Shale Shaker Screens are the most crucial component in Drilling Rigs. Understanding How to Select Proper Shale Shaker Screens can significantly improve drilling process\’s productivity and reduce operational costs. In this comprehensive guide let us dive into everything we need to know about how to select proper shale shake screens based on your requirement.
What are the different Shale Shaker Screen Type?
Shale shaker screen cloths are available in various types, including flat screen, pyramid screen, and hookstrip screen. Each type is designed for specific applications and has its benefits and limitations.
Flat Shaker Screen
- These screens have a flat, smooth surface and are generally less expensive.
- They are suitable for removing larger-sized solid particles from drilling fluids but may not be as effective with finer cuttings.
Corrugated Shaker Screen (PMD)
- Corrugated screens have a wavy or corrugated surface that provides increased screening area.
- They are effective at separating finer particles and are commonly used for oil-based and synthetic drilling fluids.
Composite Shaker Screen (PXL)
- Composite screens combine different layers of materials for enhanced performance.
Pyramid or DWM Shaker Screens
Pyramid and DWM screens have a pyramid-shaped design, which increases the screening area and helps reduce the risk of solids blocking the screen.
Frame Shaker Screen
- Frame screens are constructed with a rigid frame that provides stability and longer screen life.
- They are used in high-capacity shale shakers and are suitable for both oil-based and water-based drilling fluids.
Pre-tensioned Shaker Screen
- Pre-tensioned screens are tightly stretched and pre-tensioned on a frame for improved screen tension and longevity.
- They are known for their consistent performance and are often used in demanding drilling conditions.
Hook strip Shaker screens
Hook strip soft screens are designed to be easily installed and replaced, making them cost-effective for shakers with high screen turnover.
When selecting a screen type, consider the drilling operation\’s size, the expected volume of drilling fluids, and the type of drilling fluid. The screen type chosen should be compatible with the drilling operation to ensure optimal performance.
How to choose Mesh Size for Shale Shaker Screen?
The mesh size of shale shaker screen is another critical factor to consider. The smaller the mesh size, the finer the cuttings that can be separated from the drilling fluid.
When selecting a mesh size, consider the drilling fluid\’s properties, including viscosity and specific gravity.
A high viscosity drilling fluid will require a smaller mesh size to ensure efficient separation of cuttings. Similarly, drilling fluids with a high specific gravity require a smaller mesh size to ensure efficient separation.
What is the perfect Screen Panel Configuration for Shale shaker screens?
Shale shaker screen cloths are available in various configurations, including single layer, double layer, and triple layer. The screen panel configuration determines the number of screen layers, and each layer has its mesh size.
Single Layer Shaker Screen Panel
A single-layer screen panel is the most common type and is designed for general drilling operations.
Double Layer Shaker Screen Panel
Double-layer screen panels are suitable for more demanding drilling operations and can handle higher volumes of drilling fluids.
Triple Layer Shaker Screen Panel
Triple-layer screen panels are designed for heavy-duty drilling operations andcan handle large volumes of drilling fluids and cuttings.
When selecting a screen panel configuration, consider the drilling operation\’s requirements, including the volume of drilling fluids, the size of
cuttings, and the drilling fluid‘s properties. YKM Group is one of the best manufacturer & suppliers of stainless steel wire mesh with over 40 year experience. Our team\’s experience in industry can help you suggest the best shaker screen and best mesh count for optimal result.
Which is best Shale Shaker Screen Material?
The material used to manufacture shale shaker screens is an essential factor to consider. The material should be strong, durable, and resistant to wear and tear. Common materials used to manufacture shale shaker screen cloths include stainless steel, polyurethane, and rubber.
Stainless steel screens are the most common and offer excellent strength and durability. This material is more durable and are ideal for more demanding drilling operations.
What factors can influence Shaker Screen’s performance?
There are a lot of factors that can impact the shaker screen performance which are:
- Screen cut point
- Screen conductance
- Screen non-blanked open area
- Shaker conveyance rate
- Shaker deck angle
- Liquid flow rate
- Liquid phase viscosity
- Solids sizes
- Motor vibration
- Missing rubbers on screen bed
- Wire Mesh Grade
- Mesh Micron accuracy
What is the result of poor screen choice?
The main factors to choose the right screen are the solids diameter, mud gravity, viscosity & density etc. the result of wrong screen selection can lead to:
- Loss of expensive drilling fluids
- Premature Pump Failures
- Decreased Equipment Life
- Reduced Rate of Penetration
- Overloading of other solid removal equipments and more.
How to Select Proper Shale Shaker Screens
Choosing the right shale shaker screens is crucial in the drilling industry as they play a significant role in the separation of drilling mud and solids. The effectiveness of the screens impacts the overall drilling efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Here are some steps to help you choose the right shale shaker screens:
Understand Your Application
Determine the type of drilling operation you\’re involved in (e.g., oil and gas, HDD, water well, etc.) and the specific requirements for your project. Different applications may require different screen types.
Mesh Size Selection
Mesh size refers to the number of openings per linear inch on the screen. Smaller mesh sizes are used for fine solids separation, while larger mesh sizes are for coarser separation. Choose the appropriate mesh size based on the size of the solids you expect to encounter.
Screen Panel Configuration
Shale shaker screens come in various configurations, including square, rectangular, and composite screens. Select the configuration that best fits your shaker and project requirements.
Screen Type
Consider the type of screen, such as traditional wire mesh screens or newer composite screens. Composite screens tend to be more durable and have longer lifespans.
Screen Quality
Ensure that the screens you choose are of high quality and meet industry standards. Quality screens last longer and provide better performance.
Screen Brand and Manufacturer
Choose reputable manufacturers and brands known for producing reliable shale shaker screens. Research the company\’s history, customer reviews, and product specifications.
API Specifications
Check if the screens conform to the American Petroleum Institute (API) specifications, as this ensures they meet certain industry standards.
Screen Frame Material
Consider the material of the screen frame. Stainless steel is common due to its corrosion resistance and durability.
Screen Repairability
Evaluate whether the screens are easily repairable. Some screens are designed for quick and cost-effective repairs, which can save you money in the long run.
Field Testing
In some cases, it may be beneficial to conduct field testing of different screen options to determine which one performs best under your operating conditions.
Conclusions
Choosing the right shale shaker screen can significantly improve the quality of yield and inturn reduce the production cost. YKM Group have over 40 years experience in manufacturing wire mesh for industries across Middle East.
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