Astec has developed a new technology that promises to reduce, if not eliminate, screen blinding.
When fine particles and moisture mix in the screening process, the resulting blinding can slow production to a halt.
As the screen cloth becomes less effective, quarries will need to spend valuable time and resources on removing the blockages, leading to lower overall productivity. This time could be better spent on other tasks.
Astec vice president of product management Stephen Whyte said the company has worked closely with a select group of customers to solve real issues they experience in the field.
“In this case, that was screen blinding,” he said. “We’ve come up with a technology that reduces, and in most cases eliminates, screen blinding.”
Astec’s Vari-frequency screen technology is a patent-pending innovation that has been designed to tackle the stickiest of screening materials to keep production moving.
A flexible bottom deck design incorporates supportive cables that prevent plugging and blinding.
The new design aims to increase capacity, decrease maintenance and cleaning costs, and allow quarries to focus on what matters.
“The technology harnesses natural frequencies induced at normal operating speed, as well as additional frequencies induced on the screen media during operation due to impact of the material on the screen deck,” Whyte said.
“We have a fixed portion of the screen and a centre portion that is suspended on cables that traverse the width of the screen.”
During normal operation, natural frequencies and induced into a frame, which then transmits energy into the screen cloth to generate movement that keeps it clear.
The Vari-frequency screen technology utilises standard, side-tensioned screen wire cloth and generates multiple vibrations throughout the screen for optimal functionality.
It requires no external power source and has interface points that are compatible with other low-profile screens for seamless replacement.
Astec material solutions business line manager Adam Gordon said the team was excited to bring the one-of-a-kind technology to Australia soon.
“It will let quarries say goodbye to screen blinding, giving them increased performance and reduced operating costs,” he said.
“This revolutionary design will allow you to focus on what matters – worry-free production.”
Mineral Processing Solutions (MPS), a subsidiary of the OPS Group, will help bring the technology to Australian shores.
MPS has the rights to supply and support all Astec fixed and modular crushing, screening, and washing equipment, as well as material handling and breaker products in Australia.
“The MPS team’s extensive local market knowledge and experience in mineral processing – supported by Astec’s innovative technologies and manufacturing capability – has made MPS the perfect partner to deliver outstanding products and service,” Gordon said.
“We look forward to working closely with them to help Australian quarries eliminate blinding at their site.”•
For more information, visit astecindustries.com
