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Title:
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING SCREEN ASSEMBLIES FOR VIBRATORY SEPARATORS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2005/021170
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Methods for making frames for screen assemblies for vibratory separators, and screen assemblies with such frames, the methods, in certain aspects, including making a frame support for a screen assembly for a vibratory separator (e.g. but not limited to with robotic welding apparatus), moving the frame support to cleaning apparatus to clean the frame support, heating the frame support, moving the heated frame support to coating apparatus, coating the frame support in the coating apparatus with protective material, allowing the coated frame support to cool so that the protective material sets, moving of the frame support in one aspect done by mechanical movement apparatus; and, in certain aspects, adding screening material to the frame to produce a screen assembly.

Inventors:
SEYFFERT KENNETH WAYNE (US)
ADAMS THOMAS COLE (US)
LARGENT DAVID WAYNE (US)
SCHULTE DAVID LEE JR (US)
GRICHAR CHARLES NEWTON (US)
LEONE VINCENT DOMINICK (US)
WALKER JEFFREY EARL (US)
WARD KERRY (US)
MCCLUNG GUY III (US)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2004/003223
Publication Date:
March 10, 2005
Filing Date:
July 26, 2004
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
VARCO INT (US)
SEYFFERT KENNETH WAYNE (US)
ADAMS THOMAS COLE (US)
LARGENT DAVID WAYNE (US)
SCHULTE DAVID LEE JR (US)
GRICHAR CHARLES NEWTON (US)
LEONE VINCENT DOMINICK (US)
WALKER JEFFREY EARL (US)
WARD KERRY (US)
MCCLUNG GUY III (US)
LUCAS BRIAN (GB)
International Classes:
B01D29/01; B01D33/00; B01D33/03; B07B1/00; B07B1/46; B07B1/48; B07B1/49; B21F27/00; (IPC1-7): B07B1/46; B01D33/00
Foreign References:
US5988397A1999-11-23
US5032210A1991-07-16
US5967336A1999-10-19
US20020130064A12002-09-19
EP0065015A11982-11-24
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Lucas, Brian Ronald (135 Westhall Road Warlingham, Surrey CR6 9HJ, GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS:
1. A method for making a screen assembly for a vibratory separator, the method comprising the steps of placing a frame or perforate plate for a screen assembly on a conveying apparatus and conveying the frame through a series of stations.
2. A method in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the conveying apparatus conveys the frame through a cleaning station to clean the frame.
3. A method as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the frame is cleaned in the cleaning station with sand blasting apparatus.
4. A method as claimed in Claim 2 or 3, wherein the frame is cleaned in the cleaning station with a liquid cleaner.
5. A method in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the conveying apparatus conveys the frame through a heating apparatus in a heating station to heat the frame.
6. A method in accordance with claim 5, wherein the heating apparatus comprises an induction heater.
7. A method in accordance with Claim 5 or 6, wherein the heated frame is conveyed through a bath of heat activated adhesive or heat activated protective material in a coating station.
8. A method in accordance with Claim 7, wherein the heat activated adhesive or heat activated protective material is a nonreversible heat activated adhesive.
9. A method in accordance with Claim 7 or 8, wherein the heat activated adhesive or heat activated protective material is powered epoxy.
10. A method in accordance with any of Claims 5 to 9, further comprising the step allowing the frame to cool.
11. A method in accordance with any preceding claim, further comprising the steps of detaching the frame from the conveying apparatus and attaching a secondary support.
12. A method in accordance with Claim 11, wherein the secondary support is attached to the frame by a method from the group consisting of fastening, welding, gluing, adhering, and bonding.
13. A method in accordance any preceding claim, further comprising the step of attaching at least one layer of screening material to the frame or secondary support.
14. A method in accordance any preceding claim, further comprising the step of attaching a screen combination to the frame or secondary support.
15. A method in accordance Claim 14, wherein the screen combination comprises at least two layer of screening material overlying one another and attached to each other.
16. A method in accordance Claim 14 or 15, further comprising the step of attaching a screen combination to the frame or secondary support using at least one of: gluing; stapling; and sewing.
17. A method in accordance with Claim 14, 15 or 16 wherein the screen combination comprises a first layer of screening material and a second layer of screening material, the method further comprising placing the first layer of screening material below a glue application apparatus for applying heated initially flowable hot melt glue, the first layer of screening material made of metal, and comprising a first metal mesh through which liquid in the fluid is passable and having a first metal mesh pattern, applying with the glue apparatus an amount of heated hot melt glue in a pattern to the top surface of the first layer of screening material, positioning a second layer of screening material adjacent and in contact with the first layer to which glue has been applied gluing together the first layer and the second layer, the second layer of screening material made of metal and comprising a second metal mesh through which liquid in the fluid is passable, and wherein the pattern of applied glue is different from the first metal mesh pattern.
18. A method in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the frame is constructed from pieces of metal welded with a robotic welding apparatus.
19. A method in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the frame in suspended from the conveyor.
20. A method in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the conveyor is operated by a rotation of a shaft about which a continuous loop is driven.
21. A screen assembly made by the method as claimed in any preceding claim.
22. An apparatus for making a screen assembly for a vibratory separator, the apparatus comprising a conveying apparatus, having means to hold a frame, a cleaning station, a heater station and a coating station, the conveying apparatus arranged to convey a screen between said stations.
Description:
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING SCREEN ASSEMBLIES FOR VIBRATORY SEPARATORS The present invention relates to methods for making screen assemblies for vibratory separators and shale shakers and to screen assemblies made by such methods.

Various prior art vibratory separators and shale shakers employ screen assemblies to separate components of materials. In many prior art screen assembly manufacturing operations tedious individual steps are carried out with many of the steps involving labour- intensive manual manipulation and handling of screen assembly components and manual and/or mechanized movement of screen assembly components and of screen assemblies in various stages of manufacture from one station to another and, often, from one location to another location. Manual procedures are also subject to typical non-uniformities in finished products and to a certain amount of out-of- acceptable tolerance, and therefore rejected, screen assemblies.

In the drilling of a borehole in the construction of an oil or gas well, a drill bit is arranged on the end of a drill string and is rotated to bore the borehole. A drilling fluid known as"drilling mud"is pumped through the drill string to the drill bit to lubricate the drill bit. The drilling mud is also used to carry the cuttings produced by the drill bit and other solids to the surface through an annulus formed between the drill string and the borehole. The drilling mud contains expensive synthetic oil-based lubricants and it is normal therefore to recover and re-use the used drilling mud, but this requires the solids to be removed from the drilling mud.

This is achieved by processing the drilling fluid. The first part of the process is to separate the solids from

the solids laden drilling mud. This is at least partly achieved with a vibratory separator, such as those shale shakers disclosed in US 5,265, 730, WO 96/33792 and WO 98/16328.

Shale shakers generally comprise an open bottomed basket having one open discharge end and a solid walled feed end. A number of rectangular screens are arranged in the basket, which are held in C-channel rails located on the basket walls, such as those disclosed in GB-A- 2, 176,424. The basket is arranged on springs above a receptor for receiving recovered drilling mud. A skip or ditch is provided beneath the open discharge end of the basket. A motor is fixed to the basket, which has a drive rotor provided with an offset clump weight. In use, the motor rotates the rotor and the offset clump weight, which causes the basket and the screens fixed thereto to shake. Solids laden mud is introduced at the feed end of the basket on to the screens. The shaking motion induces the solids to move along the screens towards the open discharge end. Drilling mud passes through the screens.

The recovered drilling mud is received in the receptor for further processing and the solids pass over the discharge end of the basket into the ditch or skip.

The screens are generally of one of two types: hook- strip ; and pre-tensioned.

The hook-strip type of screen comprises several rectangular layers of mesh in a sandwich, usually comprising one or two layers of fine grade mesh and a supporting mesh having larger mesh holes and heavier gauge wire. The layers of mesh are joined at each side edge by a strip which is in the form of an elongate hook.

In use, the elongate hook is hooked on to a tensioning device arranged along each side of a shale shaker. The shale shaker further comprises a crowned set of supporting members, which run along the length of the

basket of the shaker, over which the layers of mesh are tensioned. An example of this type of screen is disclosed in GB-A-1,526, 663. The supporting mesh may be provided with or replaced by a panel having apertures therein.

The pre-tensioned type of screen comprises several rectangular layers of mesh, usually comprising one or two layers of fine grade mesh and a supporting mesh having larger mesh holes and heavier gauge wire. The layers of mesh are pre-tensioned on a rigid support comprising a rectangular angle iron frame and adhered thereto. The screen is then inserted into C-channel rails arranged in a basket of a shale shaker. An example of this type of screen is disclosed in GB-A-1, 578, 948.

The layers of mesh in the screens wears out frequently and therefore needs to be easily replaceable.

Shale shakers are generally in the order of 5ft wide and 10ft long. A screen of dimensions 4ft wide by 10ft long is difficult to handle, replace and transport. It is known to use two, three, four or more screens in a single shale shaker. A standard size of screen currently used is of the order of 4ft by 3ft.

The present invention, in certain aspects, discloses automated methods for producing a screen assembly for a vibratory separator and for making screen assemblies with such frames.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method for making a screen assembly for a vibratory separator, the method comprising the steps of placing a frame or perforate plate for a screen assembly on a conveying apparatus and conveying the frame through a series of stations.

Preferably, the conveying apparatus conveys the frame through a cleaning station to clean the frame.

Advantageously, the frame is cleaned in the cleaning station with sand blasting apparatus. Alternatively, the frame could be air blasted without the sand, but with other abrasive or non-abrasive particles. Preferably, the frame is cleaned in the cleaning station with a liquid cleaner. This may be in addition to the sand blasting step and may include chemicals to help prepare the surface of the frame for a coating step. The frames may be conveyed through a bath of liquid cleaning fluid, dipped in a bath of liquid cleaning fluid, or sprayed with liquid cleaning fluid. Advantageously, the conveying apparatus conveys the frame through the cleaning apparatus continuously, without stopping while the frame is cleaned. Preferably, the conveying apparatus conveys the frame through the cleaning apparatus substantially continuously with small time stops, a few seconds.

Preferably, the conveying apparatus conveys the frame through a heating apparatus in a heating station to heat the frame. Advantageously, the conveying apparatus conveys the frame through the heating apparatus continuously, without stopping while the frame is heated.

Preferably, the conveying apparatus conveys the frame through the heating apparatus substantially continuously with small time stops, a few seconds. Preferably, the heating apparatus comprises an induction heater.

Preferably, the heater comprises at least one of: an electrical element induction heater; direct gas flame heating; halogen heating element. The heating may be direct or indirect heating through a conductive plate or fins.

Advantageously, the heated frame is conveyed through a bath of heat activated adhesive or heat activated

protective material in a coating station. Preferably, the heat activated adhesive or protective material is as in the form of a powder, such as an epoxy powder.

Preferably, the heat activated adhesive or heat activated protective material is a non-reversible heat activated adhesive. Advantageously, the heat activated adhesive or heat activated protective material is powered epoxy.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of allowing the heated frame to cool, preferably, for at least two minutes.

Advantageously, the method further comprises the steps of detaching the frame from the conveying apparatus and attaching a secondary support. The secondary support may be a perforate plate, strip support or a coarse mesh to the frame. Preferably, the secondary support is attached to the frame by a method from the group consisting of fastening, welding, gluing, adhering, and bonding.

Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of attaching at least one layer of screening material to the frame or secondary support, if the frame is provided with a secondary support on which the at least one layer of screening material is arrangeable.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of attaching a screen combination to the frame or secondary support, if the frame is provided with a secondary support on which the screen combination is arrangeable.

Advantageously, the screen combination comprises at least two layer of screening material overlying one another and attached to each other, which are preferably adhered, sewn, stapled, welded, fastened or bonded together.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of

attaching a screen combination to the frame or secondary support using at least one of: gluing; stapling; and sewing. Preferably, the screen combination comprises a first layer of screening material and a second layer of screening material, the method further comprising placing the first layer of screening material below a glue application apparatus for applying heated initially flowable hot melt glue, the first layer of screening material made of metal, and comprising a first metal mesh through which liquid in the fluid is passable and having a first metal mesh pattern, applying with the glue apparatus an amount of heated hot melt glue in a pattern to the top surface of the first layer of screening material, positioning a second layer of screening material adjacent and in contact with the first layer to which glue has been applied gluing together the first layer and the second layer, the second layer of screening material made of metal and comprising a second metal mesh through which liquid in the fluid is passable, and wherein the pattern of applied glue is different from the first metal mesh pattern.

Preferably, the frame is constructed from pieces of metal welded with a robotic welding apparatus.

Advantageously, the pieces of metal are tubular.

Advantageously, the frame in suspended from the conveyor. The frame is gripped by releasable gripping means, hook over hooks, suspended from releasable bolts or clips.

Preferably, the conveyor is operated by a rotation of a shaft about which a continuous loop is driven. The shaft may be driven by an electrical motor, hydraulic or pneumatic. Preferably, a control system is provided to

adjust the speed of the conveying apparatus to alter the rate at which the frames pass through the stations.

The present invention also provides a screen assembly made by the method of the invention.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for making a screen assembly for a vibratory separator, the apparatus comprising a conveying apparatus, having means to hold a frame, a cleaning station, a heater station and a coating station, the conveying apparatus arranged to convey a screen between the stations and preferably, through the stations to convey the frames continuously or substantially continuously whilst remaining attached to the conveying apparatus.

By using the method of the present invention it further automates the production of screen assemblies and produces a relatively more uniform, consistent screen assembly which reduces the incidence of rejected screen assemblies, and reduce the cost of production.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which : Figure 1 is a flow diagram showing steps in a method in accordance with the present invention; Figures 2 to 6 are perspective views of apparatus used in carrying out a method in accordance with the present invention; Figure 7D is a top plan view of a screen assembly made by a method in accordance with the present invention ; Figure 7A is a top view of a frame of the screen assembly of Figure 7D; Figure 7B is a top view of a grid of the screen assembly of Figure 7D; Figure 7C is a top view of screening material of the screen assembly of Figure 7D; Figure 8 is an exploded side view of a screen assembly in accordance with the present invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a shale shaker with a screen assembly in accordance with the present invention; Figure 10 is a schematic view showing steps in a method for making a screen combination in accordance with the present invention; Figures 11 and 12 are schematic side views of a conveying apparatus used in a method in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 1 is a flow diagram showing steps in a method in accordance with the present invention. Parts or pieces of suitable size and dimensions to be made into a frame for a screen assembly are positioned on a support or jig adjacent a robotic welder ("WELDER") and the support is then placed in position for welding by the robotic

welder. The welder welds the parts together producing the frame which is then moved and connected to a movement system.

Optionally, a support grid can, in accordance with the present invention, be provided which is connected to the frame. In one aspect the support grid is a layer of wire mesh with, e. g. a mesh size, in certain aspects, between 4 and 30 mesh. In another aspect the grid is any suitable known perforated plate or strip support used for screen assemblies for shale shakers and vibratory separators. In one particular aspect a metal sheet (e. g. mild steel or stainless steel) is punched by a puncher system ("PUNCHER") and the completed plate is secured to the frame. The completed plate can be manually handled and moved onto a support of the puncher system or it can be placed thereon by a machine.

A frame or a frame-grid or frame-plate combination is moved by the movement system to a cleaning system ("BLASTER") which cleans the frame or frame-grid combination or frame-plate combination to facilitate further processing. In one particular aspect a sand- blasting system is used to produce a clean frame or frame-grid or frame-plate combination with a smooth finish. Optionally, a frame or frame-grid combination is cleaned with cleaning fluids, for example,. degreasers, soap and/or solvents and/or which are applied by a high pressure washing system or cleaning apparatus automatically or by hand. Optionally, a perforated plate or strip support is made and cleaned separately.

A cleaned frame or frame-grid combination or frame- plate combination is then moved by the movement system to a heating system ("HEATER") and heated as a step in a

sub-process for applying powderized epoxy material thereto in a coating system ("COATER"). In one aspect a known fluidized bed system is used to apply the powderized material. Any known epoxy material for the production of such screen assemblies may be used. Any suitable known heating system, induction heater, or oven may be used. Typically, the frame or frame-grid combination or frame-plate combination is heated for 7 to 13 seconds and, in one aspect, for about 10 seconds up to a temperature of at least 204 Celsius (400 F) and, in one aspect about 232 Celsius (450 F) and is then, as quickly as possible, introduced into the coating system.

Following cooling that results in hardening of the epoxy material, a resulting frame or frame-grid combination or frame-plate combination ("FRAME") has one, two, three or more layers of wire mesh and/or screening material applied to it and/or connected to it producing a screen assembly ("SCREEN ASSEMBLY") in accordance with the present invention. Any known wire mesh or screening material or combination of layers thereof may be used.

When multiple layers of screening material (and/or wire mesh) are used, they may be unconnected or they may be connected together in any known way, e. g. , by bonding, gluing, sewing, adhering together, and/or fastening.

Optionally, in certain particular aspects the multiple layers are glued together by methods disclosed in: U. S.

Patents 6,565, 698 issued May 20,2003 ; U. S. Patent 6, 450, 345 issued September 17,2002 ; and U. S.

Applications Ser. Nos. 10/087,025 filed 10/19/2001; 10/037,474 filed 10/19/2001; 10/050,690 filed 01/16/2002; and 10/210,891 filed 07/31 2002-all such patents and applications incorporated fully herein for all purposes.

In certain aspects the time required to proceed from the cleaning step to the cooling step is about two minutes.

Figure 2 shows a robotic welding system 10 in an enclosure 11 with a welding head 12 on a movable arm 14 for welding frame pieces 16. The frame pieces 16 are supported by a support 18. Robotic welding systems are commercially available.

Figure 3 shows a puncher system 20 with a punch device 22 operated by a motor (not shown) and a control system (not shown). The punch device 22 is shown punching a steel plate 24.

The frame 32 constructed by the welder 14 is then hung on a movement system 40. The movement system comprises a conveyor from which an arm 34 depends and which a frame 32 can be hung. A line of frames 32 may be hung from arms similar to arm 34 at spaced intervals along the conveyor. The conveyor is preferably continuous and moves the frame 32 through the series of stations shown in Figures 4 to 6.

Figure 4 shows a sandblasting system 30 for cleaning a frame 32 produced by the robotic welding system 10.

The frame 32 is releasably suspended from a holder 34 of a movement system 40. Sandblasting material from nozzles 36 cleans the frame 32.

As shown in Figure 5 the movement system 40 has moved the cleaned frame 32 to a heating system 52 for heating the frame 32. The frame 32 is heated as it passes through the movement system 40. The movement system may be halted for a short while when the frame is in the heating system 52, or the movement system 40 may move the frame 32 is a continuous manner through the heating

system 52. The heating system may comprise an electric element heater, a gas burner heater, an oil fired heater or any other form of suitable heater. The screen is heated to at least 204 Celsius (400 F) and, in one aspect about 232 Celsius (450 F).

Figure 6 shows a powdering system 60 for applying powderized epoxy material 62 in a container 64 to the heated frame 32. The movement system 40 moves the frame 32 through the mass of the powderized epoxy material so that the material adheres to the heated frame. The frame is initially lowered into the container 64, preferably, so that the entire frame is immersed in the powderized epoxy material, and then moved through the material contained therein which, due to the heating of the frame 32, adheres thereto. Following exit of the frame 32 from the container 64, the epoxy material hardens and the finished frame 32 may be used in screen assemblies.

Alternatively, suitable powderized or particulate material is sprayed onto the frame 32, for example, in one aspect, to a thickness on a side that is to be bonded to another member (for example, coarse wire mesh, perforated plate) of about 500 to 635 microns (20 to 25 mils) and on other parts and surfaces to a thickness between 125 to 380 microns (5 and 15 mils). A perforated plate or strip support has similar thicknesses of material sprayed thereon.

Figure 7D shows a screen assembly 70 in accordance with the present invention made with methods in accordance with the present invention disclosed herein.

A frame 72, Figure 7A, (like the frame 32) has, optionally, a grid 74, Figure 7B, connected thereto. In certain aspects the grid 74 is any suitable known coarse

mesh or perforated plate. The grid 74 may be made with a puncher system, e. g. as in Figure 3. Figure 7C illustrates a layer of screening material 76 which is connected to the frame 72, the grid 74 or to both. Any desired number of layers of screening material, including, but not limited to, any disclosed or referred to herein, may be used.

Figure 8 shows, in an exploded view, a screen assembly 80 in accordance with the present invention made with methods disclosed herein which has a lower frame 82 (in certain aspects like the frames 32,72) with a layer of coarse mesh 84 thereon and connected thereto. Two layers of screening material 86,88 are on the coarse mesh layer 84.

Referring now to Figure 9, a shale shaker 210 in accordance with the present invention has a screen assembly 220 (with screen or screening cloth or mesh as desired) in accordance with the present invention mounted on vibratable screen mounting apparatus or"basket"212.

The screen assembly 220 may be any screen assembly disclosed herein or have any combination of any feature or features of any screen, screen assemblies or screen part disclosed herein in accordance with the present invention; and any such screen may be used with any appropriate known shaker or screening apparatus including, but not limited to, vibratory separators and a vibratory separator like the shale shaker 210. The basket 212 is mounted on springs 214 (only two shown; two as shown are on the opposite side) which are supported from a frame 216. The basket 212 is vibrated by a motor 202 and interconnected vibrating apparatus 218 which is mounted on the basket 212 for vibrating the basket and

the screens. Elevator apparatus 208 provides for raising and lowering of the basket end. The screen assembly 220 may be any screen assembly disclosed herein in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 10 shows a screening material combination 350 for a screen assembly in accordance with the present invention. In one aspect the screening material combination is made by methods disclosed in pending U. S.

Application Ser. No. 10/236,050 filed September 5,2002 and PCT Publication No. WO 2004/022252 (incorporated fully herein for all purposes). A piece of screening <BR> <BR> material 352 of relatively fine mesh (e. g. , but not<BR> limited to, 24 mesh to 500 mesh; made, e. g. , of metal, steel, stainless steel, natural fibre such as cotton, or synthetic material such as nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, or KEVLAR material) is combined with a piece of screening material 354 of a <BR> <BR> medium mesh (e. g. , but not limited to, 32 mesh to 400 mesh made, e. g. of the materials as for piece 352) and a <BR> <BR> piece of screening material 356 of coarse mesh (e. g. , but<BR> not limited to, 1 mesh to 30 mesh made, e. g. , of the materials as for piece 352). It is within the scope of this invention to add an additional layer of screening material as any of the pieces 352,354, 356 and to position it on top of any of the other pieces present.

It is within the scope of this invention to delete any of the pieces 352,354, or 356. The straight sides of the glue pattern 358 may be deleted.

Optionally a glue pattern, e. g. as in the glue pattern 358 is applied to the screening material piece 352. Alternatively, or additionally, such a glue pattern is applied to piece 354 and/or piece 356. Glue (or any

suitable plastic, flexible adhesive, or fusible material) in any pattern or configuration may be used for the glue pattern. In certain aspects a glue pattern is applied over substantially the entire area of piece (s) of screening material, in one aspect to coincide with a stitching pattern. Glues and materials that may be used include any known in the art, any disclosed above, and, PUR glues, polyethylene, rubber, nylon, plastic, polyurethane, silicone, any suitable adhesive and epoxy.

Optionally a piece of solid plastic corresponding to the stitching pattern, with or without perforations over its surface area, is used instead of or in addition to a glue pattern. Any glue, epoxy, or other adhesive may be used solely to prevent tearing; or it may also, in certain aspects, be applied in such a manner that it also bonds screening layers together and/or to a lower plate, frame, or support. A solid plastic piece may be moulded with perforations or the perforations may be made after the piece is made.

Optionally strips 363 of screening material may be applied along edges of the piece 352 (and/or along edges of any of the other pieces 354,356) for a purpose described in detail below. The strips 363 are also shown on the piece 352.

The combined structure 350 (including pieces 352, 354, 356) is glued or bonded together or sewn together in any manner as described herein using any stitch or sewing pattern as described herein. In one aspect, the stitching follows the glue pattern 358 with the needle or needles piercing the glue. Such a structure, without further processing, is substantially flat and may be used in a substantially flat screen assembly. It is within the

scope of this invention to sew together only the pieces 352, 354 or 356 and to glue or bond the other piece to them.

Figure 11 shows a mechanical movement system 100 which has a moving carrier, e. g. a chain or belt, 103 which moves on shafts 104,105 and is rotated by shaft 105 which itself is rotated by a power system 106 connected thereto. Releasably suspended from the carrier 103 are four frames (or frame-grid or frame-plate etc. combinations) 120-123. The frame 123 has moved through a cleaner 112 and a heater 113 (e. g. like those described above); has been coated in a coated 114; and is ready to be removed from the carrier 103. The frame 123 is ready to be moved out of the coater 114. A frame 122 has been heated in the heater 113 and is ready to be moved into the coater 114. A frame 121 has been cleaned or blasted in the cleaner 112 and is ready to be moved into the heater 113. A frame 120 has been made by a robotic welder 111; connected to the carrier 103; and is ready to be moved to the cleaner 112. Controls 107 control the activation and speed of the power system 106 so that frames are moved from one apparatus to another.

Figure 12 shows schematically a mechanical movement system 130 which has a movable belt 133 which is mounted on shafts 134, 135. A suitable power system and controls, e. g. like those of the system 100, are used with the system 130. Frames 145-148 are on the belt 133 and are, optionally, releasably mounted on supports 149.

The frames move successively from a welder 141 through cleaner apparatus 142, heater apparatus 143, and coating apparatus 144.

The present invention, therefore, provides, in at

least certain embodiments, a method for making a frame for a screen assembly for a vibratory separator the method including making a frame support for a screen assembly for a vibratory separator with robotic welding apparatus, moving the frame support to cleaning apparatus, cleaning the frame support with the cleaning apparatus, moving manually and/or with mechanical movement apparatus the frame support to heating apparatus, heating the frame support with the heating apparatus, moving the heated frame support to coating apparatus with mechanical movement apparatus, coating the frame support in the coating apparatus with protective material, and allowing the coated frame support to cool so that the protective material sets. Such a method may have one or some, in any possbile combination, of the following: wherein the protective material is epoxy; wherein the cleaning apparatus is sand blasting apparatus or liquid cleaning apparatus; wherein the frame support is made of tubular members, either hollow or solid; emplacing a grid adjacent the frame support ; connecting the grid to the frame support; producing the grid by punching with robotic punching apparatus a plate or piece for supporting screening material ; wherein automated movement apparatus moves the frame support between any tow steps and/or from step to step; wherein automated movement apparatus moves the grid from the punching step to the cleaning apparatus; connecting a secondary support to the frame support; and/or wherein the secondary support is from the group consisting of perforated plate and strip support.

The present invention, therefore, provides, in at least certain embodiments, a method for making a screen

assembly for a vibratory separator the method including making a frame support [using any method disclosed above] and combining screening material with the frame support.

Such a screen assembly may have one or some, in any possible combination, of the following: wherein the screening material comprises a plurality of layers of screening material; wherein the layers of the plurality of layers of screening material are connected together; wherein the layers are connected together by a method from the group consisting of bonding, sewing, gluing, and adhering; wherein the screening material is combined with the frame support by a method from the group consisting of fastening, welding, gluing, adhering, and bonding ; connecting a grid to the frame support; wherein the grid is from the group consisting of coarse mesh layer, perforated plate, and strip support; and/or wherein the screening material is a first layer of screening material and a second layer of screening material, the method further including placing the first layer of screening material below a glue application apparatus for applying heated initially flowable hot melt glue, the first layer of screening material made of metal, and including a first metal mesh through which liquid in the fluid is passable and having a first metal mesh pattern, applying with the glue apparatus an amount of heated hot melt glue in a pattern to the top surface of the first layer of screening material, positioning a second layer of screening material adjacent and in contact with the first layer to which glue has been applied gluing together the first layer and the second layer, the second layer of screening material made of metal and including a second metal mesh through which liquid in the fluid is passable,

and wherein the pattern of applied glue is different from the first metal mesh pattern.

The present invention, therefore, provides, in at least certain embodiments, a vibratory separator having screen assembly holding apparatus, vibrating apparatus for imparting vibration to the screen assembly apparatus, and the screen assembly apparatus as any disclosed herein and/or with a frame support made by any method disclosed herein.

The present invention, therefore, provides, in at least certain embodiments, a method for treating fluid with a vibratory separator, the method including introducing the fluid to the vibratory separator, the vibratory separator having screen assembly holding apparatus, vibrating apparatus for imparting vibration to the screen assembly apparatus, and the screen assembly apparatus made by any method disclosed herein, and processing the fluid with the vibratory separator.