Discover nine spring start-up tips that shift the focus from crushers to the vital roles of wet screening and washing equipment, priming operations for a strong season.
When it comes to spring start-up feature stories from our industry, crushers often get most of the spotlight. That's why we decided to shift the focus to some of the other workhorses of aggregate production: screening and washing equipment used in wet processing applications.
Winter's conditions can be unforgiving on machinery, leaving wet screens and washers vulnerable to a variety of issues. This extended period of inactivity can lead to accumulation of debris, corrosion of parts, and degradation of lubricants, which compromise the efficiency of your equipment.
As temperatures rise, encouraging your customers to thoroughly check and maintain their gear is not just beneficial, it’s essential to prevent breakdowns.
Remove any debris that has built up during downtime to prevent blockages and ensure smooth operation.
Change oil and filters in gearboxes and hydraulic units to protect against abrasive, corrosive, and adhesive wearing.
Check and replace any cracked or weathered rubber seals on screws, pumps, cyclones, and other equipment.
Wait a week or two for snow runoff to process through your plant, then calibrate classifying tanks with computer control systems.
Examine screen springs for corrosion and replace any that are compromised. Consider upgrading to rubber springs.
Ensure spray bars and nozzles are tightly secured and not worn out to avoid potential blockages and/or uneven water distribution.
Look for uneven wear on screen media, indicating potential issues with feed distribution or screen alignment.
Check for wear or damage and replace any worn beyond specifications to maintain separation efficiency.
Optimize feed rates and pressures per your owners manual to ensure efficient processing and reduce strain on equipment.
Keep in mind that a comprehensive visual inspection can uncover many potential issues before they escalate. Taking the time now to thoroughly assess, document, and address the condition of your washing and wet screening equipment will prevent significant time and cost expenditures down the line.
Also, don't overlook a valuable resource found in your equipment owner's manuals. While the startup checklists included there are often used for new installations, they are equally useful for spring startups. These checklists provide a structured, step-by-step guide that ensures no critical checks are missed, helping to achieve peak operational performance.
Each owner's manual is equipped with a start-up checklist, which can be used as a guide while performing maintenance checks in the spring.