6 Tips to Help Keep your Screening Machine Run Smoothly

Your vibro screens perform an important function within your production process which is why ensuring they operate at their maximum efficiency year after year is important. Follow these six simple tips to help keep your machine running smoothly.

Tip 1 – Ensure your vibratory screens are set up correctly

Appropriate installation and setup of your vibro screen can limit the amount of maintenance your machine requires. To ensure no secondary vibration occurs your circular vibro screen must be mounted on a solid floor or base. If you require a certain level of vibration the weight settings on your vibratory screening machine can be adjusted. This will give you the vibration level you require for your application without causing excessive wear to your machine or component parts.

Before putting any product through your machine it is advised that a running in period be carried out. Following this period all nuts and bolts should be checked for tightness. Industrial vibro screens work by applying a vibration to the sieve mesh, however this vibration can cause clamps to become loose. Regular tightening of the clamps will therefore be required to ensure there is no damage to sieve desks, mesh frames and gaskets.

Tip 2 – Correctly store and handle your mesh frames and gaskets

Mesh frames and gaskets should be handled with care as they can be easily damaged. Gaskets should be cleaned with a solution which will not attack or damage the material. Mesh frames will need to be cleaned in a way which is suitable to the application but most importantly tension in the screen should not be lost as this will reduce the sieving efficiency. Routinely replacing the gyro screen mesh frame gaskets is also important to ensure good quality sealing. Storage of spare gaskets and frames should be in a suitable container and gaskets should be stored away from direct sunlight. The Russell Frame Guard is the ideal storage solution to protect your mesh frames.

Tip 3 – Use good quality mesh in your vibro screens mesh frames

Over time mesh cloth can stretch so mesh screen tension should be checked regularly to establish when a vibro screen mesh frame is no longer providing optimum screening and therefore needs to be re-meshed. Whilst mesh frames are being re-meshed a spare mesh frame will allow production to continue, limiting the amounting of downtime you incur.

When choosing a supplier for your mesh screens it is recommended that an experienced and reputable supplier is used. Such suppliers will use high quality mesh and advanced bonding techniques which will ensure mesh screen longevity and accurate screening of products. Advanced bonding techniques will maintain the correct tension preventing sagging and excessive wear. High quality mesh will last longer and also have accurate aperture sizes to ensure consistent product quality.

Tip 4 – Carry out regular maintenance checks on sieve components

Regular maintenance checks of sieve components will prolong the life of the components and vibratory screens whilst keeping them performing at their best. One such component is the vibro screens clamps. The clamps secure the mesh between the underpan and deck providing a seal and preventing movement. Ensuring they are in good condition will prevent product leakage and excessive wear which can be caused if the clamps do not prevent movement of the sieve decks. Checking flexible connectors on a regular basis is also important because if they are not able to flex freely in both horizontal and vertical directions splitting and leakage can occur. The suspension of the vibro screen whether it is rubber or spring transfers the vibration to the sieve decks. Regular maintenance checks will ensure the vibration is transferred efficiently to the sieve decks.

Tip 5 – Purchase genuine spare parts

Purchasing genuine spare parts from the manufacturer of your vibro screen will ensure it runs smoothly. Whilst copies are invariably cheaper they are also of poorer quality meaning they don’t last as long. Furthermore copies can sometimes even cause damage to your machine causing further unexpected costs. Purchasing a genuine spare part that has been designed specifically for your vibro screening sifter will prevent you from wasting money on inferior copies and protect your machine.

Tip 6 – Consult your manual to carry out any maintenance

Before carrying out any maintenance on your vibro screen you should always consult your operating manual. Undertaking maintenance on your vibro screen without doing so could cause injury to operators or damage the machine. If you are uncertain about any aspect contact your supplier for advice.

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