Top Chinese Shale Shaker Manufacturers for Oilfield Drilling

In the global oil and gas industry, where drilling efficiency, environmental compliance, and cost control are paramount, Shaanxi Aipu Petroleum Equipment Co., Ltd. (AIPU) stands out as a leading technology-driven manufacturer dedicated exclusively to drilling mud solids control systems. With over a decade of focused expertise, AIPU has evolved from a specialized equipment producer to a one-stop solution provider, earning trust across 30+ countries and regions through its innovative products, rigorous quality standards, and customer-centric services. This article delves into AIPU’s core strengths, product ecosystem, technical innovations, and global impact—highlighting why it remains the benchmark for solids control excellence in oilfield drilling.

1. Company Overview: A Focused Leader in Solids Control Technology

Founded in 2008, AIPU is a technology-based enterprise integrating R&D, system design, manufacturing, and sales, with an unwavering focus on drilling mud solids control systems. This specialization has allowed AIPU to accumulate deep industry insights and technical expertise, distinguishing it from general equipment manufacturers.

Core Credentials & Scale

• International Certifications: AIPU holds prestigious certifications including APIQ1 (American Petroleum Institute), ISO (quality, environmental, and occupational health standards), and HSE (health, safety, and environment), ensuring its products meet global oilfield standards for reliability and compliance.
• Manufacturing Capability: Backed by a 20,000㎡ “super factory” in Weinan, Shaanxi, AIPU has the production capacity to deliver high-quality, consistent equipment—from single units to large-scale integrated systems. The company’s second-phase factory is set to complete construction in 2026, further expanding its manufacturing footprint.
• Team Expertise: AIPU’s expert team boasts over 25 years of combined experience in solids control and oilfield drilling, providing technical guidance and tailored solutions to address even the most complex drilling challenges.

2. Full-Spectrum Product Matrix: Covering Every Link of Solids Control

AIPU’s strength lies in its comprehensive product ecosystem, which spans the entire solids control workflow—from primary separation to waste management. This end-to-end offering eliminates compatibility issues and simplifies procurement for customers, while modular design ensures easy installation, maintenance, and upgrades.

2.1 Core Solids Control Equipment

• Shale Shakers: As AIPU’s flagship product line, the Hunter Series sets industry standards for efficiency and adaptability. The Hunter-MG model features a large screen area (up to 2.7㎡), high-G force vibration, and flexible deck angle adjustment (-1° to +5°), handling 120–420 m³/h of drilling fluid with over 98% separation efficiency for particles ≥74μm. The Hunter-MGD dual-motion shale shaker—an internationally advanced design—uses only 2 specialized motors to switch seamlessly between linear and elliptical vibration modes, optimizing performance for variable mud viscosities (water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based) and cuttings volumes.
• Mud Cleaners: Integrated systems combining desander cones (10″ diameter), desilter cones (4″ diameter), and a bottom shale shaker (e.g., Hunter-D3/D4 models). These units target 15–74μm particles, achieving over 95% separation efficiency and reducing the load on downstream equipment.
• Decanter Centrifuges: Horizontal spiral decanter centrifuges (e.g., APLW Series) handle ultra-fine particles (2–7μm), with capacities ranging from 35–90 m³/h. They are critical for recovering barite in weighted mud systems and controlling viscosity in non-weighted systems, with high-precision machining and abrasion-resistant spiral blades ensuring long service life.

2.2 Auxiliary & Supporting Equipment

AIPU complements its core products with essential auxiliary devices, including:

• Mud agitators (APMA Series) with FAG/SKF bearings for uniform mud mixing;
• Vacuum degassers (APLCQ/APZCQ Series) for removing harmful gases (H₂S, CH₄) with 95%+ efficiency;
• Shearing pumps (APJQB Series) for accelerating polymer hydration, saving 30% bentonite;
• Mud tanks (customizable sizes) with cold-pressed corrugated boards for high strength and easy cleaning.

2.3 Environmental & Waste Management Systems

Aligning with global sustainability trends, AIPU offers specialized systems to minimize environmental impact:

• Oil-Based Mud Zero-Discharge Systems: Combine cuttings dryers (APVCD Series, ≤40 m³/h capacity) and centrifuges to reduce oil content to ≤5%, enabling safe disposal or reuse.
• Water-Based Mud Zero-Discharge Systems: Collect and treat excess mud via centrifuges and filter presses, with recycled water meeting drilling or discharge standards.
• Fracturing Flowback Fluid Treatment Systems: Designed for oilfield water management, these systems remove solids and contaminants, enabling water reuse in fracturing operations.

3. Technical Innovation: Driving Efficiency and Adaptability

AIPU’s technical edge stems from continuous R&D focused on solving on-site pain points—such as high-viscosity mud handling, extreme temperature adaptability, and intelligent operation.

3.1 Adaptive Technology for Complex Conditions

• Dual-Motion Vibration: The Hunter-MGD’s ability to switch vibration modes eliminates the need for equipment replacement mid-project, making it ideal for shale gas, coalbed methane (CBM), and deepwater drilling.
• Extreme Environment Design: AIPU’s products are engineered to withstand harsh conditions—from Russia’s low-temperature fields (-40°C) to Middle Eastern deserts (60°C). H₂S-resistant steel options and marine-grade anti-corrosion coatings (3 layers) ensure durability in corrosive environments.

3.2 Intelligent Monitoring & Automation

AIPU integrates smart systems into its equipment to enable predictive maintenance and remote operation:

• Real-time sensors track vibration frequency, screen pressure, and motor temperature, alerting operators to potential issues (e.g., screen clogging) via a centralized control panel.
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) on centrifuges and pumps optimize energy use, reducing power consumption by 15–20% compared to conventional models.
• Compatibility with digital oilfield platforms supports data-driven decision-making, laying the groundwork for unmanned wellsite operations.

4. Customized Solutions: Tailored to Every Project Need

AIPU’s “one-stop solution” approach goes beyond product supply—it involves close collaboration with customers to design systems aligned with their specific (well depth, formation type, environmental regulations) and budget.

4.1 System Integration Capabilities

AIPU designs skid-mounted or containerized solids control systems for projects of all scales:

• ZJ Series Systems: For onshore oil/gas drilling (ZJ50, ZJ70, ZJ90 models), handling well depths from 3,000–9,000 meters. These systems integrate shale shakers, mud cleaners, centrifuges, and mud tanks, with optimized manifold layouts for smooth fluid flow.
• Offshore Systems: Compact, corrosion-resistant designs for platform operations, with modular components to fit limited space.
• Specialized Projects: Custom solutions for CBM extraction, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), shield tunneling, and geothermal well drilling—e.g., low-noise shale shakers for urban HDD projects.

4.2 Case Studies: Proven Performance

AIPU’s customized solutions have been validated in high-profile projects worldwide:

• Taiwan Water-Based Mud Zero-Discharge System: Delivered a turnkey system that reduced waste volume by 40% and met local environmental standards, earning positive customer feedback.
• Russia Low-Temperature Solids Control System: Designed for -40°C conditions with heated mud tanks and cold-resistant lubricants, ensuring uninterrupted operation in Arctic-like environments.
• Shell XJ450 Onshore System: Integrated with Hunter-MGD shale shakers and APLW centrifuges, the system maintained drilling fluid properties for extended periods, reducing fluid procurement costs by 25%.

5. Quality & Service: The Foundation of Customer Trust

AIPU’s commitment to quality and service ensures that its products deliver long-term value, minimizing downtime and operational costs for customers.

5.1 Rigorous Quality Control

• Manufacturing Standards: All equipment is designed and produced in strict compliance with API specifications. Critical components (e.g., vibration motors from Ital-Vibras/Martin/Oli, bearings from FAG/SKF) are sourced from global leaders to ensure reliability.
• Testing Protocols: Every unit undergoes factory acceptance testing (FAT) before shipment, including load tests, vibration performance checks, and leak tests.

5.2 Global Service Support

• Domestic Service: 24-hour on-site support for Chinese customers, with spare parts warehouses in major oilfields (Xinjiang, Sichuan, Inner Mongolia).
• International Service: A network of partners in 30+ countries (Middle East, Africa, Americas) provides timely maintenance, training, and spare parts delivery. AIPU’s after-sales team includes multilingual engineers with on-site experience in diverse drilling environments.

6. Global Market Impact: Trusted by 30+ Countries

Since its founding, AIPU has delivered over 300 integrated systems to customers across 30+ countries and regions, including:

• Middle East: Hunter-MGD shale shakers deployed in offshore fields, handling high-viscosity oil-based mud with 99% separation efficiency;
• Southeast Asia: CBM drilling systems for Indonesia and Malaysia, optimizing mud recovery in tropical conditions;
• Africa: ZJ70 solids control systems for Nigerian oilfields, supporting deepwell drilling with reliable performance;
• South America: Customized systems for Argentine shale gas projects, enabling mobility and quick deployment.

7. Core Competitiveness: Why AIPU Stands Apart

AIPU’s success stems from four unrivaled strengths that address the core needs of oilfield drilling customers:

1. Technical Depth: Focused R&D on solids control (not diversified into unrelated fields) ensures cutting-edge, fit-for-purpose solutions.
2. Full-System Capability: End-to-end products eliminate compatibility risks and simplify procurement, while modular design reduces lifecycle costs.
3. Global Adaptability: Equipment engineered for extreme conditions (temperature, corrosion, mud type) and local regulations (e.g., ATEX/IEC certifications for Europe).
4. Cost-Effectiveness: AIPU balances international quality with competitive pricing, delivering a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) than imported alternatives—thanks to localized manufacturing and efficient supply chains.

Conclusion

AIPU has redefined excellence in oilfield drilling solids control by combining technical innovation, comprehensive products, and customer-centric service. As the industry shifts toward greener, more intelligent drilling, AIPU continues to lead—whether through zero-discharge waste systems, smart monitoring technology, or adaptive equipment for complex formations. For oilfield operators seeking reliable, efficient, and sustainable solids control solutions, AIPU is not just a manufacturer but a long-term partner dedicated to driving drilling success. With its expanding production capacity, deep technical expertise, and global service network, AIPU is poised to remain the forefront of Chinese solids control technology for years to come.