Vibrating screens are mechanical screening equipment used commonly in recycling industries to separate materials into different sizes and grades. They are designed for multiple purposes like material classification, sizing, stone crushing, etc. Crusher production lines use two different types of vibrating screens: linear vibratory screens and circular vibratory screens. Both are different from each other in terms of their purpose for screening and the scope of application. In this blog, we’ll make a comparison between the two of them to guide you before you make a purchase.
Movement Track
A linear vibrating screen uses a vibrating motor which causes the material on the screen to move upward and forward in a straight line. It contains twin vibrating motors that operate synchronously in opposite directions producing centrifugal force parallel to the motor axis. A circular vibrating screen has an eccentric weight attached to the vibrator’s rotating shaft, moving material in a circular motion track.
Vibration Exciter
A linear vibrating screener consists of two eccentric shafts that work on the principle of vibration motor excitation. Hence, they are called double-shaft or biaxial vibrating screens. A circular vibrating screen is composed of a single exciter, the shaft, and requires an inertial motor to operate. Thus, they are known as uniaxial vibrating screens.
Screen Hole Blocking
When screening uneven or highly humid material, linear vibrating screens are likelier to experience screen hole blocking due to their small screen openings and high-frequency vibrations. On the other hand, circular vibrating screens have large screen openings and move the material in a high-speed circular trajectory. Hence, they are less prone to screen hole blocking but are more susceptible to material bouncing due to their rapid speed.
Installation Angle
In linear vibrating screening, the inclination angle ranges from 0-15 degrees. The steeper the surface angle, the faster the material will screen. Circular vibrating screens operate at an installation angle of 15-20 degrees. This angle helps to optimize the speed of the moving material, making sure that it stays in contact with the screen surface for a longer period of time.
Material
The frame or plates in the linear vibrating screener is made from lightweight stainless steel, carbon steel, and alloys. Such materials are abrasion resistant and provide support and stability to the machine. The circular vibrating screen is manufactured from thicker and more durable material like manganese steel which can withstand high-speed vibrations.
Shape Structure
A linear vibrating screen has a square or rectangular shape. Its design consists of a series of parallel single or double-deck vibrating screens. Circular vibrating screens have a rounded screening shape with multiple decks to separate materials.
Applicable Fields
Linear vibrating screening can be used in the pharmaceutical and food industry to classify and separate fine particles like sugar and grains or dry powder for medicines. Circular vibrating screens are best used to screen coarse or large particles having high moisture content e.g. coal in the mining industry.
Summary
To summarize, we have outlined the differences between linear and circular vibrating screens. It’s important that you understand your screening requirements, product application, and processing material properties before making a purchase of the vibrating screen.
