Well Information
Location	Eldorado, OK, USA
Well types	Spud - Production
Depth	0 ft -9605 ft
Hole size	8¾-in Intermediate Section
Fluid type	Water Based Mud, 8.8 PPG
Date	August 16, 2012 - September 16, 2012

The Situation

A rig in southwest Oklahoma was selected for head-to-head screen performance and efficiency testing of a competitor’s corrugated screen versus patented DURAFLO D500-C flat-panel replacement screen. The selected platform was equipped with two Derrick-brand D503 rig-owned shale shakers. After visual inspection, M-I SWACO ran a comprehensive motion analysis test on both shakers to evaluate the G-force and motion type using VSAT computer analysis. VSAT analysis showed an in-depth view of shaker performance in regard to accepted standards of operation. Additionally, shaker specifications were benchmarked and normalized for fair, unbiased screen comparison. VSAT analysis confirmed that both shakers were operating according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

The Results

The DURAFLO D500-C replacement screens proved to be more efficient in handling the 8¾” section with an average ROP of 66 ft/hr and average flow rate of 392 GPM using a low density 8.8 PPG WBM. While matching flow capacity and cuttings dryness, the DURAFLO D500-C replacement screens exhibited a discard rate of 130% greater than the competitor. Test data also showed that while DURAFLO D500-C replacement screens processed more solid cuttings, and maintained better separation efficiency. The quality of the liquid stream is a key performance indicator in screening efficiency. The DURAFLO D500-C replacement screens were shown to have processed finer solids as indicated by a particle size analysis of the liquid returns stream. The flat-panel design, which eliminates the “horseshoe effect” and solids bypass, allowed for a particle size reduction of 20% in the liquid returns, showing a cleaner mud being returned to the system. DURAFLO D500-C replacement screens discarded an order of magnitude of more lb. of cuttings/hour, as a testament to the durable, composite flat panel design, screen failure replacements were reduced 60%.