McLanahan designs bespoke screen optimized for performance and maintenance for sand and gravel producer

In 2023, McLanahan replaced an aggregate producer’s existing sizing screen with a bespoke solution designed for better screening efficiency and easier maintenance.

McLanahan supplied a 1.8 m x 4.8 m double-deck Inclined Screen to fit into the customer’s existing space. The finishing screen is designed to separate sand into plus 20 mm, 10 mm and minus 10 mm sizes for stockpiling.

The Inclined Screen was originally meant to be a like-for-like replacement of the existing screen; however, McLanahan identified a few design improvements that could be made to enhance overall screening performance as well as provide greater access for maintenance activities.

Improved screening efficiency

One key area the McLanahan Inclined Screen design addressed was screening efficiency. The stroke of the existing screen was too large for the screen apertures. This resulted in the material moving along the deck too quickly and fine particles taking too long to fall through the openings. The producer had been running the screen in reverse to keep the material on the deck longer to address this issue.

McLanahan designed its replacement screen to operate at a reduced stroke and increased speed. This means the particles will hit the screen decks many more times before reaching the discharge end, giving the particles more opportunities to pass through the screen and providing better screening efficiency.

Ease of maintenance

Another design update McLanahan implemented with the Inclined Screen simplified maintenance. McLanahan increased the distance between the top and bottom decks by more than 150 mm to improve access to the bottom deck and inside of the screen. A rubber curtain was added to the rear of the screen to further improve access to the bottom deck for media changeouts.

In addition to providing greater maintenance access, McLanahan also enhanced components to allow for longer wear life. For example, the McLanahan Inclined Screen was fitted with shorter, softer springs to minimize side-to-side movement and extend the life of the structure supporting the screen. Furthermore, jacking points were added to all four spring locations to allow for safer and easier spring changes.

McLanahan also outfitted the screen with bearings that boast an operating life three times longer than industry standard.

Why McLanahan

With 190 years’ experience providing mining-duty equipment for a wide range of applications, McLanahan is well equipped to serve the unique needs of its customers worldwide.

“McLanahan is able to make bespoke screens to fit customers’ exact needs,” said Craig O’Hare, Territory Sales Manager at McLanahan. “The screens aren’t just standard, off-the-shelf units. We work with the customers to gain an understanding of their exact needs and design a solution that best meets their production and operational goals.”

Even after the equipment is up and running, McLanahan ensures its equipment is supported by a team of after-sales professionals and services, including equipment training, plant audits, field service, OEM spare parts and more.

“We partner with our customers through the lifetime of our equipment with service and support,” O’Hare said.

Celebrating 190 years in business in 2025, McLanahan Corporation is an industry-leading manufacturer of processing equipment for the aggregate, mining and dairy industries. McLanahan offers process-engineered and field-proven solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of each site. For more information, visit mclanahan.com