Modern Quarrying Q4 2022

CONTRACT MINING

TIPS FOR COMBINING SCREEN MEDIA FOR MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY

T he difference between using one type of screen media versus the optimal blend of screen media can add up to thousands of dollars in downtime and expense in a year. Improving screening productivity starts with analyzing the operation, consulting with an expert, learning proper installation and maintenance techniques, and trying new solutions. What’s the problem? The first step toward selecting the best combination of screen media involves answering several questions. What material is being processed? Is the screen media reaching a suitable lifespan for the operation? And what sort of challenges are occurring with the current screen media and at what phase of screening?

Start by considering the types of materials going through the vibrating screen. Material size, weight and abrasiveness all come into play during the screen media selection process. For example, screening gravel typically requires media with higher wearability to handle the abrasiveness, while materials with large top sizes may require more durable screens at the feed end because of the constant high impacts. Next, look at the vibrating screen itself and complete a vibration analysis. Some analysis systems are designed to safely monitor vibrating screen performance in real time and detect irregularities before small problems lead to diminished performance or bigger issues. With increased infrastructure development, aggregates producers have an opportunity for big business — that is, if they can keep up and maintain maximum outputs. That’s why it’s important to use the most productive tools for screening and sizing aggregates. Rather than sticking to woven wire or polyurethane media throughout the screen deck, some operation managers find they can reduce wear, lessen screen change-outs, and increase open area by choosing strategic combinations of screen media. By Steve Fair, Tyler engineered media manager, Haver & Boecker Niagara

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MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 4 | 2022