Optimizing the balance of tumbler screens

According to Orthos Process Equipment, most screening operations develop considerable residual forces that are absorbed by their supporting structures. This is of particular significance where resonant frequencies of a structure lie close to the excitation frequency of the screening machine. By minimizing these forces, potential damage to the building structure can be reduced. 

While vibrating machinery in general exhibits residual forces, it is the large-diameter multi-deck tumbler screens that are most damaging due to the presence of both radial and tangential components that affect the transportation of the particles over the surface of the screen. 

Until recently, tumbler screens were balanced only in respect of the radial component, in order to reduce residual horizontal and vertical forces, while the more important tangential component that creates the circular movement of the particles tended to be ignored.    

The new MultiBalance system from Allgaier has been designed specially to optimize the balancing of the manufacturer’s own tumbler screens by utilizing a unique multi-dimensional electronic balancing system, which is said to completely eliminate the forces generated by tangential components. Orthos Process Equipment say measurements indicate that these forces are reduced by up to 80% compared with conventional balancing techniques. 

Allgaier now include MultiBalance as standard on all tumbler screens larger than 2m diameter. They also provide full optical balancing prior to delivery and a retrofit service for existing machines. For more difficult applications where variable forces are generated, or where several screens are installed, balancing is achieved by using Allgaier’s proven synchronization system.