During an offshore drilling campaign in Norway, the operator sought to improve the efficiency and safety 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 VSM 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 proposed a second side-by-side field trial on a different offshore rig to further 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. Designed for durability and ease of use, the Duraflow composite screens feature a multilayer mesh, high-strength polypropylene plastic frame, and steel rod substructure.
The 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 all screen cells without cutting mesh or using glue, further enhancing safety and efficiency.
