Not sure which ScreenerKing screen or screener is right for your application? The Screen Selection Quiz walks you through six questions about your material, separation goal, throughput, and environment — then recommends the right screen mesh, screen material, screener model, and configuration for your specific situation.
The quiz takes approximately two minutes. For complex applications or when the quiz recommendation needs further refinement, you can submit your answers directly to ScreenerKing for a detailed application review.
How the Screen Selection Quiz Works
The quiz follows a structured decision tree based on the six key variables that determine the correct screen specification for any vibratory screening application. Here is the logic behind each question.
Step 1: Application Type
The first question establishes the primary goal of the screening operation, which determines the basic equipment configuration. The four primary application types are: Particle size classification (grading material into two or more size fractions), Contaminant removal / safety screening (removing foreign material and oversized particles from a product stream), Dewatering (removing liquid from a slurry or wet material), and Dedusting / fines removal (removing fine particles below a cut point from a coarser product).
Step 2: Material Type
Material type determines regulatory requirements, screen material selection, and special handling needs. The quiz branches into five material categories: Food and beverage (FDA/FSMA requirements, sanitary construction), Pharmaceutical (GMP requirements, documentation, cleanability), Chemical (corrosion resistance, ATEX considerations), Mineral and mining (abrasion resistance, high tonnage), and Plastics and polymers (static management, regrind handling).
Step 3: Target Particle Size (Cut Point)
You enter the particle size at which you want to separate material — either in mesh number or in microns. The quiz uses this to determine whether ultrasonic assistance is likely needed (for separations below 100 microns or with difficult materials), which mesh materials are available at that opening size, and what minimum screener size provides adequate open area for the mesh specification.
Step 4: Required Throughput
Enter your target throughput in kg/hr or tons/hr. The quiz uses a throughput model based on ScreenerKing's application database to estimate the minimum screen area required and recommends the appropriate screener size — or multiple units in parallel if the throughput exceeds a single screener's capacity.
Step 5: Operating Environment
The environment question covers temperature (high-temp applications may need ceramic or high-temp wire), humidity and wash-down requirements (IP-rated motors, stainless construction), ATEX hazardous area classification (explosion-proof motor and grounding required), outdoor installation (weather protection), and corrosive chemicals (316 SS, polymer mesh, or coated-wire options).
Step 6: Regulatory Requirements
The final question identifies applicable regulatory requirements: FDA food contact (316L SS or food-grade polyester mesh, silicone gaskets), FDA pharmaceutical GMP (21 CFR Part 211, equipment qualification), USDA-accepted materials (dairy and meat processing), or no specific regulatory requirement (standard industrial construction).
Static Screen Selection Decision Tree
If you prefer to work through the selection logic manually, use this static decision tree. Follow the path that matches your application to reach a recommended ScreenerKing product and configuration.
| Application | Material | Cut Point | Throughput | Environment | Recommended Screen | Recommended Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant removal | Dry food powder | 500–2,000 µm | <500 kg/hr | Food-grade, standard | 304 SS, 20–40 mesh | SiftPro 18" or 24" |
| Contaminant removal | Dry food powder | 500–2,000 µm | 500–2,000 kg/hr | GMP, wash-down | 316 SS, 20–40 mesh | SiftPro 30" or SiftPro 48 |
| Size classification | Mineral / aggregate | 1–5 mm | <10 MT/hr | Dusty, abrasive | Polyurethane or 304 SS, 4–14 mesh | SiftPro 48 |
| Size classification | Mineral / aggregate | 1–5 mm | 10–50 MT/hr | Heavy-duty outdoor | Polyurethane panels, 4–14 mesh | SiftPro 60 |
| Pharmaceutical API | Fine powder | 75–250 µm | <200 kg/hr | GMP, cGMP documentation | 316L SS fine mesh, ultrasonic | SiftPro 24" + ultrasonic |
| Dedusting | Plastic pellets | 2–4 mm | 2–10 MT/hr | Standard, static management | 304 SS, 5–12 mesh, anti-static | SiftPro 30" or SiftPro 48 |
| Dewatering | Food slurry | 300 µm–2 mm | <5 MT/hr solids | Food-grade, wet environment | Polyester mesh or 316 SS, IP65 motor | SiftPro 30" wet-duty config. |
| Cannabis trichome separation | Cannabis trim | 75–150 µm | <20 kg/hr | Cold room, food-grade | 304 SS, 100–200 mesh, multi-deck | SiftPro 24" 3-deck |
ScreenerKing Product Recommendation Matrix
| Model | Best Application Type | Throughput Range | Decks Available | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SiftPro 18" | Lab, R&D, small batch, cannabis | Up to 200 kg/hr | 1–3 | 304 SS, quick-release clamps, food-grade gaskets |
| SiftPro 24" | Pilot scale, pharmaceutical, cannabis | 100–500 kg/hr | 1–3 | Ultrasonic-ready, GMP documentation support |
| SiftPro 30" | Mid production, food, chemical, nutraceutical | 300–1,200 kg/hr | 1–3 | 304/316L SS, wash-down motor option, ultrasonic-ready |
| SiftPro 48 | Full production, industrial, mineral | 500–5,000 kg/hr | 1–3 | Heavy-duty construction, high-torque motor, all mesh types |
| SiftPro 60 | High-volume production, mining, aggregate | 1,000–15,000 kg/hr | 1–3 | Maximum screen area, robust frame, production-duty motor |
Frequently Asked Questions: Screen Selection
How do I choose the right screen for my vibratory screener?
Answer six questions: (1) application type, (2) material type, (3) separation cut point in microns or mesh, (4) required throughput, (5) operating environment (temperature, humidity, ATEX), and (6) regulatory requirements (FDA, GMP, USDA). These six answers determine screen material, mesh size, screener model, and configuration. Use the quiz above or contact ScreenerKing for application engineering support.
Should I use stainless steel or polyester mesh for food applications?
Both are FDA-compliant. Use stainless steel for temperatures above 120°C, abrasive materials, and coarse separations (below 80 mesh). Use polyester for fine separations (above 100 mesh), wet screening, and applications where hydrophobic mesh reduces moisture pickup. For most dry powder food applications, 304 stainless steel is the standard choice.
What is the difference between a 1-deck and 2-deck vibratory screener?
A single-deck screener produces two outputs (oversize and undersize). A two-deck screener produces three outputs (oversize, middle fraction, and undersize), allowing simultaneous grading into multiple size fractions. Use multi-deck configurations for grading applications — aggregate classification, pellet quality control, or cannabis trichome separation by grade.
Do I need an explosion-proof screener for hazardous powder handling?
Yes, if processing combustible powders (sugar, starch, aluminum, many organic materials) or flammable solvents in an ATEX or NEC classified hazardous area. Requirements include an ATEX/UL explosion-proof motor, grounding and bonding provisions, non-sparking materials, and a closed design. Contact ScreenerKing to specify an ATEX-compliant configuration.
Browse Our Screen Collections
Ready to find the right screen for your application? Explore our full catalog of replacement screens, built to fit every major separator brand:
- Round Vibratory Replacement Screens — Standard woven wire screens in all sizes and mesh counts
- Self-Cleaning Sandwich Screens — Anti-blinding design for sticky, moist, or near-size materials
- Custom Screens — Non-standard sizes, specialty mesh, or unique materials built to order in 5–7 business days
- All Screens — Browse the full catalog
Not sure which screen you need? Call us at (866) 265-1575 or request a custom quote — our screening specialists will match you with the right screen for your application.