Precisionscreen’s Scorpion Precoater offers quarry applications a cost-effective solution that can precoat aggregate in various sizes
A top-selling unit over the past year, Precisonscreen’s Scorpion Precoater is increasingly appearing on quarry sites on the east coast of Australia.
Fully designed and built at Precisionscreen’s Brisbane factory, the stationary machine can precoat aggregates in many volumes – depending on requirements.
Designed in a similar shape to a Scorpion, the name was an obvious choice for Precisionscreen’s chief operating officer Jonny McMurtry.
He emphasises that the Scorpion Precoater is a highly cost-effective solution, due to a combination of its size and running costs.
“It’s got a Cat 2.2 engine, which is economical for fuel, so the precoater is extremely efficient,” he says.
“Precoating can be expensive, it’s important to make sure you’re doing it efficiently and effectively.”
Compared to other precoating units, McMurtry says the Scorpion is smaller in size, meaning it doesn’t incur the costs of transporting larger road-towable units.
Suited to quarry-based applications, the machine is an adaptation of Precisionscreen’s Scorpion Reclaimer 804, that works in conjunction with the company’s precoat conveyor (an adapted SM450 with an on-board precoat chute).
McMurtry says the Scorpion unit precoats material after de-dusting takes place on the 8×4 twin deck screen box. Clean aggregate is then carried away from the plant via the conveyor. Before the discharge point on the conveyor, aggregate material triggers a gate on the running belt that sends a signal to the machine to activate the diesel precoat chute and pump.
“Strategically placed precoat nozzles go to work on coating the stone evenly which ensure maximum efficiency of the precoat material with minimal wastage,” McMurtry says.
“Once material stops travelling on the Scorpion Precoater, the SM450 stacker belt gate swings back closed and disengages the precoat pump.”
The precoat tumbler chute eliminates the need for oil-resistant belts, McMurtry says, and quickly and effectively precoats aggregates to the operator’s need.
Materials that have a precoat mix can be pumped into the chute and then the chute tumbles the material into a precoat liquid.
By doing this, McMurtry says materials that are laid down for roadbuilding will be bound and glued together more effectively – holding it together for longer.
“We’re finding more and more regional precoating campaigns across the country, different shires and regions are looking to renew some of their country roads,” he says.
“Regional quarries might not have access to some of the larger bulk precoating equipment, but with our Scorpion unit they can do smaller campaigns by themselves – which is much more affordable.”
Precisionscreen also offers mobile units of its Scorpion Precoater, in which the stationary unit utilises the same precoating hydraulic pump set up.
Modifications
Beyond being fully built and designed in Australia, a key point of difference of the Scorpion Precoater is the ability for it to be modified.
Precisionscreen has scope to adapt and modify the unit based on customer needs. From the chute or hopper being extended, to altered conveyor speeds, to different types and volume of precoat, the Brisbane-based business can make it happen.
“We can adapt our precoat kits to work with any size, shape and length of conveyor,” McMurtry says.
“The precoat pump hydraulic drive kit can couple up with many of our other imported machines as well.”
Depending on which conveyor is required, Precisionscreen will modify and create a different size or shape of tumbler chute so it can fit on that conveyor.
For customers wanting to accurately record how much precoat is being added into their material, the business has the capability to modify or install precoating recording kits on existing equipment.
“Recording kits enable customers to know exactly how much precoat liquid is being used, which makes it more cost-effective – especially with the current high price of diesel and emulsion,” he says.
“This also means they can ensure that the right volume is being used for the product as well as preventing liquid being wasted.”
McMurtry says the Scorpion unit can be particularly effective for customers that have short or medium-term contracts for precoating material.
Compact in nature, the machine runs by itself, with McMurtry saying it is usually operated by one worker.
“It’s a quite a self-sufficient machine and is easily maintained, so again it’s very cost-effective.”
“All our precoat machines, whether mobile or quarry-based, are a cost-effective way for precoating aggregate, as opposed to introducing a large, fixed plant.”
For more information on the Scorpion Precoater, visit precisionscreen.com.au
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