Shaker screen API is another mean indicating screen mesh size but more standard and compatible.  Please find more information as below

Shaker screen API

Shaker screen API - test sieves

Many clients asked us this question, how to revert API to micron of separation point/cut point or mesh for shaker screen mesh，even many of shaker screens manufacturers do not know this well. Some manufacturers use the API number as mesh directly, this is incorrect, if clients do not have professional knowledge, they will use the wrong mesh screens and can not get the ideal result.

Here we will introduce how to revert API to micron for shaker screens. Take below shaker screen designation as example. Since different manufacture will have different screen designation and configuration

This is a chart to show how to convert mesh to microns, to know how to convert microns (D100 separation), then to know how to convert mesh to API, or API to mesh

We ever introduced many different mesh sizes from different models and makes shaker screen. Lets take following chart as another reference

Shaker screen mesh standard

According to above chart and information we find mesh size or designation from different suppliers will indicate various separation point or D100 cut point then come to certain API size according to latest API RP13C.

Some convert chart for separation point and API size are based on D50 or D84. Those are former version API standard on screen designation. Now almost shaker screens are in compliance with API RP13C.

Aipu shaker screen API number is tested under API RP13C code. We are able to provide you all makes and models shaker screen in oilfield all over the globe. Please contact us for more detail and information on API size convert to mesh size

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.

Shaker screen layers and mesh size of each screen cloth is important issue affecting screen API size. Different manufacturer will configure shaker screens with different mesh on certain layers

Shaker screen layers

Shale shaker screen layer and mesh size are interrelated. Usually, shaker screen sized coarse than API 70 there are 2 layers. If it is only API20 we just need one layer will be ok

Generally speaking, shaker screens are 2 or 3 layered. Some people call the bottom layer as first layer but some people will call it the last layer. Different layer will be with different mesh size to achieve certain API size of shaker screen

Of course, according to different shaker screen size the screen cloth can be S.S304~316L. As per different users' demand we can do the adjustment accordingly

Shaker screen picture as Ref.

Screen mesh size

Screen mesh size is different with wire mesh size. Since the shaker screen is combined with 2 or 3 layers wire mesh. We'll test its mesh size according to industrial standard.

Or some manufacture will test the shaker screen according to API RP13C code. This will do clients much favor on selecting correct standard mesh size shaker screen. How could we configure shaker screen mesh as certain API size? For example, we select 18 mesh screen cloth with 0.3mm wire as bottom layer, and 70 mesh screen cloth with 0.07mm wire as intermediate layer, while, 100mesh screen cloth with o.06mm wire as top layer. This configuration may be API 80, also perhaps be API 70. Another combination is 18mesh x 0.23mm, 70x120mesh x0.053mm, 180mesh x0.03mm, this may be API 140.

So, we found the screen layer, mesh size and the diameter are interrelated.

Different  API size of shaker screen

We all know different manufacture will contribute screens under different combination. So may be screens marked with same mesh size they have different API size

For example, NOV Brandt marked screen as 6BHX84-AT and it is API 70. Derrick equipment marked screen as DF145 and it is API 100. We can't identify shaker screen simply as per description without API number.

Selecting different API size screen is professional issue during well drilling. As different drilling step will request different screen for certain filtration result

To get more information on shaker screen layer and mesh size please contact us freely

Shaker screen is treated as important wearing part for shale shaker. Almost shale shaker screens panel consist following parts. The structure including frame, the back plate, then the screen cloth, seal rubber, etc. Lets find shaker screen features below.

Shaker screen frame

Much like a canvas for painting a screen has to be supported on a frame in order to do its job, this frame differs among manufacturers in both material and shape. Materials such as square steel tubing, flat steel sheets, plastic, composites, or strips of steel (similar to a scroll) can be used to make screen frames. But the polyurethane screen doesn't request frame only need 1 square rod on each side as support

The frames comprise a rectangular-shaped outer perimeter that divides into small individual inner panels. Manufacturers produce these smaller panels in varying shapes such as square, hexagonal, and even triangular. And even on one panel screen, the holes can be different size. Such as NOV Brandt VSM300 series screen. Shaker screen frame is also related with shaker screen price

Aipu shaker screen

Wire mesh of screen panels

We know wire mesh or screen cloth is important part of shaker screens. So the mesh is another critical feature of shaker screens just like thread is woven together to create cloth, metal wire can be woven to create a metal cloth. Screen mesh has evolved over many years of competitive screen manufacturing resulting in very thin yet strong cloth designed to maximize screen life and conductance as well as to provide a consistent cut point.

Different shape of holes on screen cloth will affect screen efficiency or performance so the API designation will be different.

To increase the conductance of a mesh screen, you must minimize the amount of material in the way, achieved by either reducing the wire diameter or weaving the cloth to produce rectangular openings. Rectangular openings increase the screens conductance while minimizing the effect on its cut point where as square openings provide a more consistent cut point but offer a lower conductance.

We can't mark our screen panel as API RP13C standard if we don't test the Aipu shaker screen by professional party. The screen mesh size is a bit different with API size. Since API size designation will include the cut point, the conductance, the non blank area.

Shaker screen life

Evaluate screen panels quality, screen life is first issue to consider. To maximize screen life most manufacturers build their screens with multiple layers of mesh over a very sturdy backing cloth to further protect the cloth against solids loading and wear.

The multiple layers of screen act as a de-blinding mechanism pushing near sized particles, which may get stuck in the openings, out of the mesh reducing blinding issues and keeping the shaker screen surface available for use.

Although the performance of these shaker screens is quite impressive the only way to truly gauge the performance of any screen is to try it out and collect comparative data of your own. Under different working condition the same shaker screens will reflect different performance. Please do involve all issues when select or level the shaker screens

You have more question on screen features? You'd like to know the features of your present shaker screen practical or not? Please contact AIPU solids now.