Challenge
Customer wanted to replace an existing vibrating screen due to frequent mechanical failure issues. Existing screen technology utilized the traditional brute force drive with large shafts, bearings, and motors. In the application, brute force screen technology typically had a useable life of around 1 year before mechanical failure occurred. The new screen needed to fit into the same area of the plant and run without issues.
Approach
General Kinematics was approached by the customer to qualify their process. Through the qualification, GK demonstrated that a properly designed vibratory screener would achieve the results they required without the maintenance issues they experienced with the existing brute force screen design.
Solution
Within six months, GK engineering designed a new standard style two-mass vibratory screen and had the machine completed for shipment to the customer. The vibrating screen utilized GK’s proven two-mass, low horsepower, vibratory drive technology, an engineered urethane deck system designed for easy replacement, and an extra heavy-duty machine frame to withstand the rigorous application environment.
Results
The unit was installed at customer’s jobsite right next to an existing brute force vibrating screen. The customer has run the GK STM two-mass vibrating screen since the beginning of 2010 without issues. In side by side operation, the customer experienced significant energy savings with GK’s solution, 60 KW for the brute force vibrating screen versus 18.6 KW for the GK two mass vibrating screen. The superior design of the STM two-mass vibrating screen has shown to have been a reliable unit with less downtime. Based on the exceptional performance and energy savings of the GK two mass screen, the customer has since ordered a replacement for the brute force unit that remained. Now two GK screens are side by side in the plant.
