INSTRUCTION MANUAL

FOR THE
AMKCO VIBRA-SCREEN SEPARATOR
====================================================

This manual has been prepared to help you understand the operation of the
AMKCO VIBRA - SCREEN SEPARATOR
and to obtain maximum efficiency with a minimum of maintenance.
 INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MODELS 18’’ to 72”

AMKCO VIBRA-SCREEN SEPARATORS

This manual has been prepared to help you understand the operation of AMKCO
VIBRA-SCREEN Separators and to obtain maximum efficiency with a minimum of
maintenance. Should you require additional information or assistance, please contact our
nearest AMKCO Representative or contact us directly at:

AMKCO PROCESS EQUIPMENT PTE LTD

192 Pandan Loop #06-08
Pantech Industrial Complex, Singapore 128381

Tel: (65) 6777-0601

Fax: (65) 6777-8067
e-mail: amkco@pacific.net.sg
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 - Installation of the AMKCO Vibra-Screen Separator

Locating the Vibra-Screen Separator 1-1
Spout Connections 1-2
Motor Connection and Connection Diagram 1-2
Installing & Tightening V-Clamp Rings 1-3
V-Clamp Ring Diagram 1-4

Section 2 - Adjusting the AMKCO Vibra-Screen Separator

Feed (Wet or Dry) 2-1
Vibration Patterns and Material Flow Patterns 2-2
Top Weight (horizontal amplitude) 2-3
Bottom Weight (vertical amplitude) 2-3
Lead Angle (circumferential pattern) 2-3
How to Adjust the Lead Angle 2-4
How to Adjust the Bottom Weight 2-4
How to Adjust the Top Weight 2-5
Top Weight Assembly for 72” Separator 2-6
AMKCO Amplitude Gauge 2-7
Excessive Overs or Rope on Screen 2-8
De-watering 2-9
Operating the AMKCO Vibra-Screen Separator 2-9

Section 3 - Screen Blinding Prevention

Screen Cleaning Ring Assembly 3-1
Installation of Screen Cleaning Ring Assembly & 3-2
Screen Cleaning Ring Assembly Diagram
Ball Tray Assembly 3-3
Installation of Ball Tray Assembly & Ball Tray Assembly Diagram 3-4
Spout Baffles 3-5
Quantity Table for: 3-6
Screen Cleaning Rings & High Compression Rubber Balls

Section 4 - Disassembly, Re-assembly, and Maintenance

Removing the Screen 4-1
Replacing the Screen 4-1
Different types of Center Tie Down Assemblies 4-1
Installing Different Center Tie Down Assemblies 4-2
Center Tie Down Assembly used on Standard Screen 4-2
Center Tie Down Assembly used on Screen with 4-3
Screen Cleaning Ring Assembly
Center Tie Down Assembly used on Screen with Ball Tray Assembly 4-4
Installation of Top Weights 4-5
Installation of Bottom Weights 4-6
Lead Angle Indicator Washer (Easy Check) 4-7

Section 5 - How to Contact AMKCO 5-1

 Page 1-1

Section 1 - Installation of the AMKCO Vibra-Screen Separator

Locating the Vibra-Screen Separator

• IMPORTANT:

(1) DO NOT REMOVE SHIPPING BRACKETS UNTIL THE SEPARATOR IS

FINALLY LOCATED ON FOUNDATION. MOVING THE MACHINE
WITHOUT BRACKETS INSTALLED RISKS DISTORTING THE SUPPORT
SPRINGS BEYOND LIMIT.

(2) NEVER RUN THE MOTOR WITH SHIPPING BRACKETS IN PLACE.

• Mount the AMKCO Vibra-Screen Separator on a steady base. Avoid supports that
resonate with motor RPM (frequency). The separator has an access door in the base
for adjusting the bottom weights. Locate the separator so this door is accessible.

• Remove the shipping brackets that secure the table and deck assembly to the base.

• Shim the base to level the screen.

• Never mount the base of the Vibra-Screen over an opening through which one could
put one's head or limbs. Any opening should be covered by a metal grille (meeting
OSHA standards).

• The AMKCO Vibra-Screen Separator must be mounted on NON-COMBUSTIBLE

flooring, or on a steel plate if the floor is made of a combustible material. Electrical
sparks can ignite combustible flooring.

• If in wet service, make a drain so stray liquid cannot accumulate in the base.

• Rotate the motor and weights by hand to ensure that the motor rotates freely.
 Page 1-2

Spout Connections:

• Position spacing frame discharge spouts by removing clamp rings and rotating
spacing frames so that the spouts are in the desired position. Replace and tighten
clamp rings according to p.1-3.

• All connections between inlet spouts, outlet spouts, and material conveyors should be
very flexible so as not to restrict the vibration of the separator. Connectors quickly
wear out if misaligned.

Motor Connection:

• Check power supply requirements marked on the AMKCO name-plate to ensure that
it matches your power supply.

• Install starter with overload, over current, under voltage protection, and a proper
disconnect to junction box.

• Connect ground terminal to ground.

• Connect power supply.

• Make sure shipping brackets have been removed.

• Make sure motor rotates counter-clockwise when viewed from above. See arrow on
the AMKCO name-plate.

Connection Diagram
 Page 1-3

Installing and Tightening V-Clamp Rings:

Note: For convenience a 45mm long coupling nut should be used with the clamp ring
bolt. An ordinary nut and jam nut may be used when the coupling nut is not
available.

• Before fitting clamp rings, check that parts are mounted concentrically and that
gaskets are in place.

• The clamp ring must be fitted so that the gap between each set of bolting brackets is
approximately equal, i.e. the take-up at each bolt will be the same.

• After tightening bolts finger-tight, the clamp ring should be checked all around to
ensure it is straddling the flanges and not butting up against them. The end fittings
should be clear of any spouts so they are readily accessible.

• Tighten, using two wrenches simultaneously.

• After tightening the bolts, the clamp ring should be tapped at several points around its
perimeter, using a wood, plastic mallet, or similar tool. Start midway between the
bolts and work towards them slowly to ensure that the clamp ring is uniformly
engaging the flanges.

• All bolts should then be re-tightened until the operator feels that any more tightening
might strip the threads. Check to make sure that the ends of the clamp ring sections
are not butting up against one another; then tap the clamp ring again, as before, and
retighten the bolts if necessary.

• Repeat this procedure until no further re-tightening is required.

• Check the tightness of each clamp ring bolt by grasping both ends with your hands
and trying to wiggle it back and forth. If it moves it is not tight enough.

• As a check on clamp ring tightness, match mark the mating parts and run the machine
for a few minutes. Check for slippage (frame rotation) and re-tighten the clamp.

Note: Do not tighten or tension the screen at the center tie down stud until
clamp rings have been made tight. This may cause premature screen
failure may occur at the center.
 Page 1-4

V-Clamp Ring Diagram

 Page 2-1

Section 2 - Adjusting the AMKCO Vibra-Screen Separator

Feed.

• All materials should be fed to the separator at a constant rate and with a velocity as
low as practical.

• The feed should be vertical onto the center of the screen for an even distribution and
maximum screening efficiency.

• On dry screening applications, the initial velocity can usually be reduced sufficiently
by installing a baffle near the outlet of the feed pipe. A bend in the feed pipe, as
illustrated, is often sufficient.

• When feeding wet slurries, pipe discharge velocity should be reduced to prevent
blinding and or physical damage to the operating screen. AMKCO can supply
appropriate velocity breakers when required.

Note: Provide for the easy removal of the feed pipe so clearance is available to
remove spacing frame for screen change.
 Page 2-2

Vibration Patterns and Material Flow Patterns

• The relative mass and angle of the weights can be adjusted to control the flow
patterns of materials from the feed point (screen center) to the rim (discharge). The
best combination of settings is found by trial and error as it differs from one
substance to the next. It depends on the stack-up of the live (vibrating) assembly
(number of decks, cover, anti-blinding devices and so on).
 Page 2-3

• Top Weights (Horizontal Amplitude)

Radial deck speed (rate of travel of material from the center to periphery) increases with
horizontal amplitude. Additional weight plates are fastened to the top weight to increase
amplitude. Those fitted at our factory are typical. Extras are bolted to the base.
Adjustments may be needed to "tune" the performance at initial start-up. There is seldom
need to readjust. Typical and extremes of stroke are 1/16 minimum to 3/8 maximum
inches.

• Bottom Weights (Vertical Amplitude)

In like manner the lower weights control the vertical amplitude which is typically 1/16 to
3/8 inches. Larger amplitudes are for heavier or wet particles, less is for fine powders, so
as to jostle the particles for good separation.

Note: High vertical amplitude will reduce screening efficiency on low density materials
by keeping the particles air-borne rather than in contact with the screen surface.

• Lead Angle (Circumferential Pattern)

Clockwise deck speed increases with angle of lead. Ensure that the motor rotates anti-
clockwise (bird's eye view). The lower weight is to be set to lead the top weight.
Typically 20 to 60 degrees, but settings up to 90° are used occasionally. Trial and error
is the rule.

With the weights in phase (0° lead), material radiates directly to the periphery and
accumulates there. Increasing the lead imparts clockwise motion across the deck and
around the circumference. At extreme angular displacement, material at the periphery
will spiral into the center.

• 0 - Degree Lead Angle

Typical material flows quickly to the outer edge of the screen but circles slowly at
rim. Such a short dwell time on the screen may be inadequate. Accumulation at rim
may be too much.

• 30 - Degree Lead Angle

Typically provides efficient screening of dry materials with good deck speeds at rim.

• 60 - Degree Lead Angle

Typically provides efficient screening of wet materials with good speeds at rim.

• 90 - Degree Lead Angle

Provides the maximum dwell time on the screen. Oversize may not discharge at the
rim without a baffle to divert the material out of the spout.
 Page 2-4

How To Adjust the Lead Angle

• Shut off motor and lock out the starter.

• When vibration stops, open access door in base.
• Loosen safety set screw in bottom weight assembly.
• Loosen the tightening nut and safety set screw so shaft is free to turn. Turn shaft to
align slot with desired angle on lead angle indicator underneath. (See p.4-7 for
instruction on ‘Easy Check for Correct Installation’).
• Retighten the adjusting nut and then the safety set screw.
• Close access door and start separator.
• If necessary, re-adjust.

How To Adjust the Bottom Weight:

If the vertical action is not satisfactory, make the necessary adjustments to the bottom
weight by adding or removing additional weight plates using the following method:

• Shut off motor and lock out the starter.

• When vibration stops, open access door in base.
• Unscrew the hexagon nut and lock washer from the stud on the bottom weight. Add
or remove bottom weight plates. (Seek advice from AMKCO in regards to the
number of weight plates suitable for your application.)
• Retighten the lock washer and hexagon nut.
• Close access door and start separator.
• If necessary, readjust.

Note: The separator should be run with the minimum number of additional
weight plates that will give the desired results. Extreme change of any one
variable (lead angle or weights) may require adjusting all variables to
reach the optimum operating combination.
 Page 2-5

How To Adjust the Top Weight

If, after making the previously described bottom weight adjustments, the screened
material is still not being discharged properly, more or less horizontal amplitude can be
made by changing weight plates on the top weight.

• Shut off motor and lock out the starter.

• After vibration has stopped, unscrew the screws on the metal plate on the lower table
opening in front of the access door.
• The motor top weight is then visible.
• Unscrew the hexagon nut and washer, and add or remove weight plates to suit. (Seek
advices from AMKCO in regards to the numbers of weight plates suitable for your
application.)
• Retighten the hexagon nut and washer. Put the metal plate back onto the lower table
opening in front of the access door and screw back the screws.
 Page 2-6

Top Weight Assembly for 72” Separator

 Page 2-7

AMKCO Amplitude Gauge:

Each AMKCO Vibra-Screen is equipped with a motion indicator on one of the frames of
each deck. This is the square sticker with two axes marked vertical and horizontal which
respectively show the vertical and horizontal displacement of the machine during
operation.

To read, begin by switching on the machine. While the machine is running, note where
the lines appear to cross on each axis. Typical motion for a vibra-screen is 1/16 to 3/8
inch for both the vertical and the horizontal displacement.

Note: If the horizontal and or vertical reading exceeds 3/8 inch, weight plates must
be removed from the top or bottom weight until the vibration has been reduced to
an acceptable level.

AT REST IN MOTION
¼ INCH HORIZONTAL
¼ INCH VERTICAL
 Page 2-8

Excessive Overs or Rope on Screen

Oversize particles moving along the periphery often form a "rope". The rope width is
increased as more oversize particles join the material in route to the exit. Excessive rope
covers too much of the active screen area, which could be put to better use.

What To Do About It:

Rope velocity can be increased by first increasing the lead angle only, next by increasing
the number of top weights, and finally by increasing the number of bottom weights.
These can be adjusted in turn until an effective combination is reached. At some point,
the high lead angle may cause some or all of the rope to by-pass the exit. To prevent this,
a baffle can be mounted at the exit to intercept the excess rope and divert it to the spout.
(See p 3-6)
 Page 2-9

De-watering

Applications with a high liquid feed rate, tend to have some of the oversize solids
bypassing the outlets and travelling around the inside of the spacing frame forming a
"rope". This rope acts as a dam and prevents excess liquid from discharging with the
solids. (See p 2-8)

Operating the AMKCO Vibra Screen Separator:

When the AMKCO Vibra Screen Separator is properly installed and adjusted, the
operator needs to periodically inspect the following items:

1. Feed and products are flowing freely and are not obstructed in any way.

2. Screen tensioning jam nuts are tight and screen tension is drum tight.
Improper tensioning may impair flow pattern and will result in wire breakage
because of flexing.

3. Screen cloths are not blinded.

Material lodged in the openings of the mesh i.e. fibrous particles, hair - pinned on
wire, slime or accretion on wire which reduce the effective screening area.

4. Clamp rings are fully tightened so that the tension ring and frames are securely
clamped.
Tighten clamp rings evenly on both sides and always check to be sure that they
are properly seated. (See: p. 1-3)
 Page 3-1

Section 3 – Screen Blinding Prevention

Screen Cleaning Ring Assembly

The Screen Cleaning Ring Assembly consists of a number of plastic rings (sliders),
closely spaced, between a perforated plate and the working screen. At rest there is
uniform clearance between the top of each ring and the underside of the working screen.
The clearance is maintained by a spacer. In operation, the rings hop and circulate,
between the screen and the plate, being propelled by the motion of the separator.

Fibrous material is sheared from the underside of the working screen by the upper edge
of the rings. Build-up of gummy material is retarded by a scraping action, and near-size
particles are removed by the rings’ impact.

Screen Cleaning Ring Assembly with Frame

 Page 3-2

Installation of Screen Cleaning Ring Assembly

• Install lower jam nuts, lower center tie down washer, and lower cushion washer on
the center tie down stud. Adjust them so that the cushion washer is level with the flat
portion of the frame flange. Place the perforated plate on the frame flange with the
center resting on the lower cushion washer.

• Install center tie down washer and jam nuts on the center tie down stud to lock down
the perforated plate.

• Install the spacer over the center tie down stud. This spacer maintains the clearance
between the Screen Cleaning Rings and the screen. It also helps to prevent the Screen
Cleaning Rings from jamming at the screen center. The spacer should be right in the
center and not to one side. The Screen Cleaning Rings can now be installed. Place
the correct number of rings on the perforated plate according to the machine diameter.
(see p. 3-6)

• Put the working screen with the channel gasket fitted on it into place.

• Install the upper frame. Fit the clamp ring and proceed with the tightening of the
clamp ring according to p. 1-3.

• Install the center tie down assembly. Place cushion washer and center upper tie down
washer on the center tie down stud and put it on the working screen. Use one jam nut
to bring the screen down until it is seated on the spacer. Finger tight plus 1/2 a turn
should be enough. Then lock the second upper jam nut firmly against the first upper
jam nut using wrenches on both simultaneously.

• Ensure that the cleaning rings are free to circulate. If they can not, remove several to
relieve crowding.

Screen Cleaning Ring Assembly Diagram

 Page 3-3

Ball Tray Assembly

This device consists of high compression rubber balls that bounce between the underside
of the working screen and a support screen. The Ball Tray provides high momentum
impact. It is useful where near-size blinding is the problem on 2 to 40 mesh screens.

Ball Tray Assembly with Frame

 Page 3-4

Installation of Ball Tray Assembly

• Use a 50mm longer center tie down stud in the lower frame. Tighten the center tie
down stud with the existing jam nuts.

• Install a 4 mesh screen, with channel gasket on top of the lower frame. Put this
under the screen requiring the Ball Tray Assembly.

• Install a Ball Tray Frame above the support screen with clamp rings according to p. 1-
3.

• Place lower cushion washer, lower center tie down washer, lower screen tension
spring and lower spring retainer over the center tie down stud and tighten down the
screen with one jam nut until proper tension is achieved. Lock the second lower jam
nut on the first using wrenches on both simultaneously.

• Place the correct number of balls on machine according to machine diameter. (p. 3-6)

• Place the working screen (with a channel gasket fitted) on top of the ball tray frame.

• Place the next frame on top of the working screen and install clamp rings according to
p. 1-3.

• Repeat the center tie down assembly on the top as described above.

Note:
• If there is insufficient vertical motion, the balls will not bounce high enough to eject
the lodged particles.
• Adding one additional bottom weight plate to the bottom weight assembly will
normally generate enough increased motion.

Ball Tray Assembly Diagram

 Page 3-5

Spout Baffles

The baffle is a topside screen clearing device. It is useful when there is a lot of oversize
material for the machine to discharge efficiently. The device catches the rope of material
that forms along the outer rim of the screen and diverts it to the spout.

Installation:

• Line up baffle along spacing frame according to the diagram below mark where holes
are to be drilled.
• Drill two holes, each 10 mm in diameter, suitably spaced to secure baffle.

NOTE:

1. Be sure to cover the screen cloth with heavy rubber or similar product to
prevent damage to the screen cloth during drilling. Remove burrs and metal
debris after drilling.

2. Ensure that the baffle does not touch the screen. The gap between the
baffle and screen should be a minimum of 3 mm.

• Install the baffle with bolts and jam nuts tightened to outside of frame.
 Page 3-6

QUANTITY TABLE
For

Screen Cleaning Rings (Sliders)

&
High Compression Rubber Balls

Number of Screen Number of 35 mm

Machine Model Size Cleaning Rings High Compression
(Sliders) Rubber Balls

18 15 / DECK 10 / DECK

24 40 / DECK 20 / DECK

30 80 / DECK 40 / DECK

40 140 / DECK 70 / DECK

48 200 / DECK 100 / DECK

60 350 / DECK 160 / DECK

72 450 / DECK 200 / DECK

 Page 4-1

Section 4 – Disassembly, Re-assembly, and Maintenance

Removing the Screen:

• Remove screen center tie down assembly.

• Remove clamp ring and lift spacing frame clear.

CAUTION: SCREEN MAY BE STUCK TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE

FRAME. DO NOT LET IT FALL FREE. LOOSEN THE SCREEN FROM THE
FRAME BEFORE LIFTING IT UP. DO NOT DRAG FRAME ACROSS THE
SCREEN.

• Remove screen.

CAUTION: TAKE CARE TO LIFT THE SCREEN HIGH ENOUGH TO CLEAR

THE CENTER TIE DOWN STUD. DO NOT DRAG THE SCREEN ACROSS THE
FLANGE OF THE LOWER FRAME.

• Remove the Channel gasket from the screen ring and stand the screen in a safe place.

Replacing the Screen

• Fit channel gasket to outside rim of the screen. Place the screen, mesh uppermost, on
the spacing frame. Do not snag the mesh on the center tie down stud.
• Place the next spacing frame over the screen rim so that the flange of the frame is in
contact with the channel gasket all the way around. Replace clamp ring according to
p. 1-3.
• Install center tie down assembly accordingly to applicable type described below.

Different types of Center Tie Down Assemblies

• Center Tie Down Assembly used with Standard Screen. (see p. 4-2)
• Center Tie Down Assembly used with Screen with Screen Cleaning Rings Assembly.
(see p. 4-3)
• Center Tie Down Assembly used with Screen with Ball Tray Assembly. (see p. 4-4)
• Center Tie Down Assembly used with Auxiliary Series Design Screen.
(Refer to detail drawing and instructions provided with the unit)
 Page 4-2

Installing Different Center Tie Down Assemblies

Always tighten the clamp ring first,

Then assemble the Center Tie Down Assemblies.

Center Tie Down Assembly used with Standard Screen

• Place cushion washer, center tie down washer, screen tension spring and spring
retainer over center tie down stud.
• Bring one jam nut to bear against spring retainer; finger tight plus one-half turn
should be enough.
• Lock second nut onto first, using wrenches on both.

Center Tie Down Assembly

Used with Standard Screens
 Page 4-3

Center Tie Down Assembly used on Screen

with Screen Cleaning Ring Assembly

• Refer to p. 3-2 for Installation instruction.

Center Tie Down Assembly

Used with
Screen Cleaning Ring Assembly
 Page 4-4

Center Tie Down Assembly used on Screen

with Ball Tray Assembly

• See p. 3-5 for installation instruction.

Center Tie Down Assembly

Used with
Ball Tray Assembly
 Page 4-5

Installation of Top Weight Assembly

• Clean the inside of the hole in the top weight assembly.

• Insert key into the motor shaft keyway.
• Slip the top weight onto the shaft. Tap lightly with mallet until it is flush with the end
of the motor shaft.
• Tighten the tightening screw to lock the key.
• Tighten safety set screw to lock the top weight to the shaft.
• Swing the top weight around to ensure that no part of the Top Weight touches any
part of the separator.
 Page 4-6

Installation of Bottom Weight Assembly

• Clean the inside of the hole in the bottom weight assembly.

• Slip the Bottom Weight onto the shaft.
• Insert key to keyway for the lead angle indicator washer.
• Put in the lead angle indicator washer (number to read upright) until it engages the
key.
• Screw on the slotted nut till it touches the key and lead angle indicator washer.
Unscrew ¼ or ½ turn to align slot of slotted nut to the cotter pin hole in shaft.
• Insert Cotter Pin and bend the split end.
• Turn bottom weight assembly to required angle. Use the open slot as a marking line
to align the required angle as shown on the Lead Angle Indicator Washer.
• Tighten the Adjusting Nut to clamp the Bottom Weight assembly to shaft.
• Tighten the Safety Set Screw to lock Bottom Weight assembly to shaft.
• Swing the Bottom Weight around to ensure no part of the bottom weight assembly
touches any part of the separator.
 Page 4-7

Lead Angle Indicator Washer (Easy Check)

The lead angle numbers should be upright, reading ‘O’ at the bottom weight slot
when the top and bottom weights are in line.

The lead angle number should be ‘90’ at the bottom weight slot when the Bottom
Weight leads the Top Weight by 90 degrees. Counter clock wise when viewed from
above.
 Page 5-1

Section 5 – How to contact AMKCO

Should you require additional information or assistance, please contact our nearest
AMKCO Representative or contact us directly at:

AMKCO PROCESS EQUIPMENT PTE LTD

192 Pandan Loop #06-08

Pantech Industrial Complex, Singapore 128381

Tel: (65) 6777-0601 Fax: (65) 6777-8067

E-mail: amkco@pacific.net.sg

http://www.amkco.com