8 tips to better vibrating screen storage

If a vibrating screen will be stored for an extended period of time — longer than two weeks — a rust treatment plan should be renewed every three months, following the date stamped on the paper label affixed to each side of the vibrator shipment, according to Metso’s Mining and Construction Technologies.

 Vibrators in service that are to remain idle for periods longer than two weeks should also be given some storage treatment to prevent rusting of internal metal parts and drying of seals. Additionally, rust preventative oils are recommended because the parts need not be cleaned of this compound before placing the unit in operation. Simply drain the excess and refill to the proper oil level with your operating lubricant.

Before shutting down, Metso’s Mining and Construction Technologies recommends the following steps if the vibrator is to be idle for an extended period and power is available to drive it while it is attached to the live frame:

• Drain the operating oil and refill to the proper oil level with Mobil-Kote 501 or 503 (or equivalent).
• Run the unit for one hour before shutting down.
• After shutdown, coat the exposed portion of the oil flinger sleeve on the drive shaft with grease.
• Keep the rust preventative in the vibrator during the idle period, and put the unit in operation every three months for one hour.
• When operations are resumed, drain the rust preventative and refill with the proper oil.
• Vibrating screens can vary from model to model, so make sure to refer to your specific vibrating screen instruction manual for exact “winterization” details.

Tip sheet for winter operations and shutdown:

Here’s a tip list from Chris Wade, FLSmidth Pekin general manager of crushing services, and Ken Olson, FLSmidth director of manufacturing, to help you with winter operations at your aggregates plant whether you run through the winter months or completely shut down your operation.

A checklist for operating during the winter:

1. Make sure the package lubrication systems and the hydraulic power units have the proper viscosity oil for ambient temperature conditions that will be encountered. Operating with high oil viscosity will shorten pump life and can affect the function of solenoid and relief valves on the hydraulic power units 
2. Make sure that all oil immersion heaters are functional, as highly viscous cold oil has an adverse effect on pump life. The additional viscosity will result in an increase in viscosity head, which can result in too much oil by-pass and not enough lubricating oil getting to the crusher. Note that some operators insulate the lube oil and hydraulic power unit oil reservoirs in very cold climates.
3. Hydraulic power unit canister breathing elements for the reservoirs often have a desiccant and should be changed out as sub-freezing temperatures approach.
4. Air/oil heat exchangers continue to cause cooling of the oil even without the fan moving air over the radiator core. Cover the front of the radiator to block air flow, if necessary.
5. Make sure that the reservoir oil temperature is up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit before starting the lubrication pump.
6. Make sure that the return oil temperature is up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit before feed is introduced to the crusher.
7. Winter operations can result in frost on the feed and discharge conveyor belts. Operate the conveyors without load for an extended period of time to warm the belts and increase the flexibility. Ensure that any belt slip detection is functional. A slipping discharge conveyor can cause serious damage to a cone crusher if product backs up into the crusher.
8. Keep walkways and decks free from ice and snow build up for safety.

A checklist for winter shutdown: