Shale shaker is one of the most important equipment for the whole drilling fluids system. It is a device that removes drill cuttings from fluids processing system while circulating and drilling. A shale shaker can be used in all drilling conditions in which the drilling fluids is applied. Screen selection is controlled by circulation rate, shaker design, well-bore properties, and drilling-fluids properties. Shale shaker screen is important spare part for shale shaker. Even for general solids control equipment, shaker screen is rather consumable.

Shaker screen types will be divided into various types according to different standards, generally, flat screens, pyramid screens, soft/hard hook strap screens, steel frame screens, composite screens, PU screens, etc.
 

Screen selection is critical in the operation of a drilling rig, as the shale shakers are the primary stage of drilling mud solids control system. Shaker screens can remove the solids that are larger than the screen mesh openings. The drilling mud with small solids would flow through the screen meshes, and down to the mud tank for the further purification. while the large solids or the cuttings would stay on the screen, and be vibrated and flow to the discharge end of the shaker basket. So It is highly necessary to choose a proper screen according to the solids diameter, mud gravity, viscosity & density etc. As improper screen selection can lead to loss of expensive drilling fluids, premature pump failures, overloading of other solids removal equipment such as a centrifuge, decreased equipment life, reduced rate of penetration and serious problems in the well bore.

According to different way, there will be different types. Subject to the appearance, there will be flat type ( PWP ) and pyramid ( PMD ) screens. Due to different per tensioning systems, there are such two kinds of screens as soft and hard hook stripped and polyurethane wedge clamping screen.

Furthermore, shaker screens are also divided into single-layer, double-layer and triple-layer screens. Then, according to shale shaker screen mesh size, the shaker screens are also grouped into common mesh screen, fine screen, super find screen.

Screen selection for shale shakers is dependent on geographical and geological location. Screen combinations that will handle specific flow rates in the Middle East or Far East will not necessarily handle the same flow rates in Norway or the Rocky Mountains. The best method to select shale shaker screens and/or number of shale shakers for a particular drilling site is to first use the recommendations of a qualified solids control advisor from the area. Screen application records should be written down for further guidance.