Capital Equipment News October 2023

SCREENING EQUIPMENT

should always tighten inner clamp rail bolts before moving to the outside bolts and changing machine sides to keep the panels centred. Tensioned screens should resemble a drum and not flex when pressed. Following these guidelines will help prevent premature wear or breakdowns, keeping the operation running and productivity high. Vibration analysis A final strategy mines and quarries can use to dial in their efficiency in the coming year is vibration analysis. Vibration analysis is a form of predictive analysis. It allows producers to identify and prevent issues with their equipment. Some vibration analysis sensors are designed as tools for quick and easy screen media assessments. These innovative sensors provide information that can bring possible problems to light before they cause expensive breakdowns. Weak or damaged screens, loose bolts and cracked side plates are a few examples of issues that often fly under the radar until they cause a costly and time-consuming unplanned shutdown. Sensors Another benefit to vibration analysis sensors is that they can help visualise things like g-force, stroke, rpm and orbit. An important measurement many systems do not capture, however, is lateral movement. Industry-leading sensors do all this and more. In addition to helping prevent catastrophic breakdowns and identifying maintenance issues, the data provided by the sensors allows producers to fine-tune their vibrating screens for maximum performance. “For the mine or quarry desiring to focus on maintaining high levels of efficiency, optimising their vibrating screens with the help of vibration analysis will not only improve their productivity but help prevent problems before they happen,” says Bräunling. A worthy time investment on the front end that pays dividends in the form of efficiency and profit potential. Gearing up It’s important to take stock when gearing up for highly demanding production requirements. Mineral processing facilities should work with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to schedule a screen media consultation to analyse the screen media setup to prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency and maximise screening uptime. b

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2023 20