First offshore field trial of Duraflo Composite Replacement Screens for BRANDT VSM Multi-Sizer separator

Location

Norway, Europe, Offshore

Summary

The SLB Duraflo™ composite screen provided a cost-effective, secure, and reliable replacement for the BRANDT™ VSM™ Multi-Sizer separator, matching OEM metal screen performance while reducing handling time and HSE exposure. The lighter, easier-to-install screens delivered equivalent capacity, cuttings dryness, and screen life compared to OEM metal screens. No damage or irregular wear was observed on shaker basket, confirming the reliability and security of the SLB solution.

Objective

During an offshore drilling campaign in Norway, the operator sought to improve the efficiency and reliability of shaker screen replacement on a jackup rig. The primary goal was to reduce the time, effort, and HSE risks associated with handling, replacing, and plugging screens on the Multi-Sizer separator, while maintaining the performance of OEM metal screens. The customer needed a cost-effective solution that would streamline screen handling, ensure basket integrity, and deliver reliable solids control performance under demanding offshore conditions.

SLB composite screen and OEM metal screen shown side by side to compare weight and screen design.

Comparison of shaker screen weights.

Results

SLB proposed a first side-by-side field trial on an offshore rig to compare the new Duraflo composite screens with OEM metal screens on the VSM Multi-Sizer separator's middle and bottom primary decks. Both screen types were installed on the same shaker, with positions periodically swapped to ensure fair exposure to similar flow rates and solids loading. The Duraflo composite screens featured a multilayer mesh, high-strength polypropylene plastic frame, and a steel rod substructure, designed for durability and ease of use.

Duraflo composite screens demonstrated several operational advantages: their lighter weight and improved locking mechanism enabled faster and safer installation and removal, significantly reducing manual handling and HSE exposure. The proprietary SNAP-LOK™ plug screen-repair system allowed easy plugging of all screen cells without cutting mesh or using glue, further enhancing safety and efficiency.

Close-up comparison of SLB composite and OEM metal screens showing screen mesh condition and plugging.

Performance data collected during the trial showed no significant differences between SLB and OEM metal screens in terms of fluid handling capacity, cuttings dryness, or screen life. Visual inspections confirmed that the shaker basket remained undamaged, validating the compatibility and reliability of the composite screens.

OEM metal and SLB composite screens shown during shaker operation for performance comparison.

Visual observation of the shaker pond level indicates equivalent handling capacity. As lower pond depth generally reflects higher fluid throughput, while higher pond depth indicates reduced capacity. The absence of noticeable differences confirms consistent performance throughout the test.

Cuttings dryness was assessed through retort analysis of the shaker discharge to compare the performance of the two screens. Based on the results, no appreciable difference was observed. “LS” denotes the screen installed on the left side of the shaker, whereas “RS” denotes the screen installed on the right side.

Tables summarizing screen cutting dryness and screen life during the test.

Overall equal screen usage resulted in comparable screen life during the test. ST” stands for sidetrack.

Operator feedback was uniformly positive, highlighting the ease of use and reliability of the SLB solution. These results, supported by both field and controlled yard testing, demonstrate that the replacement SLB Duraflo composite screens deliver equivalent performance to OEM metal screens while improving operational efficiency and safety.

Duraflo and SNAP-LOK are marks of SLB. Other company, product, and service names are the properties of their respective owners.

Products Used

DURAFLO

Composite replacement screens

Significantly reduce costs with exceptional screen life and superior fluids handling.