The art of screening

In ancient Greece, as long ago as 2,000 BC, numerous methods were used to isolate valuable metals. These include flotation, cupellation, and – with the use of reeds and horsehair – screening. Naturally, this is a world away from the sophistication of modern screening techniques, but the basic principle remains the same.

In the extractive industries, screening is an essential process that – when done correctly – can considerably reduce costs. It is often overlooked, but it offers an opportunity to improve efficiency and return on investment. Therefore it’s important to understand how screening works and how it can help increase the value of your operation.

Getting the right screen size is important. If the screen is too small then you will end up with excessive undersize particles in the overflow. But it’s also possible to have a screen that’s too big.

Multi-slope, inclined, horizontal, free fall, grizzly. Mechanical screens come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but there are a number of basic processes that take place in every type of screen.

Throughout the Knowledge Hub we’ve been exploring mechanical screening and explaining its terminology as it arises. To keep on top of things, now is a good time to sum up these terms and provide a place where you can find definitions for the technical language involved in screening.