Snap in screen and method

A method of installing a vibratory shaker screen in a vibratory shaker, including placing a first end of the vibratory shaker screen in a retainer, wherein the retainer is a component of the vibratory shaker; pivoting a second end of the vibratory shaker screen toward a screen installation position on the vibratory shaker, deflecting a tab on one of the vibratory shaker screen and the vibratory shaker through contact of the vibratory shaker screen to another retainer of the vibratory shaker, and connecting the vibratory shaker screen to the vibratory shaker, where the tab fixedly connects the vibratory shaker screen to the vibratory shaker.

BACKGROUND

In certain industries and/or applications, the separation of a first material from a second material is desired and/or required. In addition to separating a first material from a second material, separating solids from fluids is a common occurrence in an array of industries. For example, industrial separators use screens to separate solid materials from fluids. In one instance, the mining industry uses screens to separate solid materials from fluids in order to extract a desired ore during the mining process. In another instance hydrocarbon recovery drilling operations may use a variety of equipment to separate solid materials, such as cuttings created by a drill bit, from fluids, such as drilling fluids, throughout the drilling processes.

Conventional vibratory shakers are used to separate materials in different processes. Screen designs that fit within vibratory shakers generally require a specific geometry that allows for both ends of the screen to attach and detach from the shaker. One such embodiment, called a hook-strip screen, has multiple layers of mesh fused together. A screen tension is created during the mounting process to the shaker and the tension may be increased or decreased after the screen is installed. In some embodiments, opposite sides of the screen provide a hook-strip arrangement formed by a turn-back element. The hook-strip may be attached to a tension rail, which is fixed to an internal side wall of the vibratory shaker. A tension bolt is then used to secure the hook-strip to the shaker.

Throughout the lifetime of the screen, particles cause wear to the wire mesh in the screen. As a result of this wear, a damaged or worn area of mesh will allow larger than desired particles to pass through the screen. Over time, screens must be replaced after this damage occurs. The replacement of these screens is costly and there is a need to provide a screen design that may be easily installed in vibratory shakers.

SUMMARY

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized below, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the drawings. It is to be noted that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure, and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments without specific recitation. Accordingly, the following summary provides just a few aspects of the description and should not be used to limit the described embodiments to a single concept.

In one embodiment, a method of installing a vibratory shaker screen in a vibratory shaker is disclosed. The method may comprise placing a first end of the vibratory shaker screen in contact with a first retainer of the vibratory shaker. The method may further comprise pivoting a second end of the vibratory shaker screen toward a screen installation position on the vibratory shaker. The method may still further comprise deflecting a tab on the vibratory shaker screen through contact of the vibratory shaker screen to a second retainer of the vibratory shaker during the pivoting. The method may also comprise connecting the vibratory shaker screen to the vibratory shaker, wherein the tab is positioned into a non-deflected position in contact with the second retainer such that the vibratory shaker screen is fixedly attached to the vibratory shaker.

In another embodiment, a vibratory shaker screen is disclosed. The vibratory shaker screen may comprise a mesh supporting system with at least one tab configured to move from an un-deflected position to a deflected position. The screen may also be configured wherein the at least one tab is configured to move to the deflected position upon placement of a force on the tab and wherein the tab is configured to return to the un-deflected position upon removal of the force. The shaker screen may also comprise at least one mesh portion placed on the mesh supporting system.

In another embodiment, a vibratory shaker screen is disclosed. The screen may comprise a mesh supporting system configured with a frame and at least one side of the frame has at least one tab and wherein the tab has an un-deflected position and a deflected position. The vibratory shaker screen may be configured wherein each of the at least one tab is configured to deflect upon placement of a force upon the tab and wherein the tab is configured to return to the un-deflected position upon removal of the force and wherein the mesh supporting system has a top face and a bottom face. The vibratory shaker screen may further comprise a first mesh portion connected to the top face of the mesh supporting system. The vibratory shaker screen may also comprise a second mesh portion connected to the bottom face of the mesh supporting system.

In another embodiment a method of installing a vibratory shaker screen in a vibratory shaker is disclosed. The method may comprise placing a first end of a vibratory shaker screen in contact with a vibratory shaker. The method may further comprise placing a second end of the vibratory shaker screen in contact with the vibratory shaker. The method may also comprise applying a force onto the vibratory shaker screen to deflect at least one tab on one of the vibratory shaker screen and the vibratory shaker. The method may further comprise connecting the vibratory shaker screen to the vibratory shaker, wherein the at least one tab is positioned into a non-deflected position such that the vibratory shaker screen is fixedly attached to the vibratory shaker.

Other aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following description and the attached claims.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures (“FIGS”). It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures. Like elements in the various figures will be referenced with like numbers for consistency. In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of various embodiments and/or features. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the art, that some embodiments may be practiced without many of these details, and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible. As used herein, the terms “above” and “below”, “up” and “down”, “upper” and “lower”, “upwardly” and “downwardly”, and other like terms indicating relative positions above or below a given point are used in this description to more clearly describe certain embodiments.

In one aspect, embodiments herein relate to a filtering assembly or screen design to be used with a vibratory shaker. In some embodiments, where it is desired to maximize the amount of screening capability on a linear measure basis, the screen designs disclosed may be altered, to provide a screening surface area different than shown in the FIGS. In the embodiments described below, the disclosure relates to oil and gas drilling. The drilling and subsequent mechanical separation functions may be performed on land or at sea. In the illustrated embodiment, a land based operation is described.

In these embodiments, a vibratory shaker screen is provided that is economical to install and uninstall compared to conventional screens, such as hook-strip screens. Contrary to components in conventional systems, the screening technology used in the vibratory shaker screen described herein requires only minimal mechanical skills of an operator for screen installation within a vibratory shaker. In embodiments described, installation occurs when tabs on the vibratory shaker screen “snap” into place underneath or into a retainer provided on the vibratory shaker and a mechanical engagement between the screen and the shaker is established. Removal of the vibratory shaker screen may occur when the tabs are deflected, and the mechanical engagement is disengaged. Conventional vibratory shaker screens require complex tools to allow for establishment of a mechanical connection between the vibratory shaker screen and the vibratory shaker. While conventional vibratory shaker screens may perform adequately under service conditions, operators are challenged to provide a connection that is sufficiently strong to withstand expected forces from the vibratory shaker. As the installation of conventional screens can be difficult, operators use extreme care during the installation of screens. Such installation techniques take time and are costly.

Vibratory shakers come in many sizes, and therefore, more than one single vibratory shaker screen is used in the hydrocarbon recovery industry. Problems are encountered when multiple vibratory shaker screens must be changed by operators. Vibratory shaker screens can be heavy, as they are made of metallic components, and affixing the vibratory shaker screens to a vibratory shaker often requires numerous hand tools to establish a mechanical connection. When multiple vibratory shaker screens must be replaced, the vibratory shaker is unavailable for processing, impacting the overall economics of drilling operations. Embodiments described herein, including both methods and apparatus, resolve these concerns by drastically reducing the installation and maintenance costs of screening technology. Embodiments herein also relieve constraints for improper installation of vibratory shaker screens as the connection system is incorporated into the vibratory shaker screen itself. With a minimization of rotary parts required for screen installation, as well as an elimination of installation tools, the method of installing the described vibratory shaker screen to the vibratory shaker is quicker, easier, and less prone to error compared to conventional systems.

An example drilling rig is described for identification of the components described in relation to the vibratory shaker, as well as the methods used for screen installation within the vibratory shaker system. In this context, aspects of the disclosure may relate to shale shaking screens. Use of the technology in the following disclosure may be used in elliptical or linear motion shaker systems. In the illustrated embodiment, a metal screen is disclosed. Other embodiments are possible. Aspects of the disclosure may be used in plastic composite steel frame screens, rock shaker screens, double deck screens as well as more complex screens such as wave configuration screens. Although described as being applicable to a vibratory shaker that is used in hydrocarbon recovery drilling rigs, a person of skill in the art will recognize that other types of systems may also benefit from the arrangements described. In one embodiment, vibratory shakers are used in the processing of mining materials, where separation of different size solid components is necessary. In other embodiments, aspects of the disclosure may be used to install screens on electrodynamic shakers for processing of bulk materials. Screening technology used in chutes, silos and hoppers may also use this technology where maintenance of screening is an important, but costly, task that must be performed by operators. In other processing, screening technology used in food and the pharmaceutical industry can use such a technology, therefore the description of applicability to drilling rigs is merely illustrative.

Referring toFIG. 1, an example drilling rig100is illustrated. The drilling rig100is used to obtain hydrocarbons from reserves located beneath the surface of the ground. In order to obtain these hydrocarbons, a wellbore102is created within an earth stratum104. Penetration into the stratum104is achieved through use of a drill bit106. The drill bit106is made of rugged material, such as a metallic rotary head that has diamonds impregnated within the surface for the purpose of grinding materials within the earth stratum104. Rotary motion of the drill bit106cuts materials (“cuttings”) at the bottom of the wellbore102that are to be removed. To remove such cuttings/materials, water and/or chemicals are pumped down a drill string112and exit ports in the drill bit106. The water/chemicals lift the cuttings up an annular area116.

As the industry wishes to recover the hydrocarbons in the most efficient manner possible, the water/chemicals are desired to be re-used. The water/chemicals should then be separated from the cuttings by a vibratory shaker109. The processing of the water/chemicals can take several forms, including use of the vibratory shaker109and a hydrocyclone (not shown) to separate heavier materials from lighter materials.

In a progression of drilling, individual sections of drill string pipe114are connected to one another at joints to allow fluids to be safely conveyed to the drill bit106downhole. As illustrated, the drill bit106is configured such that the overall width of the drill bit106is slightly larger than the drill string112, thus creating an annular area116between an exterior surface of the drill string112and the inner surface of the wellbore102. The vibratory shaker109may be used with other systems, such as hydocyclones, to separate materials from the water/chemical mixture. The vibratory shaker109may be a single or multiple deck type of shaker apparatus. Hydrocyclones may be used prior to or post screening operations, as needed.

To lengthen the drill string112, subsequent sections of drill string pipe114may be added to the drill string112by using a crane118placed on a derrick120. A connection between the section of drill string pipe114being added and the drill string112is established through rotation of the section of pipe114being added. Once a connection is established, the drill string112may be further pushed into the stratum104until a further section of pipe is needed. A driving mechanism, such as a top drive or a rotary table may be disconnected from the drill string112, a new section of pipe114may be added, and rotation of the drill string112and attached drill bit106may continue.

Although illustrated as a straight wellbore102(i.e., vertical orientation), the wellbore102may deviate from the vertical orientation. The amount of deviation may be chosen by operators in order to achieve penetration of different sections of stratum104. In some embodiments, the wellbore102may be horizontally positioned to maximize an amount of the wellbore102to a specific stratum104where a hydrocarbon reserve is located. The wellbore102may then travel along the hydrocarbon reserve for maximum recovery of hydrocarbons. The directional control of the drill string112may be though a rotatable steering system (“RSS”) that may either push the drill bit106or point the drill bit106a specific direction to achieve a desired angle of stratum104penetration.

Drilling fluid or “mud” may be stored in a pit127or tank located at the wellsite. In another embodiment, a pump129delivers the drilling fluid to a port in a swivel119causing the fluid to flow downwardly through the drill string112and, consequently, transporting cuttings to the surface in the annular area116. Other types of treatments to the water/chemical mixture are possible. Although described as a pit127, other configurations for storing drilling fluid may comprise use of a single or multiple tanks. Mixing of the drilling fluids used in operations may be determined by operators based upon the soil characteristics of the stratum104encountered.

In the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 2-8, drilling fluid may include specialty chemicals, such as emulsifiers and wetting agents, flocculants, defoamers and corrosion inhibitors used in the drilling process and solids that may be transported to the up-hole environment and processed through the vibratory shaker109. Processing of the drilling fluid can occur through a vibratory shaker109and a mud cleaner that provides for high efficiency solids removal and fluids preservation for the entire circulating volume.

In one embodiment, referring toFIG. 2, a vibratory shaker screen200is disclosed. The vibratory shaker screen200may be used within the vibratory shaker109ofFIG. 1. The vibratory shaker screen200includes a mesh supporting system202. The vibratory shaker screen200is configured to extend between retainers500(FIG. 5) of the vibratory shaker109. The mesh supporting system202may be a frame or housing. The mesh supporting system202may be constructed of metal (e.g. steel, aluminum, etc.), thermoset polymeric material, thermoplastic polymeric material, a reinforced composite material, or any other suitable material. The mesh supporting system202, in the instance of metal being used, may be of a welded construction to provide for durability of anticipated acceleration loadings created by the vibratory shaker109. Vibratory shaker screens200may be sized to cover an entire area inside a vibratory shaker109or may be made in smaller sub-sections that can each be replaced. Advantages of small dimensional vibratory shaker screens200include lighter weight for operators to handle, and the ability to change or replace smaller sections of screening systems, which minimizes waste. In other embodiments, the frame may form portions of a tab308(FIG. 3). In these embodiments, sections of the mesh supporting system202may be removed, leaving at least one tab308extending from the mesh supporting system202. In other embodiments, at least one tab308may be welded to the exterior side surface of the mesh supporting system202, thereby allowing a quick and efficient production of the vibratory shaker screen200. Tabs308may be located on any member, such as side members204,206,208or210. For ease of description, installation of a vibratory shaker screen200will be discussed below with installation of the screen in or at a first end220and subsequent rotation of the vibratory shaker screen200to an installed positon, wherein a tab308located at a second end222of the screen200.

The mesh supporting system202is attached to the internal portion of the vibratory shaker109. The mesh supporting system202is configured with four side members204,206,208,210, a top face212, and a bottom face214. The four side members204,206,208,210define an exterior perimeter of the mesh supporting system202. The profile of the top face212and bottom face214are planer inFIG. 2but may be other shapes. The top face212and bottom face214may have a convex, concave, or an irregular shape, such as a wave shape. The mesh supporting system202may have structural elements, such as ribs, that add structural rigidity to the mesh supporting system202.

The top face212and the bottom face214may be connected through supports218that extend from the top face212to the bottom face214. In the illustrated embodiment, the structural supports218are perpendicular to the top face212and bottom face214; however, the structural supports218may be located at an angle, thereby connecting different “x” coordinate positions on the mesh supporting system202. The structural supports218may be constructed from flat plate steel, thereby limiting the amount of screening surface area interrupted by the structural support218.

The structural supports218may run from the first end220to the second end222. Other structural supports219may run from a third end224to a fourth end226. Support, therefore, may be provided throughout the mesh supporting system202. Ends of the mesh supporting system202may include a tubular frame for rigidity for expected loads from the vibratory shaker109. In an embodiment using relatively short screens, structural supports218,219may be omitted as the mesh supporting system202may have sufficient rigidity to withstand loading.

Each vibratory shaker screen200may include multiple screening segments228. These screening segments228extend over sections of the vibratory shaker screen200. In one embodiment, a single screening segment228may be used. If wider areas are required to be screened, then multiple screening segments228may be used. As screening may extend on the top face212and the bottom face214, two different levels of screening capability may be provided on a single screen200. These different levels of screening capability may vary according to a type of mesh230that is used or the different levels may use the same type of mesh230. Two different mesh sizes may be used for the top face212as opposed to the bottom face214. In other embodiments, the mesh supporting system202supports the top face212and the bottom face214, and the mesh portions for the top face212and the bottom face214may be made of differing materials. The top face212and the bottom face214may also be made into more complex geometries. In one embodiment, the top face212may provide a triangular form, while the bottom face214may provide a planar configuration.

In still other embodiments, a complex support system may be provided for the top face212, wherein a single layer of mesh230covers a wave form shape, wherein peaks and valleys of the mesh230extend toward the front face212and the back face214. Such a shape provides for greater sifting capability per square unit measurement as the amount of mesh exposed to material is greater than that exposed in a flat system. As will be understood, the mesh230may cover the entire vibratory shaker screen200in a single portion, or a different number of sections (portions) may be used.

Referring toFIG. 3, the mesh supporting system202ofFIG. 2is illustrated along section A-A. Areas around a tab308ofFIG. 2, on side member210, are illustrated. The purpose of the tab308is to provide a mechanical connection between the mesh supporting system202and a vibratory shaker109. To accomplish this, the tab308is designed to deflect in direction322when a force is placed on the angled surface312. Such force is exerted when the mesh supporting system202is rotated into an installed position. The size of the mesh supporting system202is such that the overall length of the mesh supporting system202extends from inner surfaces of the vibratory shaker109and the tab lock surface310fits underneath a retainer500(illustrated inFIG. 5) positioned on the vibratory shaker109. In the configuration ofFIG. 5, the tab308is placed under the retainer500of the vibratory shaker109. In one embodiment, the mesh supporting system202is configured of a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, A36 carbon steel. The metal of the tab308is configured to deflect around a pivot point324located at a top of a deflection area316. As will be understood, the deflection area316can be increased or decreased in size to allow greater or lesser amounts of deflection for the tab308. In other embodiments, a gap306provided for the screen may have a greater overall length, moving the pivot point324upward, allowing for greater deflection of the tab308toward the left ofFIG. 3. For installation of a vibratory shaker screen200in a vibratory shaker109with a very high “g” loading, the amount of material present in the tab connection area318is increased compared with processes that do not desire to have as high a force loading. The stiffer connection of the tab308in these instances, provide for more resistance to bending and sheer that will be experienced by the vibratory shaker screen200during loading. In another embodiment, the tab may be a mechanical device or lever with a spring to perform the same function.

An angled surface312is provided such that rotation of the mesh supporting system202into the installation position, illustrated and described causes contact between a retainer500and the angled surface312and not between the retainer500and the bottom edge314. Such an installation position will allow the lock surface310to engage the retainer500located on the vibratory shaker109. By having the length of the mesh supporting system202defined by the amount of open top surface302along the top face212that extends between retainers500on the vibratory shaker109, the greater amount of projection of the tab308will allow for contact between the retainer500on the vibratory shaker109and the angled surface312and prevent jamming if contact between the bottom edge314and the retainer500were to occur. As will be understood, each of the tabs308may be constructed from a flexible material such that a mechanical connection may be established without permanently deforming the tab308. Highly ductile materials such as aluminum or steel may be used to provide for rigidity and long service life.

Referring toFIG. 4, the tab308is shown during an installation wherein the first end220is located under a retainer while the remainder of the vibratory shaker screen200is pivoted toward a retainer500located within a vibratory shaker109. Although illustrated as a straight or “flat” retainer500under which the tab308connects, it will be understood that other configurations are possible. One such possibility is a configuration with a hole within a side of a structural side member of the vibratory shaker109. Such a hole would provide for entry of the lock surface310to an interior of the hole, thereby locking the vibratory shaker screen200into place. The hole may be a simple depression in the structural member, therefore eliminating a material escape path for materials being processed by the vibratory shaker109. In other embodiments, the retainer500may be a ring configuration under which the tab308connects. In still other embodiments, the tab308may also have an upward flange extending from the lock surface310to engage the ring configuration.

An area defined by a depth320and the lock surface310on the tab308creates a contact surface with the retainer500of the vibratory shaker109. In the embodiment illustrated, the amount of force of the weight of the vibratory shaker screen200during normal and high “g” loadings will not exceed the yield and bending strength of the materials within the vibratory shaker screen200, such as in the tab connection area318. As will be understood, the term “g” loading is defined as a multiple of the acceleration of gravity. To this end, normal operations of a vibratory shaker109mechanism will be approximately 6.5 “g” or times the acceleration of gravity. In some vibratory shakers109, a second “peak” acceleration mode is provided. The peak acceleration mode is higher than the 6.5 “g”. In one embodiment, the peak acceleration mode is approximately 7.5 “g”. Other configurations having different “g” loading are possible. Service loading of the vibratory shaker screen200may be experienced from several force components, such as the weight of the vibratory shaker screens200themselves, the fluids transporting and impacting the structural members of the screen and solids impacting the screening material (mesh). When accelerations are added to these loads by the vibratory shaker109, the amount of force that each vibratory shaker screen200experiences can be large. Since the amount of force can be large, the amount of contact between the tab308and the retainer500is provided such that material yield of the tab308does not occur. For larger loads, a greater lock surface310may be used to provide for loading in the “y” direction. For larger loads in the “x” direction, a larger cut out or depth320may be provided.

In one embodiment, numerous tabs308may be used on one vibratory shaker screen200. Generally, at least two (2) tabs308are provided on each face of the mesh supporting system202. In other embodiments, where a first side member208may be retained by both a top and bottom retainer500, the tabs308may be omitted on the side that is retained by such a feature. As will be understood, the number of tabs308may vary according to the amount of mechanical connection desired to the vibratory shaker. Some side members of a vibratory shaker screen200may have no tabs308, while other side members may have 1 or more tabs308. In embodiments, the tabs308may be disposed across the length of screen, for example, directly in the center of the screen.

Referring toFIG. 4, the vibratory shaker screen200is being rotated into a fully installed position, shown inFIG. 5. In this embodiment ofFIG. 4, the vibratory shaker screen200, at a first end220, is retained by a retainer500located on an inside wall of the shaker109. With the first end220placed within the retainer500, the second end222is rotated in a clockwise motion to allow for the second end222to engage a retainer500within the vibratory shaker109as shown inFIG. 5. As will be understood, such a configuration is merely one example. In another example, an alternative configuration is provided wherein the second end222may be inserted into a retainer500and a rotation of a counterclockwise motion may be used with a tab308connecting to a retainer500on the vibratory shaker109.

Although not shown, a structural support member may allow for limitation of travel such that the screen does not rotate an amount larger than necessary. In some embodiments, the tab308may also contact a portion of a retainer500after rotation is complete. In this embodiment, the forces in the “y” direction may be imparted into the bottom edge314.

Referring toFIG. 5, the vibratory shaker screen200is illustrated in a fully engaged or installed condition. As illustrated, the rotation of the vibratory shaker screen200is complete and the lock surface310extends below the retainer500such that the lock surface310is engaged to a bottom surface of the retainer500. The retainer500also contacts the depth320of the tab308to allow for “x” direction structural loading. Forces along the “x” axis are transferred from the depth to the tab connection area318, as illustrated inFIG. 3. Vertical forces are transmitted as a sheer force at pivot point324as well as a moment with a moment arm of approximately the deflection area316plus the bottom edge314plus half of the lock surface310distance. In this installed position, the tab308is fully extended under the retainer500without deflection in direction322, as illustrated inFIG. 3. In embodiments where a vibratory shaker109is processing materials out a front of the vibratory shaker109, the vibratory shaker screens200may be slightly angled with an edge at the front of the vibratory shaker109at a lower elevation compared to a back of the vibratory shaker109. In such a configuration, materials that enter the back of the vibratory shaker109are processed toward a front of the vibratory shaker109, while drilling fluid gathers in a skid underneath the vibratory shaker109. Then, dewatered materials, cuttings, exit from the front of the vibratory shaker109. In other embodiments, final processing occurs out the back of the vibratory shaker109, therefore, in these installations, the vibratory shaker screens200are slightly angled toward the rear. In each of the cases described, the slight change in elevation of the vibratory shaker screen200allows materials to flow to the respective lower end and exit the vibratory shaker109.

In an embodiment, a tab308may be located on at least one retainer500of the vibratory shaker109. The tab308may protrude from the retainer500. In another embodiment, the tab308may have a depth320, an angled surface312, a lock surface310and a bottom edge314. The tab308may engage the vibratory shaker screen200in the retainer500provided. The retainer500may be, for example, a hole within the mesh supporting system202. In such a configuration, a first end of the vibratory shaker screen200may be positioned to engage a first tab308on the vibratory shaker109. After positioning the vibratory shaker screen200with the tab308in the vibratory shaker screen200, the vibratory shaker screen200may be rotated such that a second end of the vibratory shaker screen200is engaged by a second tab308on an opposite side of the vibratory shaker109. In such an embodiment, more than one tab308may be used.

Although discussed above as a single tab connection, an entire vibratory shaker screen200may have multiple holes on each side, thus allowing a plurality of tabs308to be inserted into the vibratory shaker screen200at one time.

To provide for greater amounts of the lock surface310, the angle of extension “α” may be increased. In the illustrated embodiment, the value “α” may be 120 degrees measured from the bottom edge314of the tab308. Other embodiments for value “a” may be used. In other embodiments, tabs may be used not only on opposite side members, but also on all mesh support system202members of a s vibratory shaker screen200.

Referring toFIG. 6, a method600of installing a vibratory shaker screen in a vibratory shaker is disclosed. At602, the method may comprise placing a first end of the vibratory shaker screen in a retainer, wherein the retainer is a component of the vibratory shaker. This retainer for the first end may be a fixed retainer with both a top edge and a bottom edge, and the entire vibratory shaker screen fits within the retainer. At604, the method may comprise pivoting a second end of the vibratory shaker screen toward a screen installation position on the vibratory shaker. At606, the method may further comprise deflecting a tab on the vibratory shaker screen and the vibratory shaker through contact of the vibratory shaker screen to another retainer of the vibratory shaker. At608, the method may comprise connecting the screen to the vibratory shaker, wherein the tab is deployed such that the vibratory shaker screen cannot move without re-deflecting the tab connector. At610, the method may also comprise providing a notification to an operator that the connecting of the screen to the vibratory shaker apparatus is successful. The notification provided to the operator may be a visual or auditory signal that a successful installation has occurred. In one embodiment, a sensor may be used to determine engagement of the tab308to the retainer and provide a light signal or sound signal that engagement has been achieved. In another embodiment, the sensor may be located within the shaker with the tab configured to actuate the sensor.

As will be understood, as illustrated inFIG. 7, another method700of installation of a vibratory shaker screen may be performed. The vibratory shaker screen may be sized such that tabs on the vibratory shaker screen will deflect from a downward or “y” axis placement of force. Tabs located on each side of the vibratory shaker screen will deflect toward an “in-ward” position or deflected position, and then return to respective un-deflected positions once each tab encounters less resistance, such as an end of a retainer or a depression within the side of the vibratory shaker109. At702, the method may comprise providing a vibratory shaker screen with tabs. At704, the method may comprise positioning the vibratory shaker screen over an area in the vibratory shaker where it is desired to process materials. At706, the method may comprise applying a force to the vibratory shaker screen such that tabs are moved from an un-deflected position to a deflected position and moving the vibratory shaker screen such that each of the tabs engages a retainer. At708, the method may also comprise generating a notification such that an operator may identify that each of the tabs has engaged an appropriate retainer. In this embodiment, the retainer may be on the screen200with the tabs deploying into the screen200.

Removal of a vibratory shaker200screens may occur when a lock surface310is disengaged from its respective retainer500. In an embodiment, the retainer500may be removed from a vibratory shaker109. In another embodiment, an operator may access an area underneath an installed screen within the respective vibratory shaker screen and deflect the tab308on the screen such that the lock surface310no longer contacts the retainer500. By using this method, the removal process is simplified and no use of hand tools is necessary. As provided inFIG. 8, a method800of removal of a vibratory shaker screen from a vibratory shaker is illustrated. At802, the method may comprise locating tabs on the vibratory shaker screen, wherein the tabs are located in a non-deflected position. At804, the method may further comprise placing a force on each tab of the vibratory shaker screen, such that the tab moves from a non-deflected position to a deflected position, wherein the deflected position entails a locking surface of the tab disengaging from a retainer. At806, the method may also comprise removing the vibratory shaker screen from the vibratory shaker while the tabs are in the deflected position.

The above disclosure provides screening technology that allows for connection to a vibratory shaker system that will accept high forces during processing.

The above disclosure also provides a connection technology that will allow different types of vibratory shaker screens that are prone to damage to be removed from a vibratory shaker system such that processing of materials may continue.

The above disclosure further provides methodologies for connecting different types of vibratory shaker screens to vibratory shakers, wherein the methodologies are readily understandable by operators and involve a minimum of specialty tools.

The above disclosure also provides methods for disconnecting different types of screens to shakers, wherein the disconnecting process may be quickly performed, reducing maintenance costs.

In another embodiment, the method may be performed, wherein the notification is one of a visual identifier and an audible identifier.

In another embodiment, the vibratory shaker screen200may be configured wherein the tab308is configured with a defection area316between the tab308and a remainder of the mesh supporting system202.

In another embodiment, the vibratory shaker screen200may be configured wherein at least one mesh portion is placed in the mesh supporting system202, and the mesh supporting system202is made of one of a polymer, a metal and a composite material.

While embodiments have been described herein, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments are envisioned that do not depart from the inventive scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present claims or any subsequent claims shall not be unduly limited by the description of the embodiments described herein.