Aggregate and mining producers rely on their equipment to keep operations running smoothly. Productivity and profits depend not only on maintaining high efficiency, but preventing disruptive downtime that costs producers money every minute the screening plant is not functioning. By Lars Bräunling, MAJOR director of product technology.
Screen boxes and screen media in particular take on a lot of day-to-day stress and must be well maintained to prevent unexpected breakdowns. Adhering to regular service intervals is necessary, but can only go so far in anticipating the maintenance needs of your equipment.
And even if vibrating screens are functioning, it might not be at maximum efficiency. Productivity lost from underperforming equipment can be an unidentified burden on an aggregate or mining operation’s profitability.
Producers can use vibration analysis technology to get the information they need to prevent unforeseen breakdowns, as well as optimise their vibrating screens for maximum performance. As a result, vibration analysis tools are the easiest way to get started and get basic information quickly. Here is how:
Greater productivity: Vibration analysis technology gathers data on your screen box by measuring parameters such as g-force, stroke, rpm, orbit – even lateral movement, a measurement not offered by many alternative vibration analysis systems.
This valuable data can give producers the information they need to fine tune their machine for optimum productivity. It can even help prevent costly breakdowns.
Improved machine longevity: Aggregate and mining producers are well aware the abuse a screen box sees in a normal workday. These operations invest a lot of resources in choosing, integrating and maintaining their equipment, so protecting that investment is of the utmost importance.
Vibration analysis gives screening plant managers the information necessary to fine tune and properly maintain the equipment. It helps find issues that would often go undetected, such as a weakened springs on the side plate, and lead to significant damage to the machine.
Shutdown-free measurement: Certain vibration analysis tools offer the ability to collect data without shutting down the equipment. Stealing nothing from the day’s production, these types of vibration analysis tools use a sensor positioned on the screen box and conduct tests as the machine operates.
Immediate results: While some vibration analysis tools may take up to a day to send test results, others offer immediate insight into the equipment’s performance. Certain manufacturers offer a vibration analysis app to allow operators to view results within minutes.
Producers can use the information gathered by vibration analysis tools to determine whether a more in-depth analysis is needed. If questions come up or further analysis is needed, it’s best to work with a trusted manufacturer to analyse test results and maximise productivity.