CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to US provisional application serial no. 63/357,409, filed on June 30, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The disclosure relates to a device that provides a connection between two pneumo-seals in a shale shaker and ensures a seal is achieved at the location where the two pneumo-seals join. In use, the pneumo-seals are disposed between one or more screens of the shale shaker and plates mounted on the sidewall of a vibrating basket of the shale shaker.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In shale shakers, pneumo-seals are used to secure screens to the vibrating basket and to provide a seal at the screen-to-plate interspace to prevent fluid bypass around the screens.

[0004] There are some instances where a large pneumo-seal is required, but manufacturing constraints in the press and die that mold the pneumo-seal limit the size of the pneumo-seal that can be produced. In those instances, two or more smaller pneumo-seals can be juxtaposed.

[0005] By design, pneumo-seals usually have a non-active area 12 at each end, as shown in Figure 1. The non-active area 12 does not inflate when the pneumo-seal 10 is inflated. This non-active area 12 may not ensure a proper seal at the screen-to-plate interspace. When two or more smaller pneumo-seals are juxtaposed, two non-active areas may be inconveniently located where fluid bypass should be prevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] For a more detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a smaller pneumo-seal that can be juxtaposed with one or more other smaller pneumo-seals to form a large pneumo-seal;

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a large pneumo-seal formed by juxtaposing two smaller pneumo-seals and connecting the two smaller pneumo-seals with a pneumo-seal connector;

[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the large pneumo-seal shown in Figure 2;

[0010] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the portion shown in Figure 3;

[0011] Figure 5 is a sectional view of the portion shown in Figure 3;

[0012] Figure 6 is a sectional view of the portion shown in Figure 3 in use in a shale shaker;

[0013] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a stiff support for use in a pneumo-seal connector; and

[0014] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a large pneumo-seal in which a pneumo-seal connector includes a sealant. PNEUMO-SEAL CONNECTOR FOR USE IN A SHALE SHAKER

SUMMARY

[0015] In some aspects, the disclosure describes a pneumo-seal connector. The pneumo-seal connector comprises a compliant tubular and a pair of stiff supports. The pneumo-seal connector is configured to bridge over two non-active areas at two pneumo-seal ends that are fitted into ends of the pneumo-seal connector.

[0016] In some aspects, the disclosure describes a pneumo-seal system for use in a shale shaker. The pneumo-seal system comprises a pneumo-seal and a pneumo-seal connector including a compliant tubular and a pair of stiff supports. A non-active end of the pneumo-seal is fitted into an end of the pneumo-seal connector.

[0017] In some aspects, the disclosure describes a method of using a shale shaker. The method comprises the step of providing a pneumo-seal connector including a compliant tubular and a pair of stiff supports. The method also comprises the step of fitting a non-active end of a pneumo-seal of the shale shaker into an end of the pneumo-seal connector. The method further comprises the step of inflating the pneumo-seal. Inflating the pneumo-seal may cause the compliant tubular to stretch and seal against a sealing face of a screen or a basket of the shale shaker.

DESCRIPTION

[0018] It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the disclosure; however, these exemplar embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the Figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the various Figures. Finally, the exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination of ways, i.e., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0019] In preferred embodiments, a pneumo-seal connector for use in a shale shaker includes a compliant tubular and a pair of stiff supports that are configured to bridge over tw o non-active areas at two pneumo-seal ends. Once the pneumo-seal connector is assembled, it fonns a joint where the two pneumo-seal ends are juxtaposed and the two pneumo-seal ends are connected.

[0020] The stiff supports (e.g., top and bottom bridge plates) are thin compared to the pneumo- seal. The stiff supports are made of a stiff material (like carbon fiber or spring steel). As used herein, stiff means sufficiently rigid to stretch the compliant tubular when the pneumo-seals are inflated, PNEUMO-SEAL CONNECTOR FOR USE IN A SHALE SHAKER as well as compress the compliant tubular against the screen or the basket of the shale shaker to ensure a proper seal. For example, a flat carbon fiber plate has been shown to be sufficiently rigid and thin. The stiff supports extend beyond the non-active area of the pneumo-seal to contact the active area of the pneumo-seal (i.e., an inflatable portion). The stiff supports can have a hole where the poppets of the pneumo-seal can be inserted, helping to keep the stiff support in place. Additionally, a magnetic strip can be glued on the stiff support(s) in the non-active area of the pneumo-seals to help the compliant tubular adhere to the sealing faces of the screen or the basket.

[0021] The compliant tubular (e.g., the sleeve) is thin compared to the pneumo-seal. The compliant tubular is made of pneumo-seal -like material. As used herein, compliant means sufficiently elastic to stretch when the pneumo-seals are inflated and the stiff supports are spread apart, as well as deform against the screen or the plate mounted on the basket sidewalls of the shale shaker to ensure a proper seal. In use, each pneumo-seal is fitted to one end of the compliant tubular. The compliant tubular is tightly fitted to the pneumo-seal and keeps the stiff supports secured to the top and bottom face of each pneumo-seal. The compliant tubular can have holes where the poppets of the pneumo- seal can be inserted, helping to keep the compliant tubular in place and to prevent the pneumo-seal connector from pulling apart.

[0022] In use, when the pneumo-seals are inflated, the active areas of the pneumo-seals that contact the stiff supports will lift the stiff supports. The stiffness of the stiff supports will then stretch the compliant tubular and bring the compliant tubular in contact with the sealing faces of the screen and/or the plates mounted on the sidewall of the basket, providing a continuous seal around the pneumo-seal connector. The magnetic strip can add additional force to stick the stiff support to the sealing face of the screen or the plate mounted on the basket sidewall at the middle part of the stiff support.

[0023] In some preferred embodiments, the compliant tubular and the two stiff supports can be integrated. For example, the compliant tubular can be molded over the two stiff supports as long as the integrated compliant tubular and the two stiff supports do not create a big bump.

[0024] In some preferred embodiments, one or the two stiff supports can be made of magnetic material so that additional and separate magnetic strips can be omitted.

[0025] In some preferred embodiments, the stiff supports are not flat. For example, a stiff support made from a metallic material (e.g., steel) with a slight curvature, like a leaf spring, can be used to put more pressure on the sealing face of the screen or the plate mounted on the basket sidewall in the middle of the pneumo-seal connector.

[0026] In some preferred embodiments, the plates mounted on the sidewall of the basket that provides the sealing face of the basket can have a different (i.e., smaller) thickness on the area PNEUMO-SEAL CONNECTOR FOR USE IN A SHALE SHAKER directly above the pneumo-seal connector to provide more space for the increased thickness of the connector and prevent screens getting tight or binding during installation.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments, a sealant (e.g., a glue capable of bonding nitrile rubber, such as cyanoacrylate glue) is applied at the ends of the compliant tubular and around the poppets to prevent fluid from ingressing into the compliant tubular.

[0028] In reference to Figure 1, an example of an L-shaped pneumo-seal 10 is illustrated. The pneumo-seal 10 includes a plurality of poppets 16 distributed over the length of the pneumo-seal, and are inserted in use into corresponding holes in one or more plates (not shown) mounted on the sidewall of a vibrating basket of the shale shaker. The pneumo-seal 10 has ends that have a nonactive area 12 and an active area 18.

[0029] In reference to Figure 2, two pneumo-seals 10a and 10b, similar to the pneumo-seal 10 shown in Figure 1, can be juxtaposed end-to-end to form a larger and continuous pneumo-seal that is U-shaped.

[0030] In reference to Figure 3, a non-active area 12a of the pneumo-seal 10a and a non-active area 12b of the pneumo-seal 10b are each fitted into a corresponding end of a pneumo-seal connector 14. Tire pneumo-seal connector 14 overlaps partially with the active areas 18a and 18b of the pneumo-seals 10a and 10b.

[0031] In reference to Figure 4, the pneumo-seal connector includes a bottom bridge plate 24 (i.e., an example of stiff support), a top bridge plate 22 (i.e., an example of another stiff support) and a sleeve 20 (i.e., an example of compliant tubular). The poppets 16 provided on the pneumo-seals 10a and 10b can be inserted into holes 26 of the top bridge plate 22 when the pneumo-seals 10a and 10b are juxtaposed. Also, the poppets 16 can be inserted into holes 28 of the sleeve 20.

[0032] In reference to Figure 5, an optional magnetic strip 30 is preferably glued on the face of the bottom bridge plate 24 in the non-active area 12a and 12b of the pneumo-seals 10a and 10b. Additional magnetic strips may be provided.

[0033] In reference to Figure 6, in use, the pneumo-seals 10a and 10b and pneumo-seal connector 14 are disposed in the interspace of a sealing face 42 of a screen and a sealing face 46 of a plate 44 mounted on the sidewall of a vibrating basket of the shale shaker (not shown). An area 48 directly above the pneumo-seal connector 14 has a smaller thickness.

[0034] In reference to Figure 7, another embodiment of a bottom bridge plate 24’ is made from a metallic material (e.g., steel) with slight curvature like a leaf spring. A top bridge plate (not shown) may be made similarly.

[0035] In reference to Figure 8, another embodiment of a pneumo-seal includes a sealant 32 applied at the ends of the sleeve 20 and around the poppets 16. PNEUMO-SEAL CONNECTOR FOR USE IN A SHALE SHAKER

[0036] In addition to the foregoing, the disclosure also contemplates at least the following embodiments:

Embodiment 1

[0037] Embodiment 1 is a pneumo-seal connector. The pneumo-seal connector generally comprises a compliant tubular and a pair of stiff supports. In particular, the compliant tubular may comprise a sleeve that surrounds each of the pair of stiff supports, and each of the pair of stiff supports may comprise a bridge plate.

[0038] For example, the compliant tubular can be separated from, or integrated with, the two stiff supports.

[0039] The pneumo-seal connector is used with two pneumo-seals that are juxtaposed. Each pneumo-seal has at least one end that is a non-active area. The pneumo-seal connector is configured to bridge over two non-active areas at the two pneumo-seal ends when the two pneumo-seal ends are fitted into ends of the compliant tubular of the pneumo-seal connector.

Embodiment 2

[0040] Embodiment 2 is a pneumo-seal connector as described in embodiment I, wherein the compliant tubular includes one or more holes, and one or more of the pair of stiff supports includes at least one hole.

[0041] The pneumo-seal connector is used with pneumo-seal that include poppets configured to be inserted into corresponding holes in one or more plates mounted on a sidewall of a vibrating basket of a shale shaker. At least one of the poppets can be inserted into a hole through one of the pair of stiff support as well as a hole through the compliant tubular.

Embodiment 3

[0042] Embodiment 3 is a pneumo-seal connector as described in embodiments 1 or 2, further comprising one or more magnetic strips.

[0043] For example, the one or more magnetic strips may be separated from, or integrated with, the stiff support(s).

[0044] In use, the one or more magnetic strips are preferably located above and/or below at least one of the non-active areas of the two pneumo-seals.

Embodiment 4

[0045] Embodiment 4 is a pneumo-seal connector as described in any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the two stiff supports includes a metallic plate with central curvature. For example, at least one of the two stiff supports may include a leaf spring. PNEUMO-SEAL CONNECTOR FOR USE IN A SHALE SHAKER

Embodiment 5

[0046] Embodiment 5 is a pneumo-seal connector as described in any of embodiments 1 to 4, further comprising a sealant.

[0047] Preferably, the sealant includes a glue capable of bonding nitrile rubber, for example, a cyanoacrylate glue.

Embodiment 6

[0048] Embodiment 6 is a pneumo-seal system for use in a shale shaker. The pneumo-seal system comprises two or more pneumo-seals. Each of the two or more pneumo-seals includes at least one non-active area at one end of the pneumo-seal and an active area adjacent to the non-active area. The pneumo-seal system also comprises at least one pneumo-seal connector as described in any of embodiments 1 to 5. The at least one non-active areas of each of two of the pneumo-seal are fitted into two opposite ends of the pneumo-seal connector.

Embodiment 7

[0049] Embodiment 7 is a pneumo-seal system as described in embodiment 6, wherein each of the pair of stiff supports extends beyond the non-active areas of the two pneumo-seals to contact the active areas of the two pneumo-seals.

Embodiment 8

[0050] Embodiment 8 is a pneumo-seal system as described in embodiments 6 or 7, wherein the two pneumo-seals are configured to move one of the pair of stiff supports relative to the other of the pair of stiff supports and cause the compliant tubular to stretch and seal against a sealing face of a screen or a basket of the shale shaker.

Embodiment 9

[00 1] Embodiment 9 is a method of using a shale shaker. The method comprises the step of providing a pneumo-seal connector as described in any of embodiments 1 to 5. The method comprises the step of fitting a non-active end of a pneumo-seal of the shale shaker into an end of the pneumo-seal connector. The method comprises the step of inflating the pneumo-seal. The method comprises the step of causing the compliant tubular to stretch and seal against a sealing face of a screen or a plate mounted in a basket sidewall of tire shale shaker.

[0052] Specific embodiments of the invention are described by way of examples in the drawings and description. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the claims to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims.