Washer Screw
What is a Washer Screw?
Before diving into the concept of washer screws, it's important to understand the washing process in the mining industry. When materials are extracted from stream beds, 0-5 mm of soil is often separated from the crushed stones to remove impurities and obtain a clean, washed product. Washer screws are critical for preventing sand from being washed away along with the water. Depending on their capacity, washer screws are available in single and double spiral configurations.
How Washer Screws Work
Once the washed material settles at the base, it is lifted by the spiral helix blades and discharged through discharge grooves. Water and sludge are removed through separate channels. The spiral blades are made of high-quality steel sheets and coated with removable and replaceable rubber linings to prevent wear and extend service life. Washer screws are designed to handle high capacities and minimize leakage, especially when washing heavily contaminated minerals that require thorough cleaning.
Common Washer Types: Flat and Spring Washers
The most commonly recognized washers are flat washers and spring washers, often used in mechanical assemblies. Although many people are familiar with their use, they may use them out of habit without understanding their full purpose.
Purpose of Using Washer Screws
Washer screws serve multiple purposes during the assembly of mechanical parts, such as:
- Preventing Loosening: Some washers are specially designed to prevent the nut and bolt from loosening during operation. They can be placed under the bolt head when the bolt screws into threads within the assembly.
- Protecting Surfaces: Washers can protect the surface of assembled parts. When nuts or bolts are tightened, they can damage the surrounding material. A washer absorbs the impact, protecting softer materials like plastic, brass, or aluminum from damage.
- Distributing Pressure: When assembling thin materials, a washer with a larger diameter helps distribute the pressure exerted by the tightened bolt over a larger surface area, preventing damage or deformation.