Wash Away Winter: Spring Readiness in Wet Processing

Discover nine spring start-up tips that shift the focus from crushers to the vital roles of wet screening and washing equipment, priming operations for a strong season.

PUBLISHED: MARCH 2025

When it comes to spring start-up feature stories from our industry, crushers often get most of the spotlight. That's why we decided to shift the focus to some of the other workhorses of aggregate production: screening and washing equipment used in wet processing applications.

Winter's conditions can be unforgiving on machinery, leaving wet screens and washers vulnerable to a variety of issues. This extended period of inactivity can lead to accumulation of debris, corrosion of parts, and degradation of lubricants, which compromise the efficiency of your equipment.

As temperatures rise, encouraging your customers to thoroughly check and maintain their gear is not just beneficial, it’s essential to prevent breakdowns.

Nine Spring Start-Up Tips for Wet Processing Plants

To guide you and your customers through this process, industry veterans John Bennington and Ed Sauser offer their expert tips, backed by over 70 years of combined experience in wet screening, washing, and classifying applications.

Clean Debris Accumulation

Remove any debris that has built up during downtime to prevent blockages and ensure smooth operation.

Replace Lubricating Oil

Change oil and filters in gearboxes and hydraulic units to protect against abrasive, corrosive, and adhesive wearing.

Inspect Rubber Seals

Check and replace any cracked or weathered rubber seals on screws, pumps, cyclones, and other equipment.

Perform Delayed Calibrations

Wait a week or two for snow runoff to process through your plant, then calibrate classifying tanks with computer control systems.

Check Coil Springs

Examine screen springs for corrosion and replace any that are compromised. Consider upgrading to rubber springs.

Service Bars & Nozzles

Ensure spray bars and nozzles are tightly secured and not worn out to avoid potential blockages and/or uneven water distribution.

Monitor Wear Patterns

Look for uneven wear on screen media, indicating potential issues with feed distribution or screen alignment.

Inspect Cyclone Liners

Check for wear or damage and replace any worn beyond specifications to maintain separation efficiency.

Adjust Feed Rates

Optimize feed rates and pressures per your owners manual to ensure efficient processing and reduce strain on equipment.

Keep in mind that a comprehensive visual inspection can uncover many potential issues before they escalate. Taking the time now to thoroughly assess, document, and address the condition of your washing and wet screening equipment will prevent significant time and cost expenditures down the line.

Also, don't overlook a valuable resource found in your equipment owner's manuals. While the startup checklists included there are often used for new installations, they are equally useful for spring startups. These checklists provide a structured, step-by-step guide that ensures no critical checks are missed, helping to achieve peak operational performance.