Are you looking to improve the efficiency of your screening process? If you face challenges such as material contamination and slowdowns during rainy days, don't worry! We've compiled six easy tips to help guide you through the process and make your screening operations more efficient.

Measure efficiency

Start by measuring your efficiency. Imagine an ideal screen with an efficiency index of around 90%, meaning only 10% of the material recirculates. To measure efficiency, focus on the percentage of incorrectly sized particles. Collect 1m of material on the retention belt, pass it through a screen with the same opening as your deck, and weigh the passing material. Divide this by the total weight of the sample to unveil the percentage of incorrectly sized particles.

Analyze feed distribution

High percentages of incorrectly sized particles might signal issues in previous steps, including feeding. Optimize screening performance by addressing poor distribution. A feed box can even out the feed, preventing direct feed to the screen, and slowing down the feed flow for better stabilization of materials in the screening area.

Check your equipment

Don't overlook the possibility that your screens might need replacing. Modern high-capacity crushers like a Metso HSI crusher may be hindered by undersized or outdated screens. While many issues can be resolved by tweaking the screen media, if the percentage of incorrectly sized particles is too high, consider consulting a specialist to assess whether your screens are up to the task.

Choose the right screens

There's a variety of screening media on the market, from metallic wire to flexible rubber. Opt for modern technologies like modular rubber media for longer wear life and quicker change-outs, requiring minimal manpower. Rubber media tends to outlast wire mesh, ensuring more uptime and less production loss.

Manage moisture effectively

Moisture can be a screening headache, especially in humid climates. Combat this by opting for high-resilience screening media and anti-blinding rods. Anti-blinding rods, placed near screens, enhance mesh movement, preventing particles from clogging holes. Flexible and modular rubber screening media require less maintenance time and increase production time, minimizing unnecessary downtime.

Evaluate new solutions

Engage with suppliers to assess new components, such as screening media, fixtures, and fastening systems. Calculate the cost of screening media, considering durability, the number of changes required, operation time, and the number of people involved in maintenance. Determine how many hours per year you didn't produce, and explore technical options that offer a quick payback on any investment.