Six tricks to purchasing the right portable screener

By |  January 10, 2023
Understanding the application and materials will help determine the ideal production, capacity and number of end-size products for an operation. Photo: P&Q Staff

Understanding the application and materials will help determine the ideal production, capacity and number of end-size products for an operation. Photo: P&Q Staff

Portable screening plants are a major part of the business for aggregate producers.

From small, highly customized design modifications to the overall type and size, there are a multitude of factors operators must consider. Selecting the right screening plant takes time, research and clearly outlined goals for the operation. Here are six things to keep in mind:

1. Operators should analyze everything from output capacities to business goals before making a purchase. Among the very first things to do is size the equipment to match the operation. Understanding the application and materials will help determine the ideal production, capacity and number of end-size products.

Next, fully understand the company’s goals and projected sales to determine what size screen is needed. For example, if an operation can sell 500,000 tpy, its screens need to sort nearly 42,000 tons per month. If the screen is in operation two days a week (about eight days each month), 10 hours each day, the operation will require a machine capable of screening around 525 tph. 

2. Scalping and screening have several main differences. Standard screens are often considered finishing screens because they’re capable of producing specific-sized end products. Operators can adjust the speed of the feeder belt to help produce a clean, sized, finished product. These units typically have two or three screen decks and are ideal for use in sand and gravel pits, on asphalt jobs and in quarries.

Scalping plants, meanwhile, are built to handle the toughest materials but are not as precise as standard screening plants. Material is fed directly onto the screen. Scalpers are ideal for sorting materials before crushing and processing scrap metals and recyclables.

3. Hopper size is typically 12 ft. wide with an option to upgrade to 14 ft. wide. Those extra 2 ft. can capture more product and prevent spillage. The size of the hopper is perhaps most pertinent when pairing the screener with the loading machine, especially when using a large wheel loader.

4. A tipping grid or live head can be added to a screening plant above the hopper for additional sizing. A tipping grid is essentially a hinged grid that blocks larger materials from entering the hopper. This is an affordable option but it can become a chore – particularly in wet or dirty applications where the tipping grid may become plugged frequently.

A live head is essentially a vibrating screen that attaches to the hopper and is ideal for heavy-duty, dirty, wet and sticky applications. The unit can be used to scalp dirty material off and eliminate the need for manual cleaning, or to size material going into the machine so operators can produce an additional sized product.

5. Apron feeder versus belt feeder is another element to evaluate, as different products vary in durability. The standard belt feeder is perfect for sand and gravel operations, but it is likely to tear or break when working with metal, large rock or extremely abrasive material. An apron feeder, which is essentially a belt made of metal, is durable and can handle nearly anything operators throws at it.

6. Stockpiling offers little mystery. The higher the stockpile, the more time operators will save because they’ll run for longer periods without having to move material.

Information for this article adopted from Pit & Quarry University.  


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