Slope
Slope determines the rate at which material flows from the feed end of the deck toward the discharge end. High feed rates require high slope, and lower feed rates require lower slope setting. Slope also determines the length of time a product is exposed to the separating action. Therefore, slope has a direct effect on the quality of separation usually decreasing slope increases the quality of separation.
Tilt
Tilt is the difference in elevation between the high side of the deck and the low side of the deck. Normally, side tilt should be set at the maximum, where an acceptable pattern across the deck can still be maintained. Too much side tilt is present when material cannot be made to climb to the high side of the deck. Too little side tilt is present when the material will not float to the low side of the deck.
Speed
Speed is the rate of vibration of the deck. Eccentric action provides agitation so that material can be stratified, and the reciprocating motion that separates the heavier lower layers from the lighter upper layers of material. Speed and tilt must be combined to get the best separation action. Too much speed will cause material to flow to the high side of the deck and spill over the banking rail. Too little speed will not agitate the material sufficiently to be properly stratified. Usually, with too little speed, material will lie on the table without moving and the table will quickly become overloaded.