Ensure your productivity by choosing the right equipment for your screening

To know the sizing of the screens it is necessary to consider several factors such as feed rate, material moisture, abrasiveness, type of classification, rock type, crusher inlet size, processing speed and also, particle size. The most important point is that screens cannot receive a higher feed rate than they are designed for. Technically the limiting factor for a screen is the height of the layer of material on the decks but this varies according to the application and also the screening media aperture size. For example, an 8x20 inch screen can operate with a capacity of 100 tonnes per hour for a 2mm aperture, and 1000 tonnes per hour for a 100mm aperture screen with the same layer heights.

The quality of material separation is totally linked to the productivity of the screens. And this more broadly corresponds to choosing the right crusher, positioning the screens and levelling the equipment. The material to be screened must be evenly distributed, so the adjustment and tension of the screens are fundamental factors.

Rubber screening media, in many cases, is the best option for screening aggregates. Even with a smaller opening area, compared to metallic wire, rubber media remains cleaner, which in practice equates to an opening with better use.

Here are some tips to improve aggregate screening:

1. Keep the screen in level, if not, the material does not spread evenly which reduces the screening area and screen tension.

2. If the crusher is to be replaced with one with higher capacity, the screen must also be sized to increase its capacity

3. The choice of crusher depends on the type of material desired.

4. The operator must be aware of noise in the equipment. In the case of inert materials such as debris, pay extra attention.

5. Never increase screen speed and stroke too drastically without specialist recommendation!! This can generate cracks as it might then be operated differently to what it is designed for.

6. Pay special attention to the screening media used, compare the wear life it offers and consider that if it does not clog, crack or break, as this guarantees greater safety for your operators and your plant.