GB2134415A

GB2134415A - Vibratory screening apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2134415A
Application number: GB08303005A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Walter Ernest Hepworth; Douglas Cecil Martin; Andrew Donald William Monroe; Michael Patrick Charles Sutch
Original assignee: MOGENSEN SIZERS Ltd
Current assignee: MOGENSEN SIZERS Ltd
Priority date: 1983-02-03
Filing date: 1983-02-03
Publication date: 1984-08-15
Also published as: GB2134415B; GB8303005D0

Abstract

A screening machine comprises a plurality of replaceable screening decks (8) arranged transversely of the machine in a shingled array. Each deck, which is arranged horizontally or downwardly tilted from horizontal, is spaced in a heightwise manner from its neighbour(s) and comprises a plurality of finger-like members (18) projecting from a readily demountable transverse frame portion (14) into the material path, and defining diverging spaces (20) therebetween. At least the finger-like members of the decks are interchangeable to vary the width and degree of divergence of the spaces. The angle at which the finger-like members (8) project the material path with respect to a transverse axis of the frame portion (14) is also adjustable. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to vibratory screening apparatus The invention is concerned with improvements in or relating to vibratory screening apparatus.

Screening apparatus may be used for a wide range of applications in which materials are to be separated by being passed through or over discontinuous surfaces to which a vibratory movement is applied. These discontinuous surfaces may be mesh screens of varying sizes or may comprise finger-like members, for example rods, and arranged in a series of decks over which the material is passed.

The materials to be screened are often disparate in nature. By way of example it may be desirable to sort domestic refuse to recover re-cyclable components, to screen plasterboard fragments to recover gypsum, to screen compost or peat or other fibrous material or to classifyfragmentiser scrap such as that resulting from the crushing of cars and similar vehicles. In order to deal with materials from such diverse sources and containing such a wide variety of constituents has hitherto required the use of a range of specialised machines to attain satisfactory levels of efficiency.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a machine capable of screening widely disparate materials with an acceptable level of efficiency.

The invention provides a screening machine comprising a plurality of replaceable screening decks arranged transversely of the machine in a shingled array and over which material to be screened is passed in a path having a downward component of movement, each deck, which is arranged horizontally or downwardly tilted from horizontal, being spaced in a heightwise manner from its neighbour(s) and comprising a plurality of finger-like members projecting from a readily demountable transverse frame portion into the material path, said finger-like members defining spaces therebetween which spaces diverge in a direction from the transverse frame portions, means to interchange at least the finger-like members of the decks to vary the width and degree of divergeance of the spaces, and means to adjust the angle at which the finger-like members project into the material path with respect to a tranverse axis of the frame portion.

Conveniently the screening decks are replaceable by removal of the frame portion and the finger-like members secured thereto and re-insertion in the machine of a fresh frame portion having finger-like members at more closely or widely-set positions thereupon. Alternatively, the finger-like members may be adjustably secured, for example by bolts, to the frame portion and provision may be made for the finger-like members to be detached from the frame portion and re-attached at other positions or replaced by shorter or longer, or wider or narrower, finger-like members as required.

In examples of machines according to the invention to be described below, there may be one set of screening decks arranged in a cascade array or, if appropiate there may be two sets of decks arranged one above the other. In the latter example, the spaces between the finger-like members of the lower deck may conveniently be narrower than those of the upper deck.

There will now be described two examples of machines according to the invention. It will be understood that the description, which is to be read with reference to the drawings, is given by way of example only and not by way of limitation.

In the drawings: Figure lisa side view of a first machine according to the invention, having a side plate removed for clarity; Figure2 is a plan view of the deck of the machine; Figure 3 is a side view of the deck of Figure 2; Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a fixing means for the deck of Figures 1-3; Figure 5 is a side view of a second example of a machine according to the invention; Figures 6 and 7 are an underneath plan view and side view respectively of an upper deck of the machine of FigureS; Figures 8 and 9 are similar views of a lower deck thereof.

Figure 1 shows a screening machine 2, supported upon a frame work 4 by means of conventional resilient mounting including springs 6. An array of decks 8, which number ten in the present example are arranged in a cascade formation within a framework, comprising two side walls 10, one of which is removed to show the arrangement of the decks.

A mounting bracket 12 is secured to the side wall 10 to support an end portion of each deck in a manner to be explained below.

One of the decks 8 is illustrated in Figure 2 and comprises a frame portion 14 along the length of which runs a flange 16 to which are welded a plurality of finger members 18. Webs 17 are provided for reinforcement of the frame portion. Each member 18 tapers outwardly of the frame portion 14 so that the intervening spaces 20 are divergent.

Fixedly secured at each end of the frame portion 14 is one of two hollow bosses 22 around each of which is secured a U-bracket 24 (Figure 4) a lip portion 26 of the bracket 12. Thus the angle or rake of the deck may readily be adjusted to cope with differing types of material, for example into the position shown in chain-dotted lines in Figure 4.

Material to be screened is fed to the machine at the upper end of the array of decks 8 and the machine is vibrated in a conventional manner by means of a motor (not shown). The material travels downwardly over the decks so that the larger components are retained by the finger members 18 to be taken off from the machine at an outlet 26. Smaller size material passes through the spaces 20 and is recovered from below.

Various materials may be satisfactorily screened by adjustment of the angle of the decks with respect to the machine and, where necessary by using interchangeable decks.

The second example of a machine according to the invention is shown in Figure 5. As in the previous example, the machine 30 is supported upon a framework 32 by means of a conventional mounting including springs 34.

Secured transversely of the machine between side walls 36 thereof are two arrays of decks 38,40.

One of the upper decks 38 is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, and comprises a frame portion 42 to which are bolted at desired intervals a plurality of finger members 46 having divergent spaces 47 therebetween. A stiffening flange 44 reinforces the frame portion. Side members 48 are secured to the ends of the frame portion 42 and to each outermost finger member 46. Two apertures 50 are provided in the side members to receive bolts (not shown).

A series of corresponding apertures 52 are provided in the side walls 36 into which the bolts of the decks are received. Adjustment of the rake of the decks may be achieved by selection of an alternative aperture for example that shown at 54 for the rear bolt (the righthand side boit as viewed in the Figures).

Below the upper decks 38, the lower decks 40 are similar in construction and mounting and are shown in Figures 8 and 9 with similar reference numerals, for example, finger members 46'. However, these finger members are more numerous and narrower, with narrower spaces 47' therebetween. Since the larger components of the material to be screened have been retained by the finger members 46, the finger members 46' do not need to be so robust in construction.

When the machine is in operation, vibration is imparted thereto in a conventional manner by means of a motor 56. Material to be screened is fed onto the upper portion of the upper deck 38 and proceeds downwardly over the decks. Large compo nents are taken off at outlet 58, having been retained by the finger members 46. Medium size components which have passed through the spaces 47 but are retained by the finger members 46' are taken off at outlet 60 and material which passes through the spaces 47' is collected from below the machine.

As explained above, the spacing of the finger members 46 and 46' may be adjusted and the rake of the decks may be altered to take account of the type of material being screened. In a typical example of fragmentiser scrap from a car-breaking operation the crushed components are fed at the top end of the upper deck, and the larger plastics components, tyre portions and the like are collected at outlet 58.

Ferrous metal scrap is retained in the middle fraction and collected at outlet 60, while small components, fractured zinc or magnesium alloy parts, pulverised glass and dirt (mud and the like) is collected from below the machine.

If desired conventional mesh screens may also be used in conjunction with the adjustable decks de scribed, as may washing devices.

Various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Ascreening machine comprising a support structure and a plurality of replaceable screening decks arranged transversely of the machine in a shingled array and over which material to be screeened is passed in a path having a downward component of movement, each deck, which is arranged horizontally or downwardly tilted from horizontal, being spaced in a heightwise manner from its neighbour(s) and comprising a plurality of finger-like members projecting from a readily demountable transverse frame portion into the material path, said finger-like members defining spaces therebetween which spaces diverge in a direction from the transverse frame portions, means to interchange at least the finger-like members of the decks to vary the width and degree of divergence of the spaces, and means to adjust the angle at which the finger-like members project onto the material path with respect to a transverse axis of the frame portion.

2. A machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the finger-like members are arranged in a row and are fixedly secured to the appropriate frame portion and the frame portion/member assembly is removable bodily from a main frame of the machine for replacement by a further frame portion/member assmebly, the spaces between the finger-like members of which have a width and/or possess degrees of divergence which differ from the first merìtioned row.

3. A machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the finger-like members are arranged in a row and are each replaceably secured to the frame portions, means being provided to detach the members therefrom for replacement by a row of members the spaces between which have a width and possess degrees of divergence which differ from the first mentioned row.

4. A machine as claimed in claim 3 wherein the finger-like members are replaceably secured to the frame portions at seiected ones of a plurality of available positions.

5. A machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each frame portion is adjustably mounted on the support structure to vary the angle at which the finger-like members project therefrom.

6. A machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein the or each frame portion is adjustably secured at each end thereof about a pivot member upon the support structure.

7. A machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein the or each portion are adjustably secured with respect to the support structure by provision of a plurality of bolt-receiving apertures in said structure, selected ones of said apertures being in use as required.

8. A machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a set of screening decks are arranged with respect to the support structure in a cascade array.

9. A machine as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 4 wherein there are two or more sets of screening decks, said decks being arranged with respect to the support structure in a cascade array and situated one above another.

10. A machine as claimed in claim 9 wherein the spaces between the finger-like members of the lower deck(s) are narrower than the spaces between the finger-like members of the uppermost deck.

11. A screening machine constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to an as shown in a) Figures 1 - 4 b) Figures 5-9 of the drawings.