Influence of process variables on the operational capacity of an industrial vibrating screening

Abstract

This study examines the key parameters influencing solid–liquid separation on an industrial vibrating screen. A screen with a 74 µm opening was employed to separate a suspension of sand particles (mean Sauter diameter of 288 µm) dispersed in a water phase containing smectite clay thickener. The independent variables investigated included screen inclination, feed flow rate, and vibration intensity (g-force). The responses evaluated were the moisture content of retained solids, the progression of the region predominantly occupied by the liquid phase (referred to as the pool region), and the level of the pool region on the screen. The results indicated that increasing g-force, increasing screen inclination, and reducing the feed flow rate contributed to a decrease in the advancement of the pool region. Regarding the pool region level, a reduction was observed with higher g-force, lower screen inclination, and decreased feed flow rate. For the moisture content of the retained solids, an increase was observed with higher feed flow rates. However, the effects of screen inclination and g-force on moisture content were opposing, as their interaction influenced the observed experimental outcomes. These effects were associated with the operational capacity of the vibrating screen, which demonstrated sufficient processing capability for up to 96 % screen occupancy by the pool region. Additionally, a linear relationship was observed between the advancement of the pool region and its level at constant screen inclination values.