1. n. [Well Completions]

The process of analyzing the size distribution of a sand or gravel sample. In sand-control applications, a sample of formation sand is shaken through a series of sieves of known size. The resulting distribution is then used to design an appropriate treatment that will retain the sand, while causing a minimal restriction to production.

2. n. [Formation Evaluation]

A technique for analyzing the grain-size distribution of a core sample. A cleaned, weighed core sample is disaggregated and agitated through a series of stacked screens with progressively smaller openings. The material left on each screen is weighed in order to give a distribution of quantity versus sieve size. Sieve analysis may be done dry, wet or a combination of both. Wet analysis is necessary for analyzing any clay fraction.

See: laser diffraction