US-based Superior Industries says its new modular Spirit Sand Plant – shown at this year’s Hillhead exhibition in the UK – boosts performance while lowering wear
The Spirit merges the manufacturer’s Helix Cyclone, Dewatering Screen, sump tank and slurry pump into a single plant capable of sand production, fines recovery and dewatering. It has a more geometrically efficient inlet to boost performance and lower wear to internal components. In addition, all wetted surfaces are lined with cast polyurethane for extended performance and life.
For fines recovery applications, the Helix Cyclone is designed and built by Superior in 305-406mm models. Meanwhile, sand production models are sized 406-762mm. The manufacturer’s dewatering screen is capable of removing all but 8% moisture content, meaning the sand produced is immediately sellable. It achieves this due to a deeper bed design and urethane sidewalls, which remove moisture from the material screens at the tops and sides. These high tonnage dewatering screens process material up to 360 MTPH (400 STPH).
For sand production applications, Spirit Sand Plants are manufactured in five models with production up to 300 MTPH (330 STPH) from the screen. Seven ultra-fines recovery models can be fed at rates from 20-161 MTPH (22-177 STPH).
Each plant is designed to fit into standard shipping containers. From its headquarters in Morris, Minnesota, Superior Industries supplies bulk crushing, screening, washing and conveying systems for industries including construction aggregates, mining, bulk terminals, agriculture, power and biomass. Also shown at Hillhead was Superior’s Low Water Washer, capable of accepting a dry feed directly within a crushing circuit. These fines are then pressure washed and dewatered for production of sellable manufactured sands.
The process uses 80% less water than the traditional screw and screen combination, said John Bennington, director of wet processing technology at Superior. “That typically means material producers are handling and hauling the material to a separate wash site, which adds cost quickly.”
During operation, an agitator section accepts the feed where it is mixed with water to produce a thick slurry. This slurry is then dumped onto a dewatering screen with a series of spray bars to help clean and wash out the fines. The end result is a saleable manufactured sand with just 8% moisture content.
Superior manufactures models of its new Alliance Low Water Washer for rates up to 272 MTPH (300 STPH). Custom designed machines can produce higher rates if required.
