GB920368A - Method and apparatus for the wet gravity concentration of ores - Google Patents

Abstract

920,368. Concentrating ores. MINERAL DEPOSITS PTY. Ltd. Dec. 2, 1960 [Dec. 24, 1959], No. 41659/60. Class 117. In a method of wet gravity concentration of granular ores, the depth of a stream of ore 15, fed from a plurality of circumferential openings 13 on to a fanning cone 14, is decreased until it is substantially one particle thick at the bottom of the cone. The stream then drops off on to a concentrator cone 17 where the depth is increased, the heavier particles keeping in the lower stratum. The upper, tailings, stratum is cut off by a cylindrical slicer sleeve 21 and passes down through 21 while the lower stratum, or concentrates, are disposed of in an annular launder 23. The slicer is made so that it can be adjusted vertically so that the knife part 25, which is preferably readily removable for sharpening, may part off the desired depth of the stream. The angle of the cones will vary with the concentration of the feed, a slope of 15-20 degrees being described as suitable for a concentration of 40-60% solids. Fig. 4 (not shown) depicts a multiple unit for more accurate working and Fig. 5 and 11 (not shown) depict flow sheets for multiple unit operation. In a multiple unit operation both the tailings and the concentrate are subjected to further separation which is illustrated in Figs. 4-9 (not shown). For use on board ship the apparatus may be mounted in a gimbal mounting, Fig. 10 (not shown).