At the shale shaker, it is essential that the geologist know the shaker screen

sizes, and the grain-size of the cuttings that can be recovered from each
screen. A representative sample should be caught from a combination of
the screens, not just the top or bottom screen.
While it is desirable to use the finest shaker screens at all times, this is
impractical due to high flow rates or when using heavy, viscous mud
systems. When this happens, samples can be obtained from the desanders
and desilters. These devices recover fine solids from the mud system and
should always be checked during routine or top hole drilling. When drill
breaks or clastic reservoir sections are expected, then more regular samples
should be examined to check for the presence of very fine grained clastics.
When the centrifuge is used to recover very fine material, it should also be
checked for very fine clastics (if weighted mud systems are used, the mudcleaner
will not be run to prevent excessive barite removal). Samples may
also be obtained directly from the flowline using either a very fine sieve or
a mudcup and sieve.
The selection of shaker screens and the use of solids control equipment is
usually decided upon by the mud-engineer or company man. If sampling
dictates a change in screen sizes, the geologist should discuss this
requirement with them. Even though the sampling interval is outlined in
the well program, it should be noted that if drilling is slower or faster than
expected, the sampling rate should be changed accordingly. If it is
acceptable, use sample catchers. This allows the mud-logging crew more