Early screen panels introduction

Early screen panel is a bit different with present shaker screens. From the conventional simple screen to nowadays complex design screen used in oilfield the essential principle and function is same. Filtration and separate large cuttings out of fluid to finalize harmful solids removal

Present shaker screen panel

Screens are now layered to form complex opening patterns and are described with the equivalent opening size in microns and an API (American Petroleum Institute) number (which was formerly the mesh designation). Currently, API 20 to API 50 are considered coarse screens. API 150 to API 325 are fine screens.

The early screen on shale shakers is 4 feet by 5-feet hook strip type and tensioned from the sides with tension bolts. The vibrators were usually mounted above the screens, causing the screens to move with an elliptical motion.

Early screen

Early screen panel operation

The axis of the ellipse pointed toward the vibrator. Since the axis of the ellipse at the feed end pointed toward the discharge end and the axis of the discharge end pointed toward the feed end, these shakers were called unbalanced elliptical motion shakers.

The screens required a downslope to move cuttings off the screen. Solids at the feed end, particularly with sticky clay discards, would frequently start rolling back uphill instead of falling off the shaker. Screen mesh was limited from about API 20 to API 30 (838 microns to 541 microns). These units were the predominant shakers in the industry until the late 1950s. Even though superseded by circular motion and linear motion shale shakers, the unbalanced elliptical motion shale shakers are still in demand and are still manufactured today.

So nowadays, we often get inquiry on such early screen. Fit on early famous shaker with the circle motion. But one variable, the screen can be soft hook strap or hard hook strap one, it is customer designed.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Aipu shaker screen anytime. No matter for early screen or latest version screen.