Study on the impact of weaving patterns of vibrating screen mesh on the performance of fluid flow through moving screens

Abstract

Screen is a core component of the linear vibrating screen and is closely linked to the efficiency of drilling fluid recovery. This study aims to analyze the impact of different vibration frequencies and amplitudes on the fluid flow performance through screen with different weaving patterns. Analysis reveals that when the motion direction of the screen is opposite to the flow direction of the drilling fluid, higher screen velocity corresponds to increased drilling fluid permeation velocity and reduced pressure. Plain weave screen exhibits the highest fluid permeation velocity, maintaining the lowest negative pressure. Vortices concentrate mainly around the screen wires at the back of the screen, with herringbone twill weave screen showing improved vortex distribution compared to plain weave screen. Increasing vibration amplitude and frequency enhances screen motion, amplifying variations in pressure and pressure drop coefficients during the motion cycle. With increased amplitude and frequency, the average pressure drop coefficient of the screen rises, making it more challenging for drilling fluid to permeate through the screen. Herringbone twill weave screen demonstrate lower pressure drop coefficients than plain and twill weave screen, indicating superior drilling fluid permeation performance. Field experiments confirm that, compared to plain weave screen, drilling fluid filtered through herringbone twill weave screen results in significantly lower water content in cuttings. The findings of this study provide theoretical insights for the analysis and design of linear vibrating screen meshes in drilling fluid applications.