Production Screen Test

Purpose

Characterise the coarse-solids content and particle-size distribution of drilling fluid by passing a sample through a series of calibrated mesh screens. Results guide shale-shaker screen selection and solids-control equipment performance evaluation.

Equipment

• Screen set: graduated mesh sizes (e.g. 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 140, 200 mesh or as specified)
• Collection pan
• Wash bottle with water
• Balance (if gravimetric analysis is required)
• Drying oven (for gravimetric method)

Procedure

1. Nest the screens in descending mesh size (coarsest on top), with the collection pan at the bottom.
2. Pour a measured volume or mass of well-mixed mud sample onto the top screen.
3. Wash the sample with water while agitating gently to help fines pass through each screen.
4. Continue washing until the rinse water through each screen is clear.
5. Collect and record the material retained on each screen.
6. For gravimetric results, dry retained fractions and weigh each; calculate as a percentage of total solids recovered.

Notes

• Report the percentage of material retained on each screen by volume or mass, as applicable.
• The test indicates the effectiveness of surface solids-control equipment when correlated with shale-shaker cut-point data.
• Use screen sizes relevant to the formation cuttings and shale-shaker screens in use on the rig.
• Clean and dry all screens thoroughly between tests to prevent cross-contamination.