Mining 101: Difference between Vibrating & Flip Flop Screens

When it comes to mining, screens are an absolute necessity. Since mining involves taking minerals from the earth, there are many impurities in the dig. Screens are a way of removing dirt and unwanted rocks such as ore, coal and iron. The types of screens are variable.

Conventional screens can be less economical and inefficient, especially when problematic items like damp or leafy materials are used. These materials oftentimes plug up the screen openings and make efficiency nearly impossible.

The two main state-of-the-art categories are vibrating and flip flop. Both types of screens have their attributes and downfalls. However, compared to the conventional type screens, vibrating and flip flop are definitely superior.

Vibrating Screens

A vibrating screen is a large device used to separate powders, solids and liquids. They are used to sort and clean particles or certain items. The mechanism uses motion, gravity and mesh screens. It is generally made of steel and has two open sides for monitoring and production. The majority of devices are composed of at least four levels of screens arranged on top of each another. The screens are made of wire mesh and come in a wide range of sizes. As well, vibrating screens are also available in single and double deck arrangements.

It is named a vibrating screen because the whole mechanism gently vibrates in a circular motion. This motion works the material through the screen plus separates the impurities. As well, the speed of vibrations can be regulated, gentle for fragile items and vigorous for rougher material.

Flip Flop Screens

Flip flop screens have coupled conventional circular vibration and traditional linear vibration methods to create double vibration movement. The mechanism uses only one drive to power the dual vibration, making it extremely effective.

Generally, the flip flop screen is constructed with polyurethane dynamic screening mats. Polyurethane is the ideal material for screens because it expands and contracts throughout the process. Additionally, flip flop screens can endure high acceleration rates and have a wide range of screen cuts. In fact, it is usually the high acceleration that separates the hard-to-screen products. Moreover, the machines have optimum adjustment that includes vibrational parameters. And with the dynamic screen-panel movement, the screen opening stay clear.

Likewise, flip flop screens are applicable in many industries such as jobs in challenging weather conditions; the mineral industry; damp, wet and dry screening; industrial coal and steel; building materials; ore production and the recycling industry.