Composite Screen Assembly for Vibratory Separator Wear Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current screen assemblies for vibratory separators and shale shakers are prone to wear and tear, difficult to handle and transport, and not resistant to harsh environments and chemicals, limiting their durability and effectiveness in separating solids from drilling mud.
Innovation Solution
A screen assembly with a composite material support featuring tapering holes and reinforcing bars, combined with a perforate plate and multiple layers of screening material, designed to withstand vibrations and harsh conditions while facilitating easy handling and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screen assemblies are used in vibratory separators, then the screening function is provided, but the screen assemblies are prone to wear and tear and have limited durability
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is made from composite material comprising a matrix material and reinforcing fibres distributed within the matrix. The composite material provides enhanced mechanical properties including wear resistance, strength, and durability compared to traditional single materials. The fibres reinforce the matrix to prevent wear and structural failure during vibratory operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters by using composite material with specific fibre types (glass, carbon, aramid, basalt, or natural fibres) and matrix materials (polymers, metals, or ceramics). This parameter change in material composition directly improves reliability and extends service life under harsh operating conditions.
2Ease of operation
If traditional screen assemblies are used in vibratory separators, then the screening function is provided, but they are difficult to handle and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The composite material support structure achieves an optimized weight-strength ratio. The reinforcing fibres provide structural strength while the matrix material binds them together, creating a lightweight yet robust support that is easier to handle and transport compared to traditional metal or solid constructions.
3Reliability
If traditional screen assemblies are used in vibratory separators, then the screening function is provided, but they are not resistant to harsh environments and chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The composite material construction provides resistance to harsh environments and chemicals. The matrix material (polymers, metals, or ceramics) and fibre reinforcement work together to create a chemically resistant support structure that maintains integrity in corrosive conditions such as exposure to drilling mud, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B~3D
AI summary
A screen assembly for use in a vibratory separator for screening a solids laden fluid, the screen assembly comprising a support (6) made of composite material and at least one layer of screening material (M, N) on said support, said support (6) having a top and a bottom and a plurality of holes (5) therethrough from said top to said bottom through which fluid is passable, said holes (5) defined by structure of the support (6) characterised in that said structure defining said holes (5) tapers between said top and said bottom of said support (6).