Screen for a vibratory separator

#1. Field of the Invention

#Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to shale shakers and screens for shale shakers. Specifically, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a shale shaker configured to engage a wedge-like screen frame.

#2. Background

#FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a prior art method to attach a screen assembly to a shale shaker.

#FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a screen frame in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

#FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic drawings of a screen assembly and screen frame according to embodiments disclosed herein.

#In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a screen assembly for an oilfield shale shaker, where the screen assembly includes screen mesh disposed on a screen frame. Specifically, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a shale shaker configured to engage a wedge-like screen frame. In some embodiments, a wedge-like screen frame may include side rails, wherein a slope of the top surface of the side rails is different than a slope of the bottom surface of the side rails.

#Embodiments of the screen frame disclosed herein may not require bolts, clamps, or additional parts such as wedge blocks, to hold a screen in place. Additionally, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a screen frame that may limit the occurrence of accidental damage to the screen or may reduce the time required to change or install the screen frame in a shale shaker.

#Referring initially to FIG. 2, a screen frame 20 for an oilfield shaker in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The screen frame 20 has a first side rail 22 and a second side rail 24 extending between a first end 26 and a second end 28. At least one longitudinal cross-member 30 may extend between first end 26 and second end 28, disposed between first side rail 22 and second side rail 24. A plurality of transverse ribs 32 is arrayed between first end 26 and second end 28, intersecting with and supported by longitudinal cross-members 30, forming a plurality of perforations 34 between transverse ribs 32. A layer or more of mesh (not shown) may be placed on upper surface 36 and may cover perforations 34 such that solid particles larger than a designated mesh size, in a slurry flowing across the screen disposed on screen frame 20, will not pass through the screen and the screen frame 20.