Diversified engineering group Metso last month launched its internationally renowned Trellex 305PS modular screening media system into the Southern African quarrying sector.

Metso screening media global sales specialist Julian Steinmann notes that the bulk of the range will be manufactured locally with some of the less common specifications to be imported initially.

“Competitive market pricing has been established and we will also be selling this system through our broad-based black economic- empowerment company, based in South Africa,” he says.

The new system, suitable for almost all mining operations, is used in crushing and screening prior to grinding, dense-media separation operations, mill discharge screening, as well as trash and control screening for separations between 300 µm to 150 mm, he says.

The introduction is part of Metso’s overall growth strategy through service centres, Steinmann adds, highlighting that, the company has an extensive and established service network throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

“The addition of these systems will boost our performance agreements and, although these screen panels are new to our market, Metso is a global leader in screening media in most other mining regions throughout the world,” says Steinmann.

The 305 × 305 module size conforms to international standards, making the system compatible with most screening machines and familiar to original-equipment manufacturers. While the majority of service crews would not require any additional training, supporting material will be available.

A wide range of panels is currently available varying from 0.2 mm × 12 mm slots up to 200 mm square apertures in various thicknesses and surfaces.

The main components include injection-moulded polyurethane modules made from a variety of wear-resistant materials.

High open-area modules, as well as heavy-duty designs are available to meet a variety of demands, while typical applications include wet screening, as well as dry screening with light-duty loading.

Further, opencast polyurethane modules for applications demanding a higher degree of abrasion resistance are available. “This type is also suitable when lump size and separation increases,” Steinmann says.

The main components also include injection-moulded rubber modules with antiblinding characteristics, Steinmann says, pointing out that, as blinding issues are critical in dry screening, the anti-blinding features will be of significant benefit to customers.

The modules will extend wear life in demanding applications that have higher capacities and material beds, while a variety of designs and thicknesses are available to suit arduous and demanding applications, he concludes.