The auger, like absolutely any equipment, may sooner or later come to the end of its service life. However, its duration depends on many factors that can render the auger unusable.

Let’s consider the most common reasons.

Material wear

Material wear is one of the main reasons why an auger becomes unusable. The auger material is subjected to repeated stress, friction and bending during the operation of the separator. This results in a gradual and uniform abrasion of the auger surface.

The main signs of material wear can be considered to be:

• reduction in the diameter of the coils or feathers;
• formation of pits, scratches and cracks on the auger surface;
• changes in the shape or geometry of the coils.

Material wear can be caused by poor choice of auger material. Some materials may be too soft or brittle to withstand the high loads and friction that occur during separator operation. In such cases, wear of the material may occur faster than expected. Another cause of wear is poor quality of the auger surface. If the auger surface has roughness, cracks or other defects – this can noticeably accelerate the wear of the material.

Also, improper operation or poor maintenance of the separator can also cause accelerated material wear. For example, improper installation or adjustment of slot screens can cause excessive stress on the auger and rapid wear.

In general, wear is an inevitable part of separator operation and should be replaced when it reaches a certain level of wear to ensure separator efficiency and extend the life of the separator.

Corrosion

Corrosion is a very common cause of screw failure. Corrosion is the process of metal deterioration due to chemical or electrochemical reactions with the environment. Corrosion can be caused by various facts, but the most common ones are:

• Moisture and Environment. If the auger is in a humid environment or is operated in a corrosive environment, such as in the presence of acids or alkalis – this can cause metal corrosion.
• Contact with other materials. The auger can be damaged if it regularly comes into contact with other substances that can cause metal corrosion. For example, if the auger is in contact with raw materials containing water or acids, this can cause metal corrosion.
• Physical damage: The auger can be damaged by contact with other metal objects, such as when the separator is overloaded or if the equipment is not operated properly.

Corrosion can cause the metal parts of the auger to become more brittle and less durable, reducing its service life and increasing the risk of failure. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the auger and prevent possible causes of corrosion. These are: improper storage, contact with aggressive substances, contact with moisture and other factors.

Mechanical damage

Mechanical damage can also be one of the causes of auger deterioration.

The auger can be damaged by improper use or by hard or sharp objects such as stones or metal particles entering the auger. This can cause fractures, cracks, or other damage to the material, which over time can cause the auger to break.

In addition, mechanical damage can occur during transportation or storage of the auger. Improper handling of the auger during transportation or storing it in unsuitable conditions (e.g., in places with high humidity or temperature) can cause deformation or damage to the auger. If it is transported incorrectly – for example, when too much pressure is applied to it, or when it is shaken violently during transportation – this can lead to mechanical damage that will shorten the auger’s service life. Therefore, careful attention must be paid to transportation and storage to avoid potential damage that will affect the wear of the auger.

Improper use

Improper use can cause wear and damage to the auger. For example, if the operator uses the auger for substances for which it is not designed (unsuitable for the material, size, etc.), wear and surface damage can result. In addition, improper use can include improper installation, adjustment or maintenance, which can also cause deterioration of the auger. All of these can reduce performance and shorten the life of the auger. Therefore, it is important to use the auger according to the manufacturer’s instructions and maintain it properly to minimize the risks of damage and increase its longevity.

Insufficient maintenance

Insufficient maintenance is one of the main causes of auger deterioration. If the auger is not regularly maintained, it can gradually deteriorate and lose its characteristics, which in turn can lead to a decrease in the performance and quality of the separator as a whole.

For example, if the auger is not properly maintained, material can build up on the auger feathers, causing the auger to begin to lose its tightness and efficiency. Also, if the auger is not cleaned of residue from the processing product after each operation, it can lead to corrosion and mechanical damage – this, in turn, shortens the service life.

To prevent this situation, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the auger, perform regular maintenance, clean the auger after each operation and monitor the quality of the separator. Also, if necessary, repairs or replacement of the auger can be carried out in time to prevent serious damage and ensure reliable and efficient operation of the separator.

In conclusion

To summarize, auger deterioration can be caused by many factors including material wear, corrosion, mechanical damage, improper use, and lack of maintenance. To maximize the life of an auger, it is important to perform regular maintenance, avoid extreme conditions if the auger is not designed for it; store and use the auger properly, and choose quality auger materials.

If the auger does fail, it can be repaired using a variety of techniques. Regular maintenance and repair will avoid the need to purchase a new auger, saving time and money.