More Questions from Mechanical Operations

How does screen effectiveness (separation efficiency) trend as screen capacity (throughput) is increased substantially?

Chemical Engineering Mechanical Operations Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    Remains unchanged
  • B
    Increases
  • C
    Decreases
  • D
    Decreases exponentially

Answer

Correct Answer: Decreases

Explanation

Introduction / Context:Screening efficiency balances throughput against probability of particle presentation to the apertures. Pushing higher capacity typically compromises the probability that near-size particles find and pass through openings.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Same screen area and aperture.
  • Higher feed rate increases bed depth and velocity.

Concept / Approach:As loading rises, particle bed deepens and stratification worsens; near-size particles have fewer opportunities to contact openings, and blinding can increase. Thus, effectiveness (the sharpness/accuracy of separation) declines with increasing capacity at fixed area.

Step-by-Step Solution:Increase feed → deeper bed, shorter residence.Lower probability of passage for near-size fractions.Efficiency decreases.

Verification / Alternative check:Manufacturer capacity charts show trade-off between capacity and efficiency.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:Unchanged/Increases: contradicts the fundamental capacity–efficiency trade-off.Exponential decrease: too specific; the trend is monotonic decrease, not necessarily exponential.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing “capacity” with “area”; adding area can recover efficiency at higher total throughput.

Final Answer:Decreases

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