SHALE SHAKER SCREEN

Screens may be constructed with one or more Layers. Non-layered screens have a single layer, finemesh, screen cloth (reinforced by coarser backing cloth) mounted on a screen panel. These screens will have openings that are regular in
size and shape. Layered screens have two or more fine mesh screen cloths, usually of different mesh (reinforced by coarser backing cloth), mounted on a screen panel. These screens will have openings that vary greatly in size and shape.

There are several types of wire cloth used in the manufacture of oilfield screens. The most common of these are Market Grade (MG), Tensile Bolting Cloth (TBC), Triple Layer Super Fine (TRSF or DX) and Extended Rectangular (ER). These are square mesh weaves, differing in the diameter of wire used in their construction.
MG:Single Layer Screen Mainly used as a scalping screen.
TBC:Single layer Tensile Bolting Cloth over a heavy support mesh Well defined cut point Poor blind resistance.
TRSF/DX:Two superfine layers over a heavy support cloth Good screen life Good blind resistance.
XR:Two oblong-aperture cloth layers supported by a square mesh High conductance Long life Good blinding resistance.

Screen Capacity, or the volume of mud which will pass through a screen without flooding, varies widely depending on shaker model and drilling conditions. Drilling rate, mud type, weight and viscosity, bit type, formation type, screen mesh all affect throughput to some degree.

To increase screen capacity without increasing the size or number of shale shakers, three-dimensional screen panels are available.
3-D screen panels increase the usable screen area of a screen panel by corrugating the screen surface, similar to the surface of a pleated air filter or oil filter. 3-D screen panels are most effective when installed as the submerged, feed-end screen on linear-motion shakers to take full advantage of the additional screen area. Past the fluid end point, a three-dimensional screen tends to “channel" the drilled solids and increases solids bed depth and the amount of liquid carried off the screen surface. Using a flat screen at the discharge end of the shaker eliminates channeling, increases cuttings dryness,
and decreases fluid loss. Typically 3-D screen is Pinnacle shaker screens replacement.

Standardization of screen cloth designations has been recommended by the API committee on Standardization of Drilling Fluid Materials. The purpose for this practice is to provide standards for screen labeling of shale shaker screen cloths. The procedures recommended for labeling allow a direct comparison of separation potential, the ability to pass fluid through a screen, and the amount area available for screening.
The API screen labeling includes of the following:
1. Manufacturer’s designation;
2. Separation Potential and
3. Flow Capacity.