Screening in mining: reducing water consumption is a new challenge

The use of screens in mining presents a challenge: reducing water use in the production line of companies. The screening stage has sustainability as one of the requirements, alongside productivity and increased efficiency.

In this article, we will talk about the sieves available on the market that have a sustainable footprint and high performance. Máquinas Furlan continually improves its nutrient classification equipment, in addition to providing accessories that make the step more efficient.

Learn more about the advancement of dry processing.

What is screening in mining?

Each stage of rock processing has a function. We have already explained here on the blog how crushing works – see here 

Also record the grinding step here . 

Now it's time for screening. Basically, the screens classify and separate the materials. To do this, screens are used on each deck of the screen to classify the particles according to their size. If it passes through the screen mesh, the final product will be within the desired particle size and ready to be released. Whatever is retained goes back to the initiation stage.

One of the indicators monitored in the process is capacity, measured in tons/hour. Screening efficiency indicates, through a percentage, whether the final product is within the specifications. For application purposes, efficiency of around 90 to 95% is used to select the equipment.

The screening process can be dry or wet with the addition of water. Today, sustainability practices prioritize dry operation, which saves water and electricity. Screening is faster. Tailings dams are no longer permitted in plants.

In short, the benefits range from cost reduction to a lower risk of accidents. Thus, mining industries demonstrate to the market a commitment to sustainability, a requirement that is increasingly present in the business world.

Screening and feeding are related

Sieving is directly related to feeding procedures, the number of decks and type of sieve screens.

In this context, Máquinas Furlan offers two types of sieves, offering the best cost-benefit to customers. Find out more below.

1. High Frequency Vibrating Screens

PVAF sieves are recommended for fine granulometry classification, with 100% materials below 5 mm and above 0.3 mm of dry material. Sand and gravel are some of the final products in this process.

The motorization is one of the highlights of the line. Electric or hydraulic vibrators make up the equipment, in addition to a panel with a frequency inverter, low amplitude and rotation control. This set guarantees efficient classification of fines and operational performance.

2. Vibrating Screens

Furlan Vibrating Screens from the PVA line are indicated for the classification and final processing of minerals, with or without washing. They work with fines, such as sand, gravel and stone, among others.

They are simple to operate, even in the toughest working conditions, and offer high productivity. Furlan's Engineering team usually recommends their use with a minimum mesh size of between mesh 6 and 7.

Reliability in the sieve supplier

In general, the investment decision should also be guided by the least possible downtime of the plant. This results in a maintenance plan for the screens.

However, when purchasing the machine, the mining company needs to choose a supplier that focuses its efforts on the quality of wear and tear parts. Furlan is known for customized projects that prioritize this quality, throughout its 61 years of activity.

During this period, the company developed a culture of believing that reliability in the solutions offered to customers is fundamental.

Furlan both supplies parts to mining companies and manufactures its own equipment. Thus, Furlan's metallurgical area has the company's Equipment sector as one of its clients.

Reliability attracts customers. There are screen models, such as the PVA 600240, present in deposits in 14 Brazilian states and six different countries (United States, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay and Argentina).

The product may also include a closure, which reduces the emission of suspended particles during work. In fact, the Furlan catalog includes a full line of accessories for the screening stage.

So, now it’s time for you to get to know Furlan sieves. Send us a message and we’ll schedule a meeting – click here . 

In this contact, tell us the details of your production line, such as the material to be processed; input granulometry; and feeding capacity. This information can also be used for plant simulation, which is done using software. This technology helps you make the best purchasing decisions.

I hope you!