Luck Stone replaces sand screw with CDE washing system

Luck Stone, a Richmond, Virginia-based producer of crushed stone, sand and gravel, has invested in a 110-tons-per-hour sand wash system to replace its sand screw equipment.

The firm purchased an EvoWash sand washing system from Ireland-based CDE Group in a bid to optimize output and reduce wastage at its site in Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, the company produced washed sand using a traditional sand screw; however, Luck Stone found that the technology was not optimal in getting the desired specification.

Through various sand gradations and test analysis, CDE found that if Luck Stone wanted to produce in-spec concrete sand, the removal of the 30/50-grade sand was essential, which had to be done in an optimized environment.

To optimize output, CDE replaced the existing sand screw equipment with its EvoWash technology.

“We did a lot of work ahead of installation with gradations analysis, having CDE run simulations along with our own simulations so that we really knew what we needed to do to have the right controls when the plant was installed,” says Brent Junior, senior process specialist at Luck Stone, of the installation process.

“The installation was really great. On a Thursday morning, we started disassembling the sand screw. The team worked through the weekend, and by Monday morning we were operating and producing in spec sand. It was great to minimize downtime and start making products right away to meet customer needs,” he adds.

RELATED: CDE, Calgary Aggregate Recycling unveil new waste wash plant

The EvoWash, a compact, modular sand washing system, separates the smaller sand and gravel fractions through an integrated high-frequency dewatering screen, sump and hydro cyclones which provide control of silt cut points and eliminates the loss of quality fines with significant commercial value, according to CDE.

The system incorporates CDE’s patented Infinity Screen technology, which helps to offer optimal dewatering results and enables operators to produce what CDE describes as a “range of high-quality sands that are market-ready straight from the belt.”

The EvoWash can integrate into existing operations to reduce site footprint. Additionally, it allows the operator to adjust the blending of final products as they discharge off the dewatering screen. It also allows adjustment in the feedbox before material enters the dewatering screen leaving a complete adjustable cut point in real-time. This enables the operator to perform a consistent and optimized concrete sand product.

Now, with the plant, Luck Stone is producing three sand products; concrete sand, asphalt sand and masonry sand to be used in construction projects across Georgia.

Luck Stone says CDE’s CustomCare support has been “at the heart of the relationship” between the companies.

“Customer support is very important and the partnership with CDE is very important,” says Luck Stone Plant Manager Mike Maldonado. “Having that support and customer service has always been key for me. As busy as we are here with everything that's going on, it’s important to have that person who you can contact to get you the information or help that you need to help solve the problem. With CDE, we know we have this support.”