Vibrating screens work hard during the busy season.
Like all equipment, they require proactive maintenance, wear part replacement and periodic upgrades to maintain reliability and productivity. With these in mind, here are three measures material producers can take with their vibrating screens to prepare for a productive 2022.
1. Take the screen’s pulse. Conducting a vibration analysis on a vibrating screen helps to pinpoint where maintenance is most critical and provides the information needed to optimize screening efficiency.
Innovative vibration analysis technology detects irregularities that can decrease screen performance, inhibit operating efficiency and lead to costly breakdowns. Some manufacturers send technicians on-site to conduct a vibration analysis and assess the health of a vibrating screen and screen media. These technicians follow up with recommendations to improve a vibrating screen’s performance and reduce maintenance costs.
Leasing options may also be available, enabling operations of every size to access the productivity-enhancing technology.
2. Pay attention to cross beams. Consider lining cross beams with polyurethane to extend their life and the life of screen media. Polyurethane protective liners reduce the impact of passing material and prevent harmful wear – a simple step that can result in extended equipment service life.
To ensure maximum cross beam protection, some manufacturers developed polyurethane liners that offer 100 percent protection. These can be installed on an entire screen deck in 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Plan ahead for faster screen changeouts. Upgrading equipment to speed up screen media changeouts is another avenue to improve productivity. Quick-tensioning systems solve the age-old problem of time-intensive screen media changeouts by cutting replacement time in half, providing a fast ROI.
Replacing tension rails is a notoriously meticulous process, requiring the removal and replacement of many hardware pieces per screen section. Washers or bolts are often dropped or lost in the process, adding to increased downtime and parts costs.
Some quick-tensioning systems feature each rail as a single, removable piece. The bolts remain attached to the rail, and the angle boxes stay fastened to the vibrating screen.
Final thought
Taking the time to assess operations and make improvements can result in a more productive and profitable 2022.
Duncan High is processing equipment technology manager at Haver & Boecker Niagara’s Canadian operation.