If you work in construction, demolition, recycling or aggregate production, you’ve likely encountered the term “screener” or “screening equipment”. But what exactly is an industrial screener, and why does it matter for your operation?
What is a screener?
A screener is a piece of machinery designed to separate materials by size. Through a process called particle separation, screening equipment sorts mixed materials into different sizes—creating uniform batches that meet specific needs and improve product quality.
Whether you’re processing topsoil, aggregates , demolition waste or recycling materials, screeners play a critical role in transforming raw material into a final product that’s ready to use or sell.
How does screening equipment work?
Screening machines use vibration, rotation or mechanical movement to pass material through a grid or mesh. Smaller particles fall through the perforations, whilst larger pieces are carried along to a separate discharge point.
The efficiency of this particle separation depends on several factors:
Mesh size: The perforations in the mesh determine what passes through and what gets screened out.
Feed consistency: A steady, controlled flow ensures optimal throughput and prevents blockages or downtime.
Material characteristics: Moisture content, shape and density all affect how materials move across the screen. Sticky materials may require features like drum brushes to maintain process efficiency.
Type of screening equipment: Different designs suit different applications. Choosing the right product makes all the difference.
Types of screening machines
Trommel screens
Trommel screens use a rotating cylindrical drum with perforations. As material enters, rotation and gravity cause smaller particles to fall through the mesh, whilst larger material exits at the far end. Trommel screens are excellent for separating compost, topsoil, aggregates and demolition waste. They handle a wide range of materials and work well with sticky or damp material thanks to rotating brushes that keep the drum clear.
Vibratory screens
Vibratory screens rely on vibration to move material across one or more decks. Multiple layers—including the bottom deck and upper decks—allow operators to separate materials into three or more different sizes in a single pass. Vibratory screens are common in mining, quarries and aggregate production, where high throughput and precise specifications are essential.
Gyratory screens
Gyratory screens use a circular motion to spread material evenly across the screen surface. This type of screening equipment is used in various applications across industries such as ceramics, metal powders and pharmaceuticals, where fine particle separation is critical.
Why industrial screeners are important
Screening processes deliver measurable benefits across a wide range of industries.
Screeners deliver improved product quality by ensuring consistent sizing, and the separated materials can be sold as distinct products—topsoil, sand, gravel or aggregate. This opens up a revenue stream and allows you to recycle and reuse materials that would otherwise go to landfill, cutting disposal costs.
Applications across various industries
Industrial screening equipment is used across various industries:
- Construction and demolition – Separating rubble, concrete and brick into reusable aggregates
- Recycling yards – Processing mixed waste into saleable products
- Quarries and mining – Sorting aggregates and raw material to precise specifications
- Skip hire and plant hire – Adding value by allowing customers to process waste on-site
Red Rhino screening solutions
Red Rhino Electric Trommel
At Red Rhino, we’ve developed the Red Rhino Electric Trommel—an industrial screener built to handle the demands of construction, demolition, recycling and aggregate production.
Our Electric Trommel efficiently separates materials into two output sizes, handling everything from topsoil and aggregates to demolition waste. Powered by dual electric motors that synchronise feed and drum rotation, the Trommel screens material efficiently whilst remaining easy to operate via the LCD control panel.
Key features include:
- Quick-change screen meshes – Swap meshes in just 30 minutes to suit different material characteristics
- Customisable mesh options – We offer a wide range of mesh sizes tailored to meet your specific needs
- Spring-tensioned drum brush – Continuously clears the drum of blockages, even with sticky or cohesive materials
- 15-minute drum swap – Change drums quickly for flexibility across various materials and various applications.
- Durable construction – Built on a powder-coated steel frame with height-adjustable support legs and optional hook-lift frame.
- User-friendly operation – The intuitive LCD control panel means minimal training is required.
Whether you’re working in a recycling yard, on a construction site or at a quarry, the Red Rhino Electric Trommel delivers the process efficiency and throughput you need.
RR 3-Way Mobile Screener
In addition to our Electric Trommel, Red Rhino offers the RR 3-Way Mobile Screener—a self-contained screening plant that separates material into three different sizes. Mounted on a tracked chassis and powered by an 18.5kW Kubota diesel engine, this machine combines a receiving hopper, double-deck screen and three stock-piling conveyors in one compact package. It’s ideal for landscaping, golf courses, crushed rock, hardcore and beach cleaning.
The screener can be fed by excavator or directly from a crusher conveyor, whilst the conveyors fold hydraulically for setup in just a minute.
RR 3-Way Screener Plus
For operations requiring greater stock pile capacity, the RR 3-Way Screener Plus offers extended conveyors that are 1m longer than the standard model, increasing stock pile height from 1.2m to 2m.
Like the standard version, it features a choice of screen meshes, remote control operation and the reliable Kubota diesel engine.
Pairing screeners with crushers
Screening equipment works hand-in-hand with crushing machinery. By combining a Red Rhino crusher with our Electric Trommel, you can process raw material from start to finish—crushing down oversized rubble, then screening it into saleable aggregates of different sizes.
Our crusher range includes:
RR 4000: Compact and agile, ideal for small-scale crushing and tight access sites.
RR 5000+ and RR 7000: Mid-range models offering excellent throughput for groundwork and demolition projects.
RR 8000: Our heavy-duty crusher designed for quarry work and large-scale demolition, featuring an 800mm x 500mm jaw action crusher and wireless remote control.
All Red Rhino crushers and screeners are designed and manufactured in the UK at our facilities in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Backed by over 60 years of engineering expertise, our machines are built for durability, ease of use and long-term serviceability.
Frequently asked questions
How does an industrial screener improve recycling and material handling?
Screeners allow you to separate materials on-site, turning waste into reusable products like hardcore, sand and gravel. This reduces disposal costs and opens new revenue streams. Efficient screening processes also improve material handling by sorting material into consistent sizes.
Can an industrial screener handle a wide range of materials?
Yes. Industrial screening equipment processes a wide range of materials across various industries, including aggregates, topsoil, compost, biomass, demolition waste, metal powders, pharmaceuticals, ceramics and food processing ingredients. Mesh specifications can be tailored to suit specific needs.
How does the Red Rhino Electric Trommel compare to other screening machines?
The Red Rhino Electric Trommel offers ease of use, durability and flexibility. With quick-change screen meshes, customisable perforations, a spring-tensioned drum brush and 15-minute drum swaps, it delivers superior process efficiency and minimal downtime.
Find the perfect industrial screener: get in touch with Red Rhino today
Ready to improve your material processing with reliable screening equipment and crushers? Whether you’re looking to buy an industrial screener, upgrade your existing machinery or discuss your specific needs, our team is here to help.
Get a free quote or discuss your requirements. Fill in our online contact form, call us on +44 1476 590790 or email info@redrhinocrushers.net.
