Introduction
For a sugar mill’s mechanical engineering team, the July–September window between crushing seasons is the most important procurement period of the year. It is when screens removed from last season can be properly inspected, wear can be assessed, and replacement orders can be placed with enough lead time to receive delivery, inspect, and install before the new season begins.
The alternative — ordering screens in October when the season has already started, or worse, waiting until a screen fails mid-campaign — is one of the most avoidable and expensive situations in sugar mill operations.
This checklist is designed to help your team stay ahead of that situation.
Step 1 — Post-Season Screen Audit (April–June)
- Remove all screens from centrifugal baskets after the last campaign and inspect each one individually
- Measure slot width at minimum 5 points across each screen surface — document all readings
- Compare measured slot widths against the nominal specification for that screen
- Assess chrome plating condition — look for areas of chrome loss, pitting, or exposed nickel
- Record each screen’s current condition against its machine number for comparison with previous seasons
Step 2 — Replacement Decision (May–June)
- Any screen with slot enlargement exceeding 0.01–0.015mm above nominal should be scheduled for replacement
- Any screen showing chrome loss on more than 10% of its surface area should be replaced
- Any screen that survived two full crushing seasons should be treated as a replacement candidate regardless of measured condition
- Calculate total screens requiring replacement across all centrifugals in the plant
Step 3 — Specification and Ordering (June–July)
- Confirm machine model and massecuite grade for each replacement screen required
- Decide between standard specification and Atulmax for each grade — refer to your previous season’s molasses purity and throughput data
- Obtain quotations from at least two screen suppliers — compare on price, chrome plating specification, and lead time
- Place orders no later than July to ensure delivery well before the October start
Step 4 — Pre-Season Installation and Commission (September–October)
- Receive and inspect screens against the purchase order specification before signing delivery documents
- Check slot width, chrome plating, and dimensions against the supplier’s quality certificate
- Install screens in baskets and run test cycles before the season begins
- Record screen installation date and machine number for the next end-of-season audit
A Note on Emergency Procurement
If you are reading this in November or December because a screen has failed during the crushing season — we will do our best to help with an urgent order. Call us directly on +91 9226762296. But the best outcome of this season’s emergency is a pre-season order placed in July next year.
