An Overview of Vibratory Screens & Sieves

For the process of classifying, sorting, separation and sizing, vibratory screens & sieves serve an important role in many industries. They are used in industrial and manufacturing applications. They may vary in design, size, weight and method of operation, so as to be a maximum efficiency in the specific industry for which they are intended. Sieves and screens are useful in initial processing of materials, as well as in recycling and environmental clean up efforts.

Shapes and sizes of screens and sieves will vary greatly. They may be curves, basket-shaped, cylindrical, flat or irregular in shape. Some flat bed designs are inclined so that the force of gravity works to aid in the screening process. Size considerations will depend upon the size and weight of materials being sorted or cleaned.

Metal plate is used for the screens produced for use in some industries. The operation of the vibrating plate can be on an incline, or flat. Sometimes a pan or box style is used. Some industries use a series of screens or plates for multi-stage processing or sorting. The equipment may be arranged so that the feeders are an integral part of the sieves and screens. Again, the size and style of the feeders will depend upon the nature of the industry being serviced.

Sieve bend screens are particularly useful when the purpose is to separate liquids from solid materials. These DSM screens might be found in sugar processing plants, mineral reclamation, cement mixing plants, quarrying or mining of coal or waste treatment plants. For industrial or urban waste treatment, screens are used throughout the processing in order to reduce the burden placed upon the clarifier.

Where a vibrating screen can be constructed of lighter materials with proper performance, it may be composed of looped wire. This method of construction is easy to clean and industry specific. Chrome plates are used in vibrating beds where the wear rate is higher, in order to get maximum use from the equipment. Another construction material used occasionally is ceramic.

The vibrating action can result from shaking, rolling, pressing or other means. Gravity is used in some applications, or a combination of gravity and wind or water pressure. Another alternative is centrifugal force. The purpose of the screen or sieve is simply to separate one material from another, or alternatively to separate various sizes of the same material. During the process, one or both materials may be captured.

Sieves and screens are used in many environmental clean-up efforts. For example, cleaning up after a major oil spill will capture the oil and return the water to the environment. Companies use screening methods to reuse products such as coolant or machine oil. By reusing cleaned oil, the business saves on operating costs. The metal chips and filings that are removed from the processed oil can be packaged and sold to scrap metal plants.

Portability is the key word in some applications. The equipment containing the vibrating screens & sieves are towed or transported to a temporary site. Once the necessary work is done on the job site, the equipment is moved to the next location.