Field guide

Troubleshooting Screen Challenges

Diagnose the most common shaker screen problems — from off-spec cuts to blinding and short screen life — and apply the right fix.

Start with the symptom

What are you seeing?

Off-spec end product

Too many oversize particles

Likely causeSolution
Screen opening too largeSelect a screen with a smaller opening.
Hole or tear in screenReplace the shale shaker screen.
Material bypassCheck seals and gaskets. Use a pre-tensioned screen.
Off-spec end product

Too many fines

Likely causeSolution
Screen opening too smallSelect a screen with a larger opening.
Severely blinded screenSee screen blinding below.
Screen overloadedReduce the feed rate.
Multiple-deck screener

Low product yield

Likely causeSolution
Upper screen blindedSee screen blinding below.
Upper screen opening too smallSelect an upper screen with a larger opening.
Lower screen failedCheck the lower screen for holes or tears.
Lower screen opening too largeSelect a lower screen with a smaller opening.
Open area blocked

Screen blinding

Likely causeSolution
Wire diameter too heavySelect a screen with a lighter wire diameter.
Worn sliders or ballsCheck anti-blinding devices and replace them as needed.
Screen blocked with materialClean or replace the screen.
Screen overloadedReduce the feed rate.
Premature failure

Short screen life

Likely causeSolution
Wire diameter too lightSelect a screen with a heavier wire diameter.
Improper handlingTake care not to crease or dent screens during handling or installation.
Screen overloadedReduce the feed rate.
Screen corrodedTry alternative alloys to stainless steel wire mesh, or a screen made from a synthetic material.
Understanding blinding

Why screens blind

Screen blinding happens when some or all of the screen's open area is blocked by mud — and it is often behind a gradual decline in shale shaker performance.

  • Feed rate too highSolids arrive on the screen faster than it can process them.
  • Poor screen selectionFor example, a screen with too heavy a wire diameter.
  • Mud characteristicsProperties such as cohesiveness can blind the cloth.
Compare cloth types

Still seeing screen problems?

Our engineers can review your shaker setup, mud properties and screen selection and recommend the right screen package.

Talk to an engineer Browse screens