the agitator such that a seal is formed between the agitator and an adjacent screen. As will be understood, different geometries are possible wherein an agitator is provided between a preceding screen and a trailing screen, with a seal being accomplished by the agitator to both the preceding screen and the trailing screen. Such an interlocking is possible with arrangements that include a bar blank, a perforated plate or on the screens themselves. In some embodiments, an operator may wish to alter a given screen and bar configuration. To alter such configurations, the interlock feature allows an operator to quickly add or remove portions of the agitator or the agitator itself. Such configurations are particularly beneficial in stratum materials that change during drilling. The sealing function of the agitator to the screens prevents material (fluid and solids) outflow from processing through the shaker.

[067] Referring to FIG. 15, FIG. 15 is a side view of a set of screen decks connected by agitators. The agitators connecting the screen docks may utilize an interlocking feature disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 15, an agitator 1500 connects a preceding screen 1502 and trailing screen 1504. The screens 1502, 1504 may be in a horizontal configuration or angled. In the illustrated embodiment, the screens are located at an angle from the horizontal. In the event that a restriction is formed by the agitator, fluid may start to accumulate behind the agitator. To compensate for this accumulation, the screens may be lowered in elevation providing a more horizontal arrangement.

[068] Still further example embodiments may be used by operators to provide further agitation for slurry mixtures. In some embodiments that exhibit clay materials, for example, clumping may be excessive as the fine particles have cohesion. To break up these formed clumps, extra agitation may be required. In this instance, for example, multiple agitation can occur from multiply placed blank bars. In such an example arrangement, the upstream most component may be a bar blank with protrusions, followed with a downstream screen without protrusions, followed with a further downstream screen with protrusions. As will be understood, any number of screens with protrusions and any number of blank bars with protrusions may be used for processing the slurry flow. Thus, in one example embodiment, three blank bars with protrusions may be used in conjunction with three screens. In such configurations, when large amounts of slurry are to be processed, or an extremely dry cutting is desired, more successive steps for screening and agitation may be provided. These successive arrangements for screening and agitation may be provided with or without protrusions for processing. Successive agitation may need to be different than preceding agitation; therefore, protrusion shapes may be varied along the processing line for the cuttings.

[069] The embodiments described above provide for an extended screen life. In these embodiments, the screens are not subjected to the forces of large objects due to clumping, and therefore, less stress is placed upon the screen during vibration. Referring to FIG. 14, a top view of a processing of fluid is illustrated through an agitator 1400, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the agitator organizes the slurry flow though troughs in the agitator 1400, while breaking up clumps. In embodiments, the capacity for processing slurries increases due to the presence of the agitator, as clumping is avoided, and a more consistent slurry is provided for processing. Portions of the agitator 1400, such as the perforations and the agitation troughs provide for a consistent flow of slurry on to the screens. In embodiments, screens may have a longer life span due to reduced amounts of clumping and large pieces of material from contacting the screens due to the presence of the agitator 1400. The longer life cycle of the screens consequently makes such configurations more economical than conventional screens.

[070] In another embodiment, the agitator may be positioned on top of the screen at varying locations. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a screen 1800 including an agitator 1802 positioned on a top surface 1803 of the screen 1800, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. The agitator 1802 may include a plurality of flexible members 1804 (one indicated) having one or more sliders 1806 (one indicated) coupled to each flexible member 1804. The flexible members may be or include, but are not limited to, wire, strands, cables, rope, or string.

[071] As shown in FIG. 18, each flexible member 1804 has five sliders 1806 coupled thereto; however, it will be appreciated that more than five or fewer than five sliders 1806 may be coupled to each flexible member 1804. In some examples, each flexible member 1804 may have two sliders, three sliders, four sliders, or six or more sliders coupled to the flexible member. Each flexible member 1804 may be coupled to a leading edge 1808 of the screen 1800. In one or more examples, each flexible member 1804 may be coupled to a leading edge 1808 of the screen 1800 via a fastening member 1810 (one indicated), such as, for example, a screw or a pin. In one or more examples, one end 1812 of each flexible member 1804 may be coupled to the leading edge 1808 via the fastening member 1810 and the other end of each flexible member 1804 is detached from the screen 1800 and permitted to move freely along with the sliders 1806 coupled to the flexible member 1804. As arranged, the sliders 1806 are positioned in varying locations on the top surface

1803 of the screen 1800 and debride the screen 1800 to agitate and/or remove mud and other solid particulates adhered to the screen 1800.

[072] In yet another embodiment, an agitator may be positioned on top of the screen at a predetermined location. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an agitator 1902, and FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a screen 1900 including the agitator 1902 positioned on a top surface 1903 of the screen 1900, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. The agitator 1902 may include an elongated member 1904 extending above and across the screen 1900 and a plurality of protrusions 1906 (one indicated) extending downward from the elongated member 1904 and contacting the top surface 1903 of the screen 1900. The elongated member 1904 may be coupled to screen tracks 1908 (one indicated) of a vibratory shaker via a screen clamping bladder system (not shown). As illustrated in FIG. 19, the agitator 1902 may include respective side members 1910 (one shown) extending downward from the ends 1912 (one shown) of the elongated member 1904 and respective clamped members 1914 (one shown) extending from the side members 1910 to respective screen tracks 1908 to which the clamped members 1914 are coupled to via the screen clamping bladder system. The protrusions 1906 are configured to move cuttings flowing across the screen 1900 to permit air to be pulled through the screen 1900 via a vacuum system.

[073] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[074] While embodiments have been described herein, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments are envisioned that do not depart from the inventive scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present claims or any subsequent claims shall not be unduly limited by the description of the embodiments described herein.