Only by selecting reasonable equipment configuration and layout, adopting appropriate dry process sand making procedures, and comprehensively considering various influencing factors can the stability and high efficiency of the sand production line be ensured. Through comparative analysis of various sand making processes and parent rock lithology, the process factors affecting the quality of manufactured sand in the aggregate production line can be identified.
Studies on the influence of manufactured sand produced by different processes on key concrete indicators such as slump and compressive strength show that concrete prepared with manufactured sand from the dry process outperforms that from conventional processes. Due to variations within dry sand making technologies, differences in quality, output and other performance indicators may occur in the aggregate production line.
Influencing Factors of Dry Process Artificial Sand Production Line Performance
Based on practical experience, the main factors affecting the production performance of the dry sand making process in the sand making plant are as follows:
◆ Raw Material Conditions
Process design and equipment selection of the sand making plant shall be determined according to rock compressive strength (soft rock or hard rock). In terms of raw material moisture content, only materials with moisture content below 2% are suitable for the dry sand making process of the artificial sand production line.
◆ Process Design
Reasonable processes for the artificial sand production line rely on in-depth technical research. Generally, the dry process has relatively strict feed requirements: smaller particle size and lower moisture content. A particle size range of 0–15mm is typically appropriate. If the particle size reaches 0–50mm, it will increase recirculating load, reduce output and accelerate equipment wear of the aggregate shaping and sand making plant.
◆ Technical Specifications
Quality indicators including fineness modulus, stone powder content and MB value of the aggregate shaping and sand making plant shall comply with national or industrial standards.
◆ Equipment Layout
Layouts of the aggregate production line are divided into tower-type (station-type or high-rise structure) and horizontal layout.
◆ Equipment Selection
This includes whether to use a powder separator for de-dusting in the aggregate production line; screening equipment selection such as circular vibrating screens, linear screens or elliptical screens; sand crusher mode selection (stone-on-iron or stone-on-stone) to suit soft or hard rock; and performance parameters of key equipment of the sand making plant.
◆ Core Technologies
Optimization of the sand making process for the artificial sand production line shall consider de-dusting technology, wear-resistant technology, gradation adjustment technology, intelligent control technology and environmental protection technology.
In accordance with specific project conditions and guided by the concept of green development, the adoption of green mine dry sand making technology in the aggregate shaping and sand making plant can maximize the win–win outcome of economic benefits and environmental protection.