Particle size classification, i.e., purposeful separation of a single bulk solid stream into multiple particle size cuts, is a critical unit operation in most industrial processes, and it can serve many purposes. Size separation is frequently used as a simple “scalping” step for separating out either over- or under-sized particles. There are many different technologies available for particle size separation, including elutriation, magnetic separation, or screening, with vibratory, gyratory, centrifugal, and tumble/rotary screening being some of the most common screening methods; for brevity, we’ll focus primarily on screening in this article. Related:Troubleshooting Round Separator ScreensIf the screening technology is not properly selected, the act of screening itself can frequently cause unintended particle attrition/breakage and fines generation with fragile materials. Unfortunately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach for screening, and it requires thinking about more than just the operation of particle size separation itself.