The construction industry has always relied on a wide range of machinery and technology to work effectively. This can range from simple equipment such as scaffolding and concrete mixers to advanced digging vehicles and heavy-duty cranes for large-scale operations. One piece of equipment that is vital in many different sectors of the wider construction industry is the use of a screener. Screeners work by separating processed materials (such as concrete, sand, and topsoil), sorting them by size, and freeing the material from waste and debris. The finished and sorted material can then be used in a wide range of construction applications.

These can range from building roads to laying the foundations for new buildings. If your construction firm needs to invest in a quality screener, this article will be of benefit. It will discuss some key considerations when choosing the ideal screener for your operations. This will enable you to find a screener that is fit for its intended purposes and one that will have a long and useful life for your firm. 

Know your screeners' purpose

One of the prime considerations when researching the market for screeners is the overall purpose of the equipment. You will need to clearly understand what materials will be screened, the volume of material that will be sorted, and the weight and abrasiveness of the product that you intend to screen. In addition, you should also understand the volume of the material that you intend to put through the screener and an idea of your desired output rate. For example, if you intend to screen small volumes of material on an occasional basis, a smaller screener with a lower output rate may be an ideal and cost-effective choice. Smaller screeners may only be able to process 50 tonnes of product per hour (or less), but this may be sufficient for your firm's needs. Conversely, choose a device that suits your desired output rate if you need to produce a larger volume of screened material.

Types of screen media

Screeners typically feature a screen that is used to aid the separation of your material. Your choice of screen media will depend on the materials that you intend to process. A typical wire mesh screen can be a cost-effective choice. However, if you intend to screen abrasive materials (such as concrete) regularly, you may be wiser to invest in a stainless steel screen. Stainless steel is an expensive option, but it is extremely durable and offers protection against corrosion (making it ideal for screening wet materials). If you are screening materials that contain a lot of dirt or debris (such as when screening recycled concrete) bofar bars may be an ideal replacement for a standard screen.

Consider customer support

As a brief final point, it is paramount that you consider the customer support your screening equipment supplier provides. Screening is an intensive process and will result in wear and tear on the machinery. Eventually, parts of the equipment will need to be repaired, serviced, or replaced to ensure that the screening process remains efficient. Choose a supplier that has access to spare parts and can provide comprehensive customer support, ideally with 24-hour spare parts ordering. In addition, consider the warranty and guarantee that comes with the equipment. Accept a 1-year warranty as a minimum.