Shale Shaker Screen Tapered Anchor Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shaker screens and sealing gaskets in drilling operations require time-consuming and labor-intensive maintenance for replacement, disrupting the drilling process due to wear and tear, and lack efficient securing and sealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of tapered side members on shaker screens with adhered elastomeric gaskets and a central, angular bar anchor system that integrates with a wedge block retention bracket, allowing for easy installation and sealing without the need for frequent gasket replacement, using a combination of tapered geometry and angular channels for secure and leak-tight sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening systems with separate gaskets and fasteners are used, then the screen can be secured in the shaker, but maintenance becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive due to wear and tear requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gasket and fastener functions into a single integrated unit. The gasket is adhered directly to the screen frame, eliminating the need for separate fasteners to secure the gasket. This integration means that when the screen is removed, the gasket remains attached to the frame, and replacement is simplified to just replacing the screen itself rather than the entire gasket-fastener assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen becomes a disposable component that includes the filtering function, while the gasket is made durable and reusable by adhering it to the frame. This allows the expensive gasket to be reused across multiple screens, while the cheaper screen can be replaced frequently without wasting the gasket material.
2Ease of operation
If traditional wedge blocks are used to secure screens, then the screen can be held in place, but the fasteners wear out due to contact with drilling fluid and solids requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastener function from the gasket assembly. By adhering the gasket directly to the screen frame, the system eliminates the need for separate fasteners that would otherwise be required to secure the gasket to the frame. This removes the component subject to wear from drilling fluid and solids contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket adheres to itself on the frame, creating a self-securing system. The adhesive bonding provides the fastening function without requiring external fasteners, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating components that require maintenance.
3Reliability
If gaskets are secured with fasteners, then the seal can be maintained, but replacement requires taking the shaker offline and performing multiple steps including removing wedge blocks, screens, and fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gasket attachment to the frame through adhesive bonding, combining what were previously separate components (gasket and fastener system) into a unified assembly. This simplification reduces the number of discrete parts and assembly steps required during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the gasket from the screen frame by adhering it to the frame rather than fastening it with separate components. This segmentation allows the gasket to remain on the frame while the screen is replaced, separating the reusable gasket component from the replaceable screen component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution significantly reduces maintenance time and ensures a secure, leak-tight seal, allowing for more efficient operation and reduced downtime in drilling operations by simplifying the replacement process and eliminating the need for frequent gasket and fastener replacement.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric or plyable gasket adhered to the tapered side members
Implementation Method 2
The wedge block is pushed further back under or into the bracket, in turn pushing the wedge downward onto the screen and onto the shaker
Implementation Method 3
One or more motors in the shaker causes the screen assemblies to vibrate or oscillate... The vibrating action of the screens over which the mud passes removes larger particle size solids
Data Source
AI summary
A shaker screen comprises a frame that has a plurality of opposing sides. The shaker screen also comprises a screen assembly attached to the frame. In addition, each side of the shaker screen comprises a tubular member having an inner edge, an outer edge, and defining a central axis. Further, a horizontal plane intersects the central axis, the outer edge, and the inner edge of each side.