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October 2015MODERN MINING49
PRODUCT News
Vibro Optimax™ extends
screen life
Wire screens are generally
considered to be the most
effective form of screen
because of the stable screen-
ing surface and higher open
area. By developing a wire
with improved mechanical
properties, FLSmidth has
enabled customers to lower
the total cost of ownership on screening plants.
The company’s Vibro Optimax™ wire allows optimum throughput
while reportedly offering superior wear resistance, resulting in an
improvement in the overall working life of the physical screen.
“This increase in screen life coupled with a significant decrease in
maintenance translates into significant bottom line savings for our
customers,” explains Alistair Calver, GM of Screen Media at FLSmidth.
“Our continued focus on developing screen media products and
ancillary equipment that will improve current screen performance
allows FLSmidth to offer quality screen media solutions to meet spe-
cific application requirements,” he adds.
Vibro™ wire was originally developed in the 1980s and over time
this screening product has further evolved in conjunction with cus-
tomer input to ensure optimum performance.
Vibro Optimax™ wire was developed in conjunction with Scaw
Metals over an 18-month period and has a higher tensile strength
than standard screen wires with better wear characteristics. It is suited
to screening in hard rock applications such as aggregates, iron ore and
manganese, and allows for a reduction in wire thickness which trans-
lates into an increase in the open area of the screen. This improves
the screen’s efficiency while maintaining the original life of the screen.
“Significantly, when selecting Vibro Optimax™ there is the option
to reduce the wire diameter resulting in a reduction in mass on the
screen and therefore the cost whilst increasing open area,”Calver says.
“Choosing this route does not impinge on the efficacy of the process
and, in fact, actually increases throughput while still increasing the
lifespan because of the mechanical property of the wire. Going for
a lighter screen means less installed mass as well as increased ease
of handling and correct installation with a direct positive impact on
operator safety during the process,” he says.
Wire screens facilitate optimum versatility as they can be manu-
factured with different aperture sizes and with different wire sizes at
a relatively low cost. Calver does caution, however, that the accurate
manufacture of wire screens is a challenge for the industry as, while
many companies can manufacture screens, not all can manufacture
the apertures correctly and according to required specifications.
“It is essential that the correct aperture wire ratio is selected as it
is this that will assist with the pegging and blinding issues commonly
experienced,” he adds.
“It is important that end users obtain input from a reputable sup-
plier who is able to assess the requisite screening duties and apply the
technology appropriately to ensure an optimum end result. We have
references where the correct installation of Vibro OptimaxTM has seen
the life span of screens double,” says Calver.
Terence Osborn, FLSmidth, tel (+27 10) 210-4820
The Vibro Optimax™ wire allows optimum
throughput while offering superior wear
resistance.