Blog: Checking the amplitude of a

vibrating screen
You want long life out of your screens, but what factors can have an impact on their
longevity? One of the most important things to look at and check on a periodic basis is
the shape of the screens vibratory motion.

Among the conditions to be checked periodically in screens, the shape of motion is one of
the most important.

In the chart below, one can see and verify the shape of the vibratory motion: circular (A),
elliptical (B) or even linear (C).

Shape of the motion.

It is also possible to assess the amplitude of motion, as provided in the illustration below:

Amplitude of the motion (A), displacement (D).

Let’s examine a few concepts related to amplitude:

 The amplitude of vibration does not depend on the rotation of the vibrating
mechanisms.
 Amplitude combined with rotation imparts a certain amount of acceleration to the
equipment and that acceleration is responsible for the conveyance of the material.
 The larger the material to be conveyed, the greater the vibration amplitude of the
equipment should be.
There is an ideal relation between operating rotation, amplitude and the degree of
inclination of the equipment depending on the aperture of the mesh installed on the
screens. The nominal rotation is established observing the ideal operating conditions and,
further, to ensure that the equipment is operated safely below the vibrating structure’s
critical frequency.

Warning: Never alter the rotation of vibrating equipment before checking with the Metso
equipment application area.

The amplitude of vibration can be altered by changing the position of the movable
counterweight. Such adjustment is performed based on the application. The screening of
coarse material demands a higher amplitude than the amplitude required for the
classification of fines.

The following table provides the recommended values for total displacement (twice the
amplitude):

RECOMMENDED VALUES FOR TOTAL DISPLACEMENT - INCLINED SCREENS

RPM Mesh 100-50 mm Mesh 50-25 mm Mesh 25-10 mm Mesh -10 mm

800 13 11 - -

900 10 9 8 7

1000 - 8 7 6

RECOMMENDED VALUES FOR TOTAL DISPLACEMENT - HORIZONTAL SCREENS

RPM Mesh 100-50 mm Mesh 50-25 mm Mesh 25-10 mm Mesh -10 mm

800 16 14 - -

900 - 12 10 9

1000 - 10 9 8

Below you will find the table for adjustment of the vibratory mechanism of the V-100
Series:
For other models of vibrating equipment (such as feeders, chutes, etc.), please consult
their respective manuals.

The higher the operating amplitude of vibrating equipment, the shorter the service life of
the equipment’s bearings. Bearing service life will be satisfactory even if all the available
eccentric mass that was originally provided with the equipment is used.

Warning: Never utilize eccentric masses that are greater than those provided as original
equipment. This will lead to a considerable drop in the service life of the bearings, as well
as a possible unbalancing of the vibrating equipment.

In order to precisely measure and analyze the dynamic performance of vibratory screens,
Metso developed ScreenCheck®, a hand-held electronic testing device featuring wireless
electronic sensors and automated software. Watch the following video to know more
about ScreenCheck®: