NOV unveiled its Alpha Shaker, the industry’s first truly novel shale shaker in nearly 30 years. The new system is designed to boost fluid processing throughput by 20‑30% and reduce waste and emissions.

Industry Context

Shale shakers have remained largely unchanged for three decades, leaving drillers with low handling capacities and wet cuttings that increase disposal costs and carbon footprints.

Key Performance Data

The Alpha Shaker can process up to 700 gallons per minute, a 20‑30% higher capacity than any other single‑deck high‑performance shaker. In field tests, crews swapped screens in under two minutes, and the unit consistently delivered drier cuttings even when 100% of the flow was diverted at the rig’s maximum rate. The design phase spanned more than two years of testing, and the shaker’s footprint allows rigs that normally house three shakers to operate effectively on just two units, with a third on standby. The system’s small horsepower motor and plug‑and‑play connectivity with Shaker Hawk reduce fuel demand and enable remote monitoring.

Customer Feedback

Wood noted that the Alpha Shaker addresses 20‑ or 30‑year‑old shortcomings, and that it is part of NOV’s solids control portfolio that positions the company to help the industry reach new drilling performance levels. The rig’s existing shakers were at their limits, unable to raise throughput without wetter cuttings and lower fluid recovery. The new shaker also proved its ease of use, allowing the rig crew to change out screens in less than two minutes without formal training.

Outlook

With its higher throughput, lower waste, and reduced emissions, the Alpha Shaker positions NOV to capture growing demand for efficient, low‑carbon drilling solutions as operators push for higher rates of penetration and tighter ESG targets.