b'EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCESHAKING OFFValuable tips for caring for processing equipment WINTER WOES through the winterBy Wilm SchulzW hile vibrating screens are built for the harsh condi- of The wash plant is the first place to start. Make sure to drain all tions in which theyre used, there are best prac-the water lines on the rinse screen to prevent freezing that could tices to ensure they continue to perform despitedamage or burst pipes. Do the same thing with dedicated washing theseason.Whetheryourplantshutsdownforsystems. Draining is usually as simple as allowing the water to flow the winter or you continue to operate throughout,out of the equipment, though crews can be more thorough by winterizing and preventative maintenance best practices will helpblowing out the lines and pump with dry air.ensure equipment longevity and maximum performance, in addition to making the most of any scheduled winter downtime. Not doing soNext,flushthevibratingscreenlineswithgreasetoremove could mean expensive breakdowns and repairs down the road. contaminants from the bearings and slingers. Though it would be beneficial to cover a vibrating screen for the winter, it simply isnt GET WINTERIZING feasible for most operations. However, action should be taken to protect screen media from the elements and decrease the potential If you shut your plant down for the winter, as is the case for manyfor rust and deterioration that could weaken the screen media. operationsincoldclimates,properwinterizingisessentialtoaMove any extra screen media or components that may be on the smooth and successful spring start-up. Operations should winterizeground nearby to a space out of the elements. The media could be equipment when temperatures are regularly below freezing.covered with a tarp or placed in a storage container. Winterizing and preventative maintenance best practices help ensure equipment longevity and maximum performance16 AVENUESFALL 2021'