Rotex claims its Apex Screener is designed to make maintenance and cleaning easier, and increase process "up-time" within a production line.
The screener uses a gyratory-reciprocating motion, positive screen cleaning, and bouncing balls to reduce blinding as in previous models. The Apex also has side access doors to enable more screen cleaning and changes than the previous Rotex designs.
The design allows the screener to be maintained by just one person, as all operator lifted components weigh less than 40 pounds (18 kg). In addition, Apex screens weigh five pounds (2.3 kg), which allows one person to do the changes.
Screens are available in sizes ranging from 1/2" to 325 mesh. Top cover inspection ports allow for easy seal inspection from outside the machine. Discharge outlets on the tail end of the machine are easily accessible for inspection, the company stated.
The machine's gyratory-reciprocating motion begins with a horizontal circular motion at the feed end that serves to spread the material across the full width of the screen. The circular motion gradually diminishes along the length of the machine to an elliptical path, and finally to an approximate straight-line motion at the discharge end.
" This motion allows the machine to process material at a higher capacity and improves screening performance for near-size material," Rotex claims. " There is no vertical component to this motion - thus keeping the material in constant contact with the screen surface."
The Apex can be used for the dry separation screening of foods, sugar, meat meal, bakery products, cereals, corn, starch and sweeteners, among other products.