Precautions Before Turning on the Screen Basket
Before starting the screen basket, double-check that all bolts are tightened; the feed valve, drain valve, and dilution water valve are in normal working order; lubricate lubrication points and bearings with grease; and ensure that the sealing flushing water or air is turned on and has normal pressure and flow. This step is crucial for preventing pressure screen basket blockage and ensuring seal protection. It is recommended to start the equipment slowly according to the operating procedure to avoid sudden loading.
Common Problems Encountered During Screen Basket Operation
The inlet pressure difference and outlet pressure difference are the most critical indicators of the screen drum’s operating status. A sudden or continuous increase in pressure usually indicates that the screen basket is beginning to clog. Conversely, a low pressure difference may indicate screen basket damage or bypass leakage. It is essential to control the pressure difference within a reasonable range and ensure the flow rate is within the design range to avoid overload operation.
Abnormal vibration and noise during operation may be caused by screen basket damage, bearing failure, or imbalance, requiring immediate attention and inspection.
An abnormally high motor current may be caused by excessive load. It is necessary to check whether the screen basket and screen gaps are blocked. If the current is abnormally low, it may be due to slippage or idling.
And pressure screen basket clogging issues.
Operating Techniques for Screen Basket
Maintain Stable Operating Conditions: Avoid drastic fluctuations in flow rate and concentration, as these can impact the screen basket and affect screening efficiency.
Proper Flushing: If a pulse flushing or continuous dilution water system is installed, ensure its proper functioning. Optimize the pressure, flow rate, and frequency of the flushing water or air based on material characteristics and operating pressure differentials. This is crucial for preventing screen basket clogging.
To avoid overloading, the screen basket should not be operated for extended periods at flow rates or concentrations exceeding its capacity.
Key Points for Screen Basket Shutdown Maintenance
After shutdown, especially for extended periods or before material changes, thoroughly clean the screen basket and its cavity to prevent residual material from hardening and causing blockage or corrosion. Use a suitable cleaning solution.
Regularly inspect the screen basket’s slits and apertures for blockages, wear, deformation, and damage. Use a flashlight and magnifying glass to carefully inspect key areas. Minor blockages can be cleared with a soft brush or low-pressure water. Severe wear or damage requires immediate replacement.
Seals also need to be inspected. Check all static and dynamic seals (O-rings, mechanical seals) for signs of aging, wear, extrusion, cracking, etc. Regular replacement is recommended to effectively prevent leaks.
Inspect worn parts, such as rotor blades, for abnormal wear.
Fasteners should be regularly inspected and bolts tightened to prevent loosening due to vibration.
Furthermore, it is recommended to keep detailed records of each regular inspection, cleaning, and maintenance to track equipment status and predict maintenance cycles.
Never strike the screen basket with hard objects (especially in the screen slots and hold). The screen drum is very delicate and fragile; any impact from a hard object may cause permanent deformation and damage.
When performing chemical cleaning, the material of the screen basket must be confirmed. It is generally made of SS304 or SS316L. The material of the seals must also be confirmed to ensure compatibility between the cleaning solution and these two materials, and the concentration must be strictly controlled.
Maintaining the screen basket is a meticulous and standardized task. Continuously controlling parameters such as differential pressure and flow rate during use, maintaining stable operating conditions, making full use of the flushing function, and strictly implementing regular inspection, cleaning, and maintenance plans are the only ways to maximize screen basket efficiency, extend service life, ensure product quality, and ensure stable equipment operation. Develop the habit of prioritizing safety and keeping detailed records. Learn more about the operation of pressure screen baskets and common issues.