GB220714A - Improved apparatus for the classification and concentration of ore bearing material - Google Patents

Abstract

220,714. Newsom, J. F. May 23, 1923. Stationary-vessel washing-apparatus upwardcurrent classifiers.-A box of rectangular section is provided with longitudinal and transverse rows of hoppers, each hopper being fitted with a spigot opening for settling out material. A horizontal fresh water current passes through the box under the horizontal ore-bearing current and carries off the fines, while the valuable materials pass through the current and settle out according to weight, the lightest material being carried farthest. The ore-carrying stream is fed at 1 into a pocket 2 having a vane 2a for breaking up the current. Thence the stream traverses a distributor 3 in the form of cells for ensuring a steady flow. To overcome eddies due to the feed current, a water current is led in from a pressure box 6 through a perforated plate 7 to the box 8, where it coalesces with the feed current. The solids settle out according to weight into hoppers 9 and pass through spigot openings 10, the heaviest materials settling at the head of the box 8 and the lightest at the overflow end. To prevent clogging of the cells, the distributor 3 is reversible by means of a hand-wheel 12 and is held by a spring-actuated dog 12a. For further washing, an apparatus as shown in Figs. 8-10 combines with the above arrangement an upward current in the spigot openings. Settling columns 22 are arranged in longitudinal troughs 19 and supplied with water through pipes 24 and mains 23. The water currents diminish in intensity away from the head of the box. The supply entering the columns 22 is distributed by a perforated screen 27 on an adjustable tube 26, the downward flow of material being through the spigot opening 25. With this arrangement a fine classification can be effected by varying the water supply at the settling columns.