skjelner

Skjelner is a term used in Norwegian process engineering to describe a class of equipment that uses vibrational motion to separate mixtures into different fractions based on particle size, density, or shape. The central element is usually a deck or trough with perforated surfaces or meshes, through which material passes. The deck is mounted on a frame that vibrates or oscillates, driven by electric motors with unbalanced weights or by pneumatic actuators, creating a controlled shaking or tilting motion. By adjusting vibration frequency, amplitude, tilt angle, and screen openings, operators control the separation cut and throughput.

Common configurations include vibrating screens and shaker tables. Vibrating screens rely on a bed of material moving across screens, while shaker tables use a slightly inclined surface to promote separation, allowing heavier particles to settle differently from lighter ones.

Skjelner are used in mining and mineral processing to classify ore by size, in agriculture to clean grains or seeds, and in recycling to separate materials by size or density. They can also function as preliminary classifiers in processing lines before more precise methods are applied.

Advantages include simplicity, robustness, and suitability for high-throughput screening of relatively coarse materials. Limitations include limited precision for fine separations, sensitivity to moisture and particle shape, and wear on screens requiring maintenance.

See also: sieve, screen, shaker table, gravity separator.