What are Common Types of Shale Shaker Screens and Features in oil fields?

In oil fields, shaker screens are used to separate solid particles from drilling fluid, ensuring drilling efficiency and equipment lifespan. Common types of shaker screens include flat, frame, corrugated, and soft-edged (composite) screens. Each type is further subdivided into different forms based on structural differences, each with its own unique application advantages.

Oil shaker screens are mainly divided into frame screens (waved screens and flat screens), hard hook-edge screens (waved screens and flat screens), and soft hook-edge screens. TR Solid Control can manufacture shaker screens according to customer requirements, with screens ranging from API 20 to API 400 available. These screens offer long service life and excellent separation performance. They can also replace shaker screens from Derick, Swaco, and Brandt, all meeting API Petroleum Association standards.

I. Main Types of Screens

1. Frame screen

   Framed screens are supported by a sturdy frame structure and can be further divided into two types based on the shape of the screen surface: corrugated screens and flat screens. They have high overall structural strength and wide adaptability.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Structure: Steel frame + 2-3 layers of stainless steel mesh

   Features: Strong vibration resistance, stable structure, long service life, and easy installation.

   Applications: Drilling operations with high vibration intensity and harsh conditions, such as the Brandt VSM300 Cobra Frame Screen.

2. Hard hook edge screen

   The rigid hook edge screen is characterized by its rigid hook edge design, which provides excellent stability after installation. It also includes both corrugated screen and flat screen forms, and is suitable for scenarios with high vibration intensity and complex working conditions.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Structure: The screen edges are fixed by rigid hooks, usually in conjunction with metal liners.

   Features: High tension, smooth screen surface, not easily deformed, and good stability.

   Applications: Working conditions requiring precise screening and large throughput

3. Soft hook edge screen (Composite hook edge)

   Compared to rigid hook-edge screens, flexible hook-edge screens have more flexible hooks, making them easier to fit into the shaker screen frame during installation and offering greater adaptability. Their screen surface is designed to meet specific needs, ensuring effective separation while facilitating disassembly and replacement, reducing equipment downtime and improving production efficiency. Furthermore, the elasticity of the flexible hooks can cushion vibration impacts to some extent, providing protection for both the screen itself and the equipment frame.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Structure: The screen edges are hooked and wrapped with a soft material, without a metal lining.

   Features: Lightweight, easy to install, flexible screen surface with good fit; relatively low price, but relatively short service life;

   Applications: Situations requiring frequent screen replacements, and operations where cost-effectiveness is a key consideration.

4. Polyurethane frame screen

   Structure: Polyurethane frame + stainless steel mesh combination

   
   

   
   

   Features:

   Lightweight and easy to install

   Highly impact-resistant, suitable for highly abrasive environments.

   Resistant to chemical corrosion, suitable for environments such as offshore platforms.

   Applications: SWACO series shaker screens, offshore drilling platforms

II. Comparison of Screen Structures

1. Wave screen (PMD)

   Structure: The mesh surface is wavy (pyramid-shaped) and tightly bonded to the metal backing plate.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Advantages:

   With an effective filtration area of 125%-150% of that of a flat plate screen, processing efficiency is increased by 30-40%.

   Different mesh counts in each layer of the mesh allow for finer sieving.

   It has strong anti-clogging ability and is suitable for high viscosity mud.

2. Flat screen (PWP)

   Structure: The screen surface is flat, and the material is evenly distributed.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Advantages:

   The screen surface has good stability and is suitable for precision screening.

   The screen surface is subjected to uniform force, resulting in a large processing capacity.

   Even wear and long service life

III. Sieve Selection Recommendations

1. For high throughput requirements: prioritize corrugated screens, which can improve processing efficiency by 30-50%.

2. Precision screening: flat screen or frame-type corrugated screen

3. Frequent replacement: Soft hook edge screen, easy to install, and economical.

4. Harsh environments: The screen frame is made of 316 stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant.

The selection of shaker screen mesh in oilfields directly impacts drilling efficiency and costs. Screen selection should comprehensively consider throughput, precision requirements, operating conditions, and economics. TR Solid Control offers a full range of screen products, customizable to meet diverse drilling conditions, ensuring efficient solids control and cost optimization.