Shale shaker screen

Types of shale shaker screens

A shale shaker screen is chemically and physically designed to filter fluids. It consists of a mesh, pile strength fiber, and a frame, and its structure primarily includes a filter material, a frame support, and a fiber-enforced polymer. The filtering elements can be manufactured from various grade stainless steel materials such as low carbon steel wire, high tensile stainless steel wire, and alloy steel wire.

The mesh may come in different weaves, which specifically address the needs of the drilling operations. A popular mesh weave is the High-Composite Wave-Patterned Cloth. Another common weave pattern is a double warp weft which makes the screen more flexible and resist impact. Other screen weaves also include a flat weft, reverse warp, and plain weave. Additional features may include epoxy-coated wires and heavy oil thread.

Primary types of shale shaker screens are:

• Composite screens: Composite screens are the latest type of screens produced to provide better results than the previous two kinds of screens. They typically have an accurate soil opening, which can make fine solid separation possible. Meanwhile, they also have a stronger support system and sealing material, which can enhance the screen's life-span and resistance to damage. The composite screen also uses a modern manufacturing technique, and the screen's weft and warp are more even than those of other kinds of screens, which can enable better fluid passage and lower pressure drops. The use of polymer and rubber in composite screens can also provide better buffering and filtering, which can diminish the loss of valuable drilling fluids and improve the overall yield of the drilling process.
• Plastic screens: Plastic screens, also known as Polymer Screens, are a new type of shale shaker screen. Instead of using metal wires to form the mesh, plastic screens employ polymer material to make the mesh. The polymer can be nylon, polyethylene, or other high molecular compounds. Plastic screens provide some benefits for drilling operations, such as reducing the screen's weight, improving its corrosion resistance, and extending its service life. Plastic screens may also offer some additional solid-liquid separation efficiency compared with traditional metal wire screens. For those drilling operations need lightweight, anti-corrosion, and high separation efficiency equipment, plastic screens may be a perfect choice.
• Metal mesh screens: Metal mesh screens are the first ones widely used in the drilling separation process. They are typically made of stainless steel whose durability and anti-corrosion properties are suitable for the severe drilling environment. Metal mesh screens are usually composed of a grid of fine wires which can filter out solid particles of certain sizes. Metal mesh screens have some advantages over other types. For instance, they are more robust and longer-lasting. Besides, the precision of solid separation is comparatively higher. Metal mesh screens usually have more straightforward maintenance, and users can quickly replace or clean them. However, metal mesh screens also have some drawbacks. They tend to be heavier, affecting the overall weight of the equipment. Their corrosion resistance and separation efficiency may not be as good as those of plastic screens. Another problem is the pressure drop across the screen, which may be relatively higher, leading to drilling fluid loss.

Specifications & Maintenance

Shale shaker screens are available in many specifications. Buyers can select the exact matching screen for their shale shaker from the following specifications:

• Length:

  The common lengths are 40 inches, 72 inches, and 84 inches.

• Width:

  The common widths of screens are 28.9 inches, 34.3 inches, and 42.3 inches.

• Mesh size:

  Mesh sizes are 175, 200, and 250 microns.

• Layer:

  Shale shaker screens normally have three to five layers. Screens with more layers will have a finer mesh size.

• Material:

  Shale shaker screens are made from metals like stainless steel or alloys or synthetic materials like nylon or PUR.

• Structural type:

  Shale shaker screens have a grid or arc structure. An arc structure can increase the effective area of the screen.

• Connection type:

  The connection types include plug, pin, or wedge. A plug connection type is quick and easy for replacement.

Maintenance

Shale shaker screens need to be cleaned and repaired regularly to keep the effective separation and control of solids. Here are some important tips for the maintenance of shaker screens.

• Clean the screen surface: Remove drilling mud and other substances by using a soft brush or vibrating cleaning device. Avoid using sharp objects to prevent damaging the screen surface.
• Regularly check screen tension: Ensure the screen is not too loose or too tight. Adjust the tension if necessary to maintain the screening efficiency.
• Check the screen's surface wear and tear: Suppose there are localized wears or damages. Apply repair materials to those areas and adjust the repair quantity according to the degree of wear.
• Maintain the flatness of the screen surface: Worn areas or uneven surfaces need to be polished to keep the screen surface flat. It can ensure the uniform distribution of drilling fluid.
• Pay attention to the cleaning fluid's temperature and concentration. Excessively high temperatures and concentrations can cause damage to the shaker screens.

Application of shale shaker screens

Having identified the crucial role played by shale shaker screens in the oil and gas drilling industry, it is not surprising that the application area mainly focuses on this sector. In the recent past, there has been an increasing awareness of the need to recover valuable drilling fluids and reduce waste, further expanding the application of shaker screens beyond conventional areas.

The following sectors also indicate the use and application of shale shaker screens:

• Oil and gas industry: As mentioned earlier, this remains the primary application area for shale shaker screens. Beyond just solids control, screens for shakers are also used in horizontal and vertical well drilling. High-capacity shakers with multiple screens are preferred, and the focus is generally on efficient separation and lower operating costs.
• Coal bed methane (CBM) drilling: CBM represents a significant alternative to conventional natural gas resources, and the extraction process is quite similar to that of oil and gas. The proper recovery of drilling fluids and the disposal of methane gases is essential while avoiding the contamination of groundwater. Shale shakers with effective screens are critical in CBM drilling operations to ensure the separation of drilling fluids and methane gas.
• Geothermal energy exploration: Shale shakers can also explore geothermal energy. The separation of solids from drilling fluids is essential to obtain accurate geological information while avoiding the formation of high-temperature geothermal wells. This makes shale shakers with effective screens crucial for successful geothermal energy exploration and the proper management of drilling fluids.
• Environmental remediation: In this case, shale shakers can help remove contaminated soil or water by separating toxic solids from hazardous waste. Shale shaker screens can separate and dispose of pollutants precisely and efficiently when carrying out remediation projects in landfills, polluted sites, or coastal areas.

How to choose shale shaker screens

There are a number of factors that buyers should consider when purchasing shale shaker screens for sale.

• Compatibility with Drilling Unit

  This is perhaps the most important factor to consider if buyers want to purchase shaker screens that are compatible with the existing drilling shaker unit. The screens will typically have the same configurations, measurements, and connection schemes as the screens made for the existing unit.

• Specification Needed for Separation

  The spec required for separation will determine the type of shaker screen buyers need to purchase. In this case, buyers should analyze the composition of the material they plan to use the shaker screen for. They should also take into account the desired separation efficiency. This will ultimately influence the screen mesh size and specification they will purchase.

• Quality and Materials of the Screen

  Screen quality and material will vary based on the manufacturer. Buyers should research the various manufacturers that have screens listed for sale on the marketplace. Also, consider the previous performance of the screens and the material they are made of. For instance, some manufacturers use specialized steel alloys that have a reputation for resisting wear and damage.

• Budget Constraints

  Shaker screens typically differ in price based on the mesh size, material, durability, and manufacturer. When purchasing in bulk, buyers should consider their budget constraints. Meanwhile, the budget will also help to narrow down the selection of shaker screens. More importantly, when putting together a budget, it is important to consider the long-term costs.

  Choosing durable, high-quality shaker screens can lower maintenance costs in the future.

• Local Regulation

  In the case of oil extraction, shale shaker screens are subject to certain environmental regulations. As a result, buyers should ensure that the type of screen they are purchasing complies with local regulation.

Shale shaker screen Q&A

Q1: What are the trends in supply and demand of shale shaker screens in the market?

A1: The global shale shaker screen market is expected to grow steadily in the next few years due to the increasing need for oil and gas exploration. The supply of screens is also expected to increase along with the installation of shale shakers in the separation industry.

Q2: How long does a shaker screen last?

A2: The lifespan of a shaker screen varies depending on the material it is made of, as well as the type, thickness, and quality. If it is used to separate slurry coal contaminated with organic matter in a wasteland, it may last for only six months, but in the petroleum industry, it may last for up to five years.

Q3: Is there a difference between a shale shaker screen and a fracturing screen?

A3: While both are designed for the same purpose of separation, the screening technology used in them differs. Frac screens may incorporate newer digital separation methods, while shaker screens may still use older technological methods.

Q4: How much material can a shaker screen process before it breaks down?

A4: It mainly depends on the type of screen, its mesh size, its material, the characteristics of the slurry or fluid being screened, the feeding rate, the shaker's operating parameters, and the level of maintenance provided. In the petroleum industry, if the material is crude oil, the screen may work for up to five years, while in the coal industry, it may be as low as six months.