Solutions for proper vibrating screen media selection

Energy is a hot topic in any country or socioeconomic circle these days. Though politicians will forever argue and debate the virtues and evils of one system of energy over another, the majority of the population no matter what part of the globe they live in, simply want to make sure that when they need heat, light or transportation, it is readily and economically available. More recently, the demand for coal, especially in the power generation industry, has hit a record high.

At the same time, the specs and requirements for coal production have gotten even tighter and the pressure on mines to find more sustainable processes has never been more rigid. Coal operations must examine many facets of their business to ensure efficiency and sustainability, and one significant consideration is screening and classifying.

As the current in-demand specification of finished raw materials becomes tighter and more stringent, producers need to examine their production process in order to maximize profitability. Here are some considerations:

Proper screen media selection

While often overlooked, proper screen media selection is critical to maximizing screen performance, and it is not a one-size-fits-all product. Operations should work with a manufacturer to thoroughly evaluate their application and spec requirements to ensure they are equipped with the right screen media.

Most operations use standard woven wire screens. However, these mass-produced screens are inexpensive and old-school – seemingly an easy decision. But when precision for a variety of specifications is key, old-school media is often not the right path. Because of the design and weaving process of traditional woven wire, only specific opening sizes in 1/16-inch increments are available.

But opting for customizable, high-performance screen media allows an infinite number of adjustments to be made to the wire spacings. As a result, it provides producers with a screening solution for the myriad of challenges faced by mining and aggregates operations – such as material contamination, blinding and pegging – ensuring you meet the exact specifications you need efficiently and effectively, every single time.

When it comes to screen media selection, there is a lot to choose from. Often, it is best to work closely with an OEM that offers screening consultations. Thoroughly evaluating your screening operation and assessing challenges helps producers to strategically select screen media, increasing uptime and profits.

Serge Raymond is a product specialist at Major Flex-Mat.

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