What is the difference between API and mesh size shaker screen?

06 Aug.,2024

 

Perfect Guide to common shaker screen sizes in | YKM

Shale Shaker screen and the Shaker screen sizes play a pivotal role in the drilling industry, ensuring effective separation of solids from drilling fluids. Shaker screens serve as critical components in the process of separating solids from drilling fluids or other materials.

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One critical aspect defining their efficiency is their size. Understanding common shaker screen sizes is imperative for optimizing drilling operations.

Overview of Common Shaker Screen Sizes

Shaker screen sizes vary widely, typically ranging from API 20 to API 325, each designated for particular applications based on their mesh count and aperture size of the woven mesh screens.

What are the importance of Size in Shaker Screens?

The sizes of shaker screen directly influences its performance. The mesh count and configuration dictate the effectiveness in sieving various materials.

What are the factors affecting sizes of shaker screen

Several factors influence the choice of screen size which are:

  • Material being sieved
  • Physical conditions
  • Desired level of separation.

Understanding Shaker Screen Sizes

Importance of Screen Size in Shaker Operations

The size of shaker screens significantly impacts the separation process. It determines the cut point, influencing the effectiveness of solid removal.

What is the Standard Measurement Units for Shaker Screens Sizes?

Shaker screen sizes are measured using mesh counts or API designations, representing the number of openings per linear inch. These measurements standardize screen sizes across various wire mesh manufacturers.

What are the Common Shaker Screen Sizes?

From fine to coarse, shaker shaker screens vary widely in sizes and mesh configurations. Common sizes of wire mesh range from API 20 to API 325, each catering to specific particle separation requirements.

What are the basic Shaker Screen Size Categories

Fine Mesh Screens

API 100 to API 325 screens suit finer solids control needs, offering efficient separation of smaller particles.

Medium Mesh Screens

API 60 to API 100 screens strike a balance between efficiency and capacity, suitable for moderate drilling conditions.

Coarse Mesh Screens

API 20 to API 60 screens handle larger solid volumes, ideal for coarse solids separation in less demanding drilling scenarios.

Factors Influencing Screen Size Selection includes:

Application Specifics

Different drilling applications demand varying screen sizes. Factors like drilling depth, mud properties, and solids content guide the selection process.

Drilling Conditions

The geological makeup and drilling conditions also dictate optimal screen size selection. Abrasive formations might require finer screens for efficient solids control.

Fluid Properties

The viscosity and density of drilling fluids affect the screen size choice. Fluids with high viscosity might necessitate larger openings to prevent blockages.

Maintenance and Replacement Considerations

Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn-out screens are imperative to maintain operational efficiency and prevent disruptions.

Innovations in Shaker Screen Sizing

YKM is one of top ss wire mesh suppliers in UAE with a dedicated R & D Team. Our expert engineers work closely with the industries and understand the physical condition and our wire cloth is optimized to it. Recent advancements have led to innovations in screen designs, enhancing durability, efficiency, and finer separations, contributing to improved overall performance.

Faq (Frequently asked question)

What are the standard shaker screen sizes?

Standard shaker screen sizes typically range from API 20 to API 325. These sizes are classified based on the number of openings per linear inch in the screen cloth.

What does the API designation signify in shaker screen sizes?

The API (American Petroleum Institute) designation indicates the screen&#;s mesh size or the number of openings per linear inch. For instance, API 20 has larger openings compared to API 325.

How do different screen sizes affect solids separation?

Smaller API sizes (higher numbers) like API 325 indicate finer mesh screens, which are more effective in separating smaller solids from drilling mud. Larger API sizes (lower numbers) like API 20 are suitable for larger solids.

Which screen size should I use for specific drilling operations?

he choice of screen size depends on the drilling conditions and the solids content in the drilling mud. Finer screens (higher API numbers) are preferred for fine solids, while coarser screens (lower API numbers) work better for larger particles.

Do shaker screens vary in construction material?

Yes, shaker screens can be made of various materials, including stainless steel, composite materials, and polyurethane. Each material has its advantages in terms of durability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

Shaker screen API to mesh size conversion

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

Shaker screen API

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

 

Mesh Conversion table

Mesh designation

Micron

API number

20

840 20 30 590

30

40

420 40

50

297

50

60

250

60

70

210

70

80

177

80

100

149

100

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120

125

120

140

105

140

170

88

170

200

74 200 230 62

230

270

53

270

325 44

325

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

Mesh Conversion table

Mesh designation

Micron

API number

XL024C

779

25

XL038C

590

35

XL050C

420

50

XL070C

297

60

XL084C

250

70

XL105C

210

80

XL120C

177 100

XL150C

149

120

XL165C

125

140

XL200C

105

140

XL220C

88

170

XL230C

74

200

XL270C

62

200

XL325C

53

230

XL360C

44

270

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

For more information, please visit Swaco Shaker Screen types.