Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/301563
7 AGGREGATES MANAGER May 2014 TECHNOLOGY Higher stockpiling capabilities serve as a time saver, as producers can run for longer periods of time without having to move material. materials, and desired production is crucial. With plenty of research and consideration of desired production, size and abrasiveness of material, as well as the number of end size products, a producer can find well- outfitted screeners that align with the goals of the operation. Keep the company's goals in mind dur- ing the selection process. Calculate pro- jected annual sales and break the number down to tonnages per month. For example, if a company can sell 750,000 tons per year, its screeners need to sort 62,500 tons per month. If the screener is in operation three days per week (approximately 13 days per month), 8 hours per day, the operation will require a machine capable of screening around 600 tons per hour. This rate is key to the success of a busi- ness. In the previous example, a screener that processes 300 tons per hour limits profits and caps the company's growth po- tential. On the other hand, a machine with a potential output of 900 tons per hour likely will come with extra expenses but no added value. Another factor to keep in mind is the end product. The majority of machines are two- deck screeners capable of sorting two sized products and an oversize product. Others feature three deck screens that produce an additional sized product. Also consider that screen boxes vary in size and design. For example, a few screen- er/scalpers will be labeled "high energy." What exactly does it mean, and what is the benefit? A high-energy screen box runs fast- er and produces a higher stroke than a stan- dard screen box. Many customers notice that the more efficient, lively stroke boosts a machine's output and produces a cleaner product in comparison to a standard screen box. Be on the lookout for these standout features, and determine what is best for your organization before looking any fur- ther into the details. Scalp or screen There are two main types of screeners: scalpers and standard screens. Several main differences separate a scalping plant