API Shaker screens designation

API shaker screens refers to shaker screen conform to API RP13C or previous API RP13E. The designation and features are as follow

API shaker screens feature

Shaker screens conform to API 13C designation including the cut point and conductance. To be API RP 13C compliant, a screen must get test on opening size or the particle size can’t pass through screen as per latest practice. The tests describe a screen without predicting its performance. Internationally, API RP 13C becomes ISO 13501.

Cut point and conductance test conforms to ISO 13501 code and further detail standard. Stick label on quality screen panels as per API RP13C, which request model, cut point, manufacturer information

API shaker screens

API screen conductance

Shaker screen conductance is a measure of the ability of a fluid to pass through a screen. 5W30 motor oil can help to test this property. That means, dip the oil on the testing screen sample piece.  Then applying the pressure differential to a formula to calculate the conductance. Because motor oil is oil-wets the screen and has a high viscosity. A large volume of motor oil is needed to allow equilibrium and to prevent large temperature changes

According to practice, we found the screen panel shape is related with conductance. Furthermore, the different screen configuration of different manufacturer vary the conductance as well. In some degree, conductance affect much on filtration efficiency and whole shaker performance

API Shaker screens cut point

The API RP 13C cut point test is based on a time-proven testing method used by ASTM to classify particles by size. The procedure utilizes a series of standard-size screens (sieves), which have been used for such analysis since 1910. The API standards committee simply use these sieves to designate shaker screens. The shaker screen designation is identified by matching the screen’s cut point to the closest ASTM sieve cut point.

The cut point test uses aluminum oxide, a Rotap, a set of ASTM sieves, a test screen, and a digital scale for weighing the quantity of test particles retained by the test screen. The D100 cut point help much on assigning screen designations. D100 means that 100 percent of the particles larger than the test screen will be retained, and all finer particles will pass through. After conducting three Rotap tests, the results are averaged, and the screen is given an API number of the test sieve having the closest D100 cut point.

The cut point information on API screen label give users convenience on screen selection. Make various mesh size standard but same API size.

Shaker screen API label

After identifying the cut point and conductance, complying with API RP 13C requests permanent tag or label to the screen in a position that is visible and legible. Both cut point (API number) and conductance with kD/mm value are on the screen label. Presently, API shaker screen manufacturer will label panels according to same standard. And the API designation must be 2 or more times than other letters on label

No need on screen label material or color. We need to pay attention on label or stickers content and necessary information. Have you faced any problem on API screen label or designation? Please feel free to contact us.