The shale shaker is the only solids control device that makes a separation based on the physical size of the particle. The separation size is dictated by the opening sizes in the shaker screens.Per different drilling mud situation, shale shaker usually use shaker screen vary from API20 to API 325.
Hydrocyclones and centrifuges separate solids based on differences between their relative mass and the fluid. Different speed used per different applicaiton. 