Polyurethane screen

Types of polyurethane screens

Polyurethane screens are flexible, durable, and weather-resistant screens used in various applications, mostly in the mining industry, for the separation of materials and the control of the particle size of various materials.

However, Polyurethane elastomer is a product that can be squeezed or expanded. It has two types of a hard elastic plastic material formed from excess liquids or foams and is made by an organic chemical reaction, which can be utilized to screen through various meshes. Screens made of this material can be used to sort particular materials, such as wet, damp, dry, medium, fine, and coarse materials, before purchasing. They come in various extractable types, making them suitable for various industrial applications. There are also many designs and configurations that can be customized to suit any property that needs to be screened.

The benefit of using a Polyurethane screen is that they have the ability to screen wet and fine materials more easily, more effectively, and for a longer time than other types of screens. For example, in the mining industry, a considerable quantity of water is often used to extract valuable minerals such as gold, diamonds, etc. If rubber screens are used, they will be of no use after a relatively short period due to the longevity of rubber compared to polyurethane, which is much longer.

Design Types:

• Tensioned screens

  A type of screen fitted by exerting tensile forces along with an elastic material encased within a frame. Used in the mining industry for sorting materials in the diamond, coal, and gold industries, they control the particle size of various materials to extract essential minerals. The diamond industry mostly uses the conical type, as it is more precise and accurate. Often referred to as the 'round top' or 'floor'' type of screens.

• Tensioned cross screens

  A type of tensioned screen with cross wires that form an X pattern. This type of screen has a rigid structure and can withstand high levels of stress and strains and separate a broad range of materials in various industries. Often referred to as 'crossed wires, 'heavy duty,' or 'dummy screens,' they are protective grids that allow only specific, desired materials to be screened through in solid applications under heavy loads.

• Saddle backed screens

  The method of fitting screens covered with elastic screens that are rigidly pre-framed into a support structure. These types will always return to their original size, shape, and screening properties. They have a soft back that adapts to the support structure, thus preventing the impairment of the screening function.

• Modular screens

  Screen sections joined together to form a more extensive screening system. These kinds have precise size, shape, and screening functions. They are more economical, and repair parts are quickly replaced and more manageable.

• Woven screens

  Elastic materials braided together to form a mesh. Used in the sand industry and for gravel holding, these types of screens are also known as sports or athletic screens. They allow the body to ventilate while providing support during physical, sporting, and other activities.

• Trommel screens

  A type of rotating cylindrical screen used to separate materials and refine solid mixtures chemically. They are often used as the first open method under-screen applications to separate organic and inorganic material. Separating matter of different shapes and sizes on the basis of light and heavy densities and the size of solids in closed and open circuit operations. Polyurethane is often used here, as other kinds of materials would not be able to withstand the wear and tear of the mining industry.

Specifications and maintenance of polyurethane screens

Specifications

• Customizable aperture sizes

  Typically, the aperture size refers to the distance between the holes of the screen. The aperture sizes are various, including 0.5mm, 1mm, 2mm, and so on. The specific choice of aperture sizes depends on the needs of business buyers. Usually, smaller aperture sizes will be employed to contain more particles, whereas larger aperture sizes will suffice for liquids and gases.

• Thickness options

  Including 5mm to 50mm. The thickness affects the screens' strength, flexibility, and vibration absorption capabilities.

• Material Softness

  Including 60A, 70A, 80A, and so on. Hardness is described by the shore A scale. Hardness affects durability, usability, and function in various applications.

• Colour and transparency

  Business buyers can choose the colours and transparency according to their brand image or market needs.

• Embossed or flat surface finishes

  In some special fields, business buyers need particular surface treatments, such as embossed surfaces. This can enhance screen friction and separation efficiency.

Maintenance

• Regular cleaning

  Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean the surface of the polyurethane screen to remove dust and particles. Try to reduce the residue on the screen surface, which can avoid secondary pollution in the screened materials.

• Avoid excessive cleaning

  Don't clean screens too frequently. Frequent cleaning can damage screen materials and reduce service life.

• Keep dry

  Dry the cleaning tools and materials to prevent the screens from being damp and mouldy.

• Maintain appropriate storage conditions

  Store the cleaned screens in a suitable place, which should be away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures.

• Repair and maintain

  Check the screens regularly to find and repair damage, including tears, cracks, and looseness.

• Keep the frame clean

  Clean the frame or support structure of the screen to ensure it is stable and free from contamination to the screened materials.

• Pay attention to the material characteristics

  Understand the specific maintenance requirements of different types of polyurethane screens, such as avoiding certain chemicals and ensuring compatibility with the screen materials.

Scenarios of polyurethane screen

The uses of the polyurethane screens for sale are enormous. Industries that deal with solid-liquid separations mostly use them. Nevertheless, several other sectors utilize the screens as well.

• Food and Beverage

  Food processing plants and breweries break down fruits and grains using poly screens during filtration. The screens assist in separating edible components from undesirable residues. For example, when processing fruit juices, screens can strain intact fruit fibers from the juice.

• Mining and Quarrying

  Mining operations extensively use polyurethane screens in their separation processes. The screens are fit for classifying minerals and separating valuable ores from unwanted material. In the quarrying sector, the screens break down large rock aggregates during the crushing process. They grade different sizes of rock aggregates for various construction applications.

• Chemical Processing

  In the chemical industry, screens have numerous applications. They separate precursors, catalysts, and chemical compounds during various reactions and processes. The durability of polyurethane makes it apt for dealing with harsh chemicals and high-energy processes.

• Coal and Power

  Power plants that generate energy from coal as the primary fuel source use coal screens during the coal processing and handling. The screens separate unwanted materials, excess moisture, and impurities from the processed coal prior to its combustion in the boiler to generate steam and power.

• Construction and Demolition

  Demolition recycling facilities and construction use screens to separate various aggregates. They separate types of aggregates like wood, metals, and plastics. The screens enable better recycling and reduce the volume of materials sent to landfills.

• Textile Industry

  Textile manufacturing industries use polyurethane screening technology during filtration processes in dyeing and tanning. The screens strain impurities and sediments from solutions to ensure the quality of end products.

• Plastic and Rubber Recycling

  Recycling facilities use screens to separate different materials in municipal solid waste or industrial waste streams. The screens facilitate sorting and recovery of recyclable materials like plastics, rubber, and paper.

It can also be used to sieve sand and soil in the following industries:

• Agriculture and Soil Analysis

  Agriculture uses screens for soil analysis in the foundation of agricultural practices. The screens help determine the composition of the earth on farms. Based on the composition, farmers will decide what crops are the best fit and what fertilization procedures to use.

• Civic and Municipal

  Civic and Municipal authorities use screens for smart waste management practices. The screens help in material recovery and recycling practices. They separate recyclable material like plastics and metals from organic waste.

How to choose polyurethane screens

When it comes to choosing the right polyurethane screening for a specific application, several factors need careful consideration to ensure they adequately meet operational needs. The performance characteristics of the screening will vary based on the type of screen chosen and its material composition.

• Property: Properties such as flexibility, impact resistance, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance are crucial for the efficient working of particular applications.
• Screen Type: Choosing the right type of screen is essential for a task to be accomplished. For example, a dewatering screen works differently than a fine-mesh screen, elliptical screen, or all-purpose screen.
• Mesh Size: Task requirements will vary based on the particular application being done. Whether one is sifting through soil, coal, or aggregate, the mesh size will differ based on the material being screened. Having the correct mesh size will ensure that the desired product is achieved.
• Strength: The strength of the material used for screening will differ based on the type of material needing to be screened. When choosing the screening for a specific job, the strength level of the screening material is vital for the task at hand.
• Floor Design: Floor design is crucial for separating materials based on particular requirements. Whether one is looking to choose a perforated screen, stranded polymer screen, or cross-stranded polyurethane screen, floor design will help meet separation requirements.
• Supporting Structure: The supporting structure used to hold the screen in place while screening material is laid out differently depending on the kind of apparatus used to carry out this work. It is crucial to have a supporting structure that will adequately support the screening material used.

When it comes to industrial tasks, it is essential to have the right kind of screening material for the job. This will ensure that resources are not wasted, and operational costs are kept low while enhancing the productivity of an apparatus.

FAQ

Q1: What is the lifespan of polyurethane screens?

A1: Usually, the lifespan of polyurethane screens is between 2 to 5 years. However, some factors like material quality, installation method, screen tensioning, maintenance, operating conditions, and coal properties will impact the lifespan of the screens.

Q2: Can clients find customized polyurethane screens?

A2: Yes, there are different types of customized polyurethane screens that clients can find. These include the size, shape, aperture, thickness, color, and other specifications of the screens.

Q3: Are used polyurethane screens recyclable?

A3: Yes, used polyurethane screens are recyclable. In most cases, the used screens are granulated and reused to produce new materials or products.