Modern Quarrying Q2 2024

SCREENING

Charl Marais - Sales Manager at Pilot Crushtec International.

Whether it is primary, secondary or tertiary crushing – if a screen is inefficient, even with a highly effective crushing process, production on your quarry will not be as effective as it can be. Modern Quarrying spoke to Charl Marais - Sales Manager at Pilot Crushtec International about screens as a vital aspect in the crushing process and some of the innovative screens Pilot Crushtec offers the market. THE IMPORTANCE OF SCREENING IN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF YOUR PRODUCTION

P ilot Crushtec International supplies a full range of world-class, heavy-duty, fit-for purpose, mobile, semi-mobile and static inclined vibrating screens. “The range of OEM and locally manufactured screens are perfect for screening, scalping, sizing and de-watering in the aggregate and sand industries. “Screens are the hearts of plants as they are a ‘moneymaker’,” says Marais. “It is vital to investigate the efficacy of your plant’s screen by testing it to see if it has any carry over. Once this has been ascertained, customers can decide if a screen upgrade is necessary. In terms of capital outlay, upgrading a screen is a smaller expenditure with which production of sellable product can be improved.” Consider screens first to increase production Over the years, there has been an increased focus on the role screens play in the efficiency of the production process. “Plants are designed for a

certain capacity. When capacity needs be increased to satisfy demand, a quarry or plant owner is inclined to consider bigger crushers or jaw crushers. Often the screening section of the plant is neglected. In my mind, it’s more important to look at the screen in the efficiency of the operation. Even if production is increased by a bigger crusher, screens can only screen out the material that its ability allows. In real terms, if you have carryover of 10% that stays in the circuit, the 10% that has not been screened means that the user loses 10% of sales capacity,” says Marais. “In this time of margin squeeze it is important that a screen is a smaller capital outlay that a bigger crusher,” explains Marais. Screen that are too big For Marais certain factors are vital in the selection of a screen. “The grading and feed rates to a specific screen is important,” he says. “Some customers sometimes use an oversized screen. If your screen is

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