There are many parameters to judge a shaker screen performance, like non-blanked area (usable screen area), conductance, API size (screen opening), mesh size, etc… All these parameters will caused different performance of the replacement screens and the effect the shale shaker performance. There are so many manufacturers for replacement screens, how the users select the right screens for his applications?
API RP 13C is the international recognized standard for replacement shaker screen manufacturing. It means that, if the replacement screens are made per international API RP 13C standard, it ensures that, for the same screen models, the same API size of from different suppliers are all interchangeable.
Why it is the same API size screens are interchangeable for the same screen model? We will be clear after we know the definition of the screen parameters.
1) Mesh size: the size is only determine the hole quantity per square inch on the screen mesh. It depends more on the technology of screen making and the wire cloth size.
2) Conductance (unit: kd/mm). It defines the ability of fluids can go through the screen wiremesh. For the same screen, a bigger conductance means bigger capacity to handle drilling fluids.
3) The non-blanked area of a screen means the usable area of the screen to allow the drilling fluids going through. Generally speaking, the more non-blanked area, the better of the screen handling capacity.
4) The API size of the screen: As per API RP 13C Standard, if the Cut Point is within the same range, it will be defined as the same API size. It can be used as equivalent screen. Like all screens with cut point bigger than 165 microns but smaller than 196 microns can all be defined as API 80.
So the screen manufactured by different suppliers, no matter Chinese maker or U.S maker, no matter GN Solids Control, Swaco, Derrick or Brandt, the same API screen will all be replaceable even if the Mesh size , or Part No is different.