US879894A - Centrifugal ore-separator. - Google Patents

Description

No. 879,894. PATENTED FEB. 25, 1908.

I P. F. PBGK. GBNTRIFUGAL ORE SEPARATOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 14, 1907.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

W ay W PATENTED FEB. 25, 1908.

P. F. PEGK OENTR-IFUGAL ORE $EPARATOR.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

APPLIGATION FILED MAR.14, 1907.

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No. 879,894. PATENTED FEB. 25, 1908.

P. P. PEOK. OENTRIFUGAL ORE $EPARATOR.

APPLIOATION FILED MAR. 14, 1907.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

No. 879,894. PATENTED FEB. 25, 1908.

P. F. PEGK. GENTRIFUGAL ORE SBPARATOR.

APPLIOATION FILED MAR. 14, 1907.

4 SHEETSSHEET 4.

Q \-&/W////////////////////- I 25/60/07: Z WM g /iw .PHILIP F. PEGK, or oHIoAeoJLLINoIs,

CENTRIFUGAL ORE-SEPARATOR'.

Specification of Letters Pa Patented Feb. 25, 1908.

Application filed March 14:. 1907. Serial No. 362.329.

T 0 all whom it may'concern:

Be it known that I, PHILIP F. Pack, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Centrifugal OreSeparators, of which the following is a specification.

The object of my invention is to make a generally improved centrifugal separator for separation of pulverized ores and similar materials containing particles of different degrees of specific gravity, as well as to im rove various features and details in centrifugal ore separators of the class and character illustrated and described in my application for United StatesLetters Patent Serial No. 354,078 filed January 25, 1907, which'improvements are hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawingsFigure-1 is a top plan view of my centrifugal ore separator, with the upper driving pulley and sheave removed and the sideportions of the framework partly broken away. Fig. 2 is a vertical section of Fig. 1, taken on line A A thereof looking in the direction of the arrow, except that only one feed supply casting and pipe are shown and the upper drive pulley and sheave are illustrated, and, further, to facilitate clearness of this figure, part of the partitions initialed 19, and of the perforations 20, and part of the mechanism for oper ating the means for opening and closing the secondary discharge holes 40 that would appear in elevation'or perspective are omitted. Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical cross sectional detail of a portion of one side of the treatment vessel and retaining ring or plate, and also ,a like section of the deflector 1n operatin osition and a similar section of the rotata e trough at a point internally formed to makedelivery in a plane below its center,

and, further, showing some attached parts in elevation. Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail cross section of the rotatable trough at a point Where it, is internally formed to deliver from an approximately central radial plane. Fig. 51s a detail pers ective cross-section of one side of the rotata le trough, showing the top part .of the trough'loosened and removed somewhat from its operating position, and

one of the removable blocks in the trough which forms one 'of.the inclined surfaces therein slightly moved from place. Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail side elevation of the .com-

bined feed and feed supply distributing device or means detached from the separator. Fig. 7 is a top plan view of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a" vertical central section of Fig. 7, taken on line B B thereof looking in the direction of the arrows, with some .other parts attached,

and showing also a cross section of the re ceivin chamber ring, which I will term a distributing ring. Fig. 9 is an enlarged bottom plan view of a part of the distributing ring. Fig. 10 is a detail of part of Fig. 2, taken on line 0 thereof and showing the peripheral wall of the vessel with its separating surface in horizontal section and a portion of the bottom of the vessel nearer the center in top plan, with a broken border line;

a part of the distributing plate with its ribs I and channels in top plan; a part of the distributing ring in horizontal section and a part in top plan, and also the u per removable feed disk in horizontal section, showing its feed channels which radiate from the outer feed passage to diametrically opposite terminal groups for supply to diametrically opposite zones of like action on the separating 7 surface, also illustrating some other parts. Fig. 1 1 is an enlarged detail plan view of a part of the retaining ring or plate detached, showing the relative position of some of its associated parts and also showing a portion of the rotatable trough partly in top plan. Fig. 12 is an enlarged detailcross section of the outer portion of the distributing plate and an adjacent part of the'vessel and separating surface, especially showing the beveled edge of the distributing plate. Fig. 13 is an enlarged elevation of the outside end of one of the treatment vesseldischarge plugs- Fig. 14 is a vertical central longitudinal section of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is an enlarged detail cross section of a part of the retaining ring or plate, also a part of one of the reciprocatory' rods for effecting closure of discharge holes, and its operatingmechanism inelevation, also a part of a metal discharge plug and some other parts in elevation. Fig. 1-6 is a front elevation of some parts shown in Fig. 15. Fig. 17 isan enlarged'detail cross section of one side of the central hub and web of'the portions supporting the rotatable trough,

showing the arrangement of its water chain bers and pipes; and Fig; 18 isa diagrammat ical illustration ofthe preferable relative position of the several zones within'the sep-' arator, also showing the-relative posit'ion of the separating surface and the deflector.

In making my improved centrifugal ore separator, I provide a part or portion which I will call a treatment vessel, or for brevity in most instances, a vessel adapted to be rotated at a desired rate of speed, and to afford. a surface sufficiently smooth and suitable to serve as a separating surface, In the drawings I have illustrated this part as a frusto cone-shaped, short metal vessel 2, having its circumferential walls turned smoothly and evenly, so the inner side of these walls form a separating surface 2 inclined outward from the small or closed end, towards the larger or comparatively open end, which is illustrated in an inverted posiattached parts is supported by an anti-friction bearing 6, on which the lower end of the shaft is stepped.

I mount the vessel, preferably, in positionwith its bottom or closed' end upward, fixing it rigidly on the shaft as shown, so that the vessel will be supported by the shaft, and

rotated by it when the shaft is revolved.

Around the open edge of the vessel I provide an outwardly extended flange 7, formed with an annular peripheral recess and shoulder, to receive and telescope with the flange 8 on the preferably flat water-retaining ring plate 9shown in Figs. 2, 3 and.11which ring I will hereinafter designate as a retainingplate. I strongly secure this retaining-plate to the flange of the vessel by bolts 10, passing through the flange and threaded into" the plate. The depth of the annular recess on the flange of the vessel and the height of the flange on the retaining plate 9 are so proportioned that when the latter is in position,

there will be a comparatively small annular radial space 11 between the lower surface of the flange 7 and the adjacent surface of the retaining-plate, as shown.

The retaining plate is made of sufficient width to extend inward toward the axis of rotation a somewhat greater distance than entially continuous.

hereinafter more fullydescribed, and thereby, at all times during operation, insuring that the separating channel will be completely filled and the separating surface in a fully submerged state.

Around the vessel shaft, located below the hub of the vessel, I provide an adequate sleeve 12, relatively rotatable to the vessel and some other parts. The upper end of this sleeve extends up into the vessel, while its lower portion extends down below the vessel a sufficient distance to receive a driving pulley or sheave wheel 13, in a position to allow a drivebelt or rope to pass with'required clearance below the vessel. lower end of this sleeve is stepped on a roller bearing 14. To the up er portion of the sleeve 12, located within t e vessel, I securely mount a deflector-supporting art 15see Figs. 2 and 3which is prefera ly a casting in the nature of a ulley, havin its rim portion made as a at ring para lel with the spokes, instead of transversely to them. To

this flat ring I secure a deflector 16, which v may be made of any suitable material desired; but I have illustrated it in the drawings as mostly made of segments of wood secured on the up er and lower sides of the flat ring and soh y held in place by bolts. The-wooden segments may also be nailed to- 1 gether to insure greater stability.

The outer circumferential area or surface of the deflector, preferably corresponds in shape to the contour of the separating surface, and

is of a diameter to leave only acomparatively small space 17 between the separating surfaceand deflector, which space forms the separating channel, which channelis preferab y comparatively shallow and circumfercated in position between the closed endof of the vessel and the retaining-plate and largely fills the space between these parts, as illustrated, and forms one wall of said separating channel.

Around on the internal bore of the deflector, in position a proximately one-third of the M distance upwar from the lower side of the deflector, provide an annular grooveshaped trough or channel 18, of wood-as I shown in Figs. 2 and 3w1'th cross parti-' tions 19 at uite close intervals; and m the bottom of t 's trough, extending radially through the deflector to its outside surface,- I

The 0 The deflector is 10- 65 provide a circumferential row of perforations 20see Figs. 2 and 3 for the passage of water from said trough to appropriate portions of the separating'surface, to assist in removal of mlddlings, as hereinafter explained.-

vessel and separatin surface; as Wel as to the feed means and 'stributing channels or means, the revolving trough, and some other 7 The deflector is rotated difi'erentiall to the parts, which are hereinafter more fully described, through the use of a rope belt that may be supplied and operated around the sheave 13; and in its differential rotation it serves to assist in the even distribution of material over the separating surface and also, because of its differential rotation to the separating surface and to the material being deposited on such surface, serves to transmit, through the instrumentality of the body of water in the separating channel, an aqueous scouring or washing current or force to assist in separation of said material, as well as in the removal or discharge of its various separated products.

In case the feed or feed distributing means and trough are revolved at a greater speed than the separating surface, so that they travel relatively ahead of or faster than said. surface, the deflector should relatively travel or revolve slower than the separating surface, and vice versa, making the. travel of the de- 'flector with relation to the separating surface in a reverse differential direction to that of the feed device and said trough. This is important, because by said relative direction of travel of these parts the circumferential current in the separating channel causing the circumferential aqueous scouring force will be in a direction from the material deposit and separating zones or areas into the adjacent wash water zones, so that any unseparated material washed by such current from the separating zones will be washed into said wash water zones, and will there be su bjected to the cleansing and separating influence of the comparatively clean water within said wash water zones before being carried by the relative travel of the separating surface into the concentrates removing zones; and, further, this relative direction of differential travel will also cause said current to be in a direction from the interposed clear water zone or area with its moderate water supply, towards the adjacent material deposit and separating zones or areas, which condition, as hereinafter explained, will not disturb the operating ratio of separating forces in the latter zone or area,it being understood that all of the said zones are substantially segmental in form and embrace or include their respective segmental areas on the separating surface.

To support and rotate the material and water feed means or device, I provide an ample sleeve 21, located around the vessel shaft, above where the vessel is secured to the shaft. I prefer that the bottom of the vessel around its outside and near its central position should contain a depression, as shown in Fig. 2. In this depressiorn and resting on the vessel, I locate a roller bearing 22, sleeve 21 and its connected parts, and I' ex tend the lower end of the sleeve down and rest it on this bearing, as shown. In some surrounding the shaft, for supporting the instances in the specification and claims I will use the term elements in referring to the commingled water and material or water alone, or both, for the several purposes, and I wish it to be so understood. I construct and provide the said feed or feed supply distributing device for receiving separately the materials for separation commingled with water, and the clean water, for different purposes Within the separator, in a way -to deliver these elements for the different purposes severally from predetermined circumferential portions of said feed device, into the proper channels for passage to the separating channel and deposit on their respective progressively changing places or areas on the separating surface, and thereby, through such delivery, the feed device establishes the initial or inner end of several zones of different and appropriate action for the various steps or stages of separation, and separate delivery of the separated products. The circumferential scope or extent of the parts of the segmental zones lying between the feed device and separating channel is maintained by the agencies for separately conducting the respective appropriate elementsbetween said points, and in operation, said various zones rotate or'travel with the feed device, and differentially to the separating surface and deflector.

In operation the feed device or means is adapted to receive and feed or deliver said several elements separately in independently variable quantities, to their appropriate and desired zones. It embodies several comparatively short pipes or tube-shaped pieces 23, located preferably circumferentially to the sleeve 21, as illustrated especially in Figs. 2, 7 and 8. The tubes successively increase sufficiently in diameter from the sleeve outward to leave a suitable annular feed passage between each of them, which passages I have numbered 24. There is preferably a sufii cient number of the short tubes to form a feed passage for the material commingled with water and the wash water zones, the concentrates removing zone and the water zone interposed between the material receiving or separating zone and the concentrates removing zone.

The sleeve 21 and each of the short tubes are threaded at their lower ends, and each enters into and engages with the screw threads in the central bore of a corresponding diskthe sleeveengaging the lower disk,

which disks are indicated by the numerals:

25 and are assembled one above the other at right angles with the tubes, and extend out diametrically a considerable distance, as shown. Between each pai rof th ese several disks is interposed a removable part 26, preferably in theformof a wide flat ring or Secondary disk, which maybe termed a feed;

disk. These disks areprovided' with a central bore somewhat larger than the diameter on approximately or substantially diametric- Water that is fed into the separate feed pas- 1 ally opposite sides of the-disks, eachgroup "embracing a desired dportion or zone of the circumference of the sks. The channels 27 serve as means for receiving clean water, or materlal for separation commingled with sages 24, and for delivering them at the outer d ameter of the assembled disks with practlcally umform distribution throughout the prarticular zones embraced by the channels cm the respective feed passages. v

W1thm the separator are several zones of different action or degrees of action, as will be hereinafter explained, and the zone or zones in which material is deposited for separation I will in most instances term a separating zone or area. These secondary or feed'disks are preferably of the same diameter as the maintaining disks between which they are interposed, and may be removed and replaced'when worn out, or may be replaced with. disks having different num-- bers of channels, if desired.

To assist in holding the short tubes and the central sleeve and disks strongly together, and relatively in place, I have provided several stud bolts 28'shown most clearly in Figs. 2, 7 and 8-threaded through the walls of the several tubes, transversely to said walls, and have-extended them to and engaged them with the central sleeve.

In assembling the disks I have done so with reference to the groups of outer terminals' of their feed channels 27, in the secondary disks, as shown especially in Fig. 6, so that the several groups of channels will collectively form a continuous zone of these channels throughout the circumference of the collective disks, and so that the elements or materials fed into the different zones of i the several feed passages 24, for different purposes in the separator, will be'delivered out withirvtheir respective segmental ones at the circumference of the collective disks, thereby predetermining the segmental part of the circumference from which any particular element will be delivered and from there, through additional agencies hereinaftendescribed, will be carried out to and deposited on the corresponding segmental portions or 'zones of the circumference of the separating surface that are embraced between substantially radiallines from their respective seg- .with suitable eed supply above the top of these dis mental feed zones at the circumference of the feed disks; and so, during this time, the volume or quantity of flow into any of the said feed passages, and consequent delivery on the respective parts or zones of the separating surface, may be varied and regulated irrespectiveof the flow to the other feed passages.

As means for feeding water and material into the central feed passages 24, I provide suitably shaped hollow feed su ply castings 29shown in Figs. 1 and '21aving openings in their depending extensions which are. of form and size to enter the upper end of their respective annular feed passages, so that the flow from these castlngs will be directed and delivered down into the feed passages.

The feed sup ly castings are each provided (pipes 30, which several pipes are provide with suitable valves 31, for stopping or controlling the flow of material for separation, commingled with water, and also clear water, 'as these products are flowed through their respective pipes to the separator. The feed supply pipes used for clean water connect with any suitable source of supply of water, and 'theone used for the commingled material and water supply preferably connects with a suitable su ciently elevated agitator tank not shown for its source of supply. The feed supply castings are held in place by means of their connected pipes, or otherwise if desired.

Located'onthe outside of the closedend of the vessel in position around the outer circumference of the collective feed disks, and extending with its upper edge somewhat s,.I provide a' ring 32, with the top of its outer wall having .a bore of size to leave but'comparatively small clearance between said wall and the feed disks and having its circumferential-wall inclined considerably outward in its downward course,as shownterminating in an outward flange, which is bolted to the closed end of the vessel. I will term this ring a distributing The interior clrcumference of this dis- -tributing ring is divided by partitions 33 into cumference of the assembled disks of the feed means. These chambers 34 receive the commingled material and water, and the water-alone, as the same are delivered separately from their respective segmental zonesaround the circumference of said disks,

and conduct such products separately down.

through the holes 35 in the closed end of the vessel. One of these holes extends from erasaa that each channel will deliver the materials and water, or the water alone, as the case may be, flowed into it through its hole 35 without commingling, and deposit it on the separating surface within its respective and proper segmental area or zone.

The distributing plate is secured solidly to the bottom of the vessel by screw bolts, as shown, and is large enough in diameter to leave only a small space between its circumferential edge and the separating surface. This circumferential terminal edge is preferably also in alinement with the separating channel and in position to be in a state of submergence during operation. I have shaped the peripheral or terminal edge of .this distributing plate to conform to the inclined shape of the separating surface, so that the lower part of such edge will approach closely to the separating surface and make delivery as nearly as possible directly in contact therewith, but still leave room for flow -of material and water by this edge down over the separating surface.

The receiving chambers 34, the holes 35 and the distributing channels 36 together serve as the means for delivering the materials and the water from the rotatable feed means to the separating surface, and are differentially rotatable to said feed means. They are best wholly or partly illustrated in section, Figs. 2, 3 and 12, and in plan in Fig. 10. i

As the feed device, embodying the disks with their feed channels 27 is slowly re volving differentially to the vessel and its attached parts, the terminals of the feed channels will be slowly differentially traveled and changed with respect to the several re ceiving chambefi 34,andconsequently will progressively and continuously change the individual ones of these chambers and their allied holes 35 and distributing channels 36,

into which the material is delivered, resulting in Iprogressive and constant change of portions or zones of the separating surface on which material is fed for separation. There will also be a like changing of the other zones of action on said surface.

Around the flange 8 of the plate 9 I have provided a sufficient number of radial discharge plugs 38, threaded into suitable holes through the flange, for the discharge of ma.- terial and water, as more fully hereinafter described. The plugs have primary and secondarydischarge holes 39 and 40, as articularly shown in the enlarged detail vlews of Figs. 13 and 14, the latterhole being through a rubber plug 41. The holes are small enough'to enable a sufficient body of water to be retained in the separator during operation, and, therefore,proportionately too small to be clearly illustrated in the main figures of the drawings.

Material from the distributingochannels deposited on the separating surface within the separating portions or zones will be passed or washedprincipa lly actuated by the flow of water accompanying its deposit down from the top edge of said surface in a somewhat spirally inclined course through the separating channel, transversely to the circumference ofthe separating surface towards its discharge edge; and the tailings, or lighter parts, will mostly be separated during such travel and carried over the discharge edge of the separating surface and discharged with its accompanying water through the particular primary holes 39 which are within and progressively traveling through these zones and the heavier parts constituting the concentrates and middlings of said material-will lodge or in part move slowly on the separating surface. These zones of deposit and separation, as has been heretofore explained, are situated in position between approximately radial lines from the segmental groups or zones of terminals of their feed channels in the difierentially rotatable feed means, and. are substantially trans verse to the axis of rotation of the treatment vessel and feed device. The several areas of different action on the separating surface embraced within their respective zones may, however,'be deflected from definitely transverse segmental boundaries to somewhat of a spirally inclined segmental form, caused by the deflecting aqueous scouring action of the differentially rotatable deflector.

Through the differential rotation of the feed means and the separating surface, the concentrates and middlings will be carried on around out of the separating zones, by the particular and progressively changing portions of the separating surface emerging from said zones, and into following adjacent wash water zones, which are receiving clean water.

Following the wash water zones, and adjacent thereto, I provide mid dlings removing zones, and to these zones, through suitable adjustable pipes 42 hereinafter described,

and thence through the particular ones of the perforations 20 in the deflector that are passing in radial alinement with these zones, I supply the requisite amount of water, which is actuated by centrifu al force, to procure sufficient flow over the Tower portion of the separating surface within these zones to wash and remove the middlings roduct over the edge of the separating su ace and discharge it through the plugs.

In addition to the water supplied to the middlings removing zones through the perforations 20, wateris supplied at the u per edge of these zones through the feed c annels located in the latter circumferential parts of the groups of channels that supply the wash water zones. This last named water inits downward flow is effective in removing any remaining middlings from the upper part of these zones, as well as in assistingin the removal of middlings to discharge from the lower edge of the separating surface: There will then only remain on these portions of the separating surface, after they progressively emerge or travel from the mlddlings removing zones, finished, clean concentrates, ready for removal and discharge.

Adjacent to the middlings removing zones, and following them in their relative travel circumferentially to the separating surface, is a concentrates removing zone, in which a sufficiently strong current of clean water is supplied from its corresponding water feed passage and channels to remove concentrates from the separating surface and carry them to discharge, through the articular discharge holes then substantial y radial within said zones.

In the removal of concentrates it isnecessary to supply a stronger flow of water, and it is important to confine the required increased flow and volume of water through the separating channel and transversely over the separating surface, principally within the limits of the segmental concentrates removing zones or areas, so that the concentrates will not be Washed around and re-comminglcd, and also so that the increased flow here will not encroach on and disturb the effective operation in adjacent zones. To accomplish this purpose, I provide, in addition to the primary discharge holes; the secondary discharge holes 40, as

, above stated, which are most clearly shown in detail in Figs. 3, 13 and 14. The secondary discharge holes are normally closed by contacting removable parts 43 on theends of suitable small, adjustable, reclprocatory rods 43, which I have designated valve rods, and which are located and operated in radial alinement with their respective secondary holes in a direction substantially transverse to the separator axissee Figs. 2, 3, 11 andv15. Through means hereinafter described these rods are drawn inward toward the axis or rotation and open the secondary discharge holes as they come within and while they are progressively passing through the concentrates removing zones. As' the rods and secondary holes progressively pass out of said zones, the rods are successively permitted to travel outward eraeea sufficiently to again close over their respec tive secondary holes, remaining there until they again enter a zone of the discharge of concentrates, or middlings, if desired. The rods are illustrated in a position drawn towards the axis in most of the drawings, although in Fig. 15 one is shown in a closed position and also shown in dotted lines in open position.

It will be seen that while several of the secondary discharge holes are within tife limits of the concentrates removing zones and are progressively passing through the same, and are at that time open, they will afford greatly increased facility for discharge of the increased volume of clean concentratesremoving water applied and flowed within these zones, and insure that the increased flow through the separating channel and transversely over the segmental concentrates removing areas on the separating surface will be substantially confined within the limits of these zones, with the result that the concentrates will be removed and discharged substantially Within their limits. The feed of water for these zones and the size of the secondary-disch arge openings should be 'proportioned so that there will be asufficiently strong flow of water over the separating surface within them to effect desired removal of concentrates; but in so doing the necessarily enlarged volume of water and augmented current within these zones produce an increased Water pressure therein, which creates a tendency for part of the water in the separating channel within these segmental zones near their circumferential extremities or borders-except near their discharge edgetoflow into the next adjacent zones and to some extent carry concentrates over uponthe area of the separating surface in the said. adjacent zones. This condition is not particularly objectionable at that end of the concentrates removing zone, which adjoins or has a middlings removing zone adjacent to it, from which concentrates have not been removed, but such fiow would be objectionable and detrimental at the opposite end of the segmental concentrates removing zones, provided there was a zone having an area for deposit and separation of unseparated materials next adjacent to it. To overcome or compensate for this objection and difficulty, I have provided preferably segmental clean water zones, interposed between the concentrates removing zones and the material receiving and separating zones, and have preferably provided them with facility and means of water supply that may be regulated irrespective of the flow and supply to the concentrates removing or the separating zones; and in this way the flow of water to the segmental portion of the separating channel embraced removing zones flowing or encroaching on the more moderate flow within the material deposit and separating zones, and also to the washing of concentrates into the latter zones.

In case, during operation, any concentrates are washed from the areas in the concentrates removing zones, they will pass into the. adjacent part or area of the interposed zones, which will result in no harm, because such concentrates will there either assume fixed lodgment until they reach another concentrates removing zone, or will be removed within said interposed zones with the clean water therefrom and be discharged with such water, which, in the arrangement of the separator is caught in the portion of the rotatable trough that catches the discharge from the concentrates removing zones. In case this clean water zone was not interposed between areas of the concentrates removing and material deposit and separating zones, the diversiorfand encroachment to a greater or less extent at the'adjacent parts of the respective areas ofthe concentrates removing and material deposit and separating zones would carry some concentrates over on the areas of the latter zones and mix them with the unseparated material; and, further, by reason of the much stronger aqueous flow and force in the concentrates removing zones, the encroachment thereof on said adjacent portion of the separating zones would destroy the operating ratio or equation of the forces which effectseparation at this point, resulting in undue washing to discharge and waste of heavier valuable substances with the residues, which would otherwise be retained and recovered.

:As has been hereinabove explained, the deflector in its differential travel to some extent washes various products from their respective zones over into the edge of the next adjacent zone, and, therefore, in case the said interposed zones were omitted, such concentrates would be washed from the concentrates removing zones into 'the material receiving and separating zones, instead of into the interposed zones, and, to such ex-' tent, would add to the difficulty resulting in loss of concentrates from disturbing of equation of separating forces, as above explained.

The interposed zones, which are adapted to be supplied with a cpmparatively moderate flow of water within their segmental portions of the separating channel, not only serve the purpose just above described, but also neutralize the difference in velocity of flow of water and consequent pressure between the concentrates removing zones and the material receiving and separating zones,

and serve also, through their contained water, in the nature of a segmental aqueous bulkhead or partition in the separating channel between said zones.- To effect these purposes, it is desirable or important that the separating channel be comparatively shallow, which state will afford a higher frictional resistance, in "proportion to the body of water contained in it than a comparatively deep separating channel would, so that in operation. the water in the various segmental portions of the separating channel embraced within the respective zones will flow or be A forced less readily circumferentially from one zone to an adjacent zone, the said high frictional resistance forcing said water along the course of least resistance, which is substantially across that segmental area of the separating surface, mostly to the nearest discharge hole for that interposed segmental part of the separating channel.

It will be seen that a separating channel of this character is adapted to flows or currents of water transversely through it over the separating surface, at different velocities or intensities within the different segmental zones, which is necessary or important for.

obtaining satisfactory results. Of course, it will be understood that the circumferential length or. extent of said interposed segmental zones should be sufficient to serve the purposesdesired.

To facilitate the removal of middlings within the middlings-removing zoneby providing for discharge of the water here added through the perforations 2()I. prefer within these zones.

It should be understood that the volume 'of water supplied within the various zones that the secondary holes should also be open tion of the deflectoras will be hereinafter 'describeds hould be properly adjusted and proportioned to effect the most desirable results.

The various products and accompanying water discharged from the several zones of the separating surface will be discharged in substantially the same radial plane through the discharge plugs 38, except such moderate quantity of water as may be discharged through passages in overflow pipes 44, hereinafter described; and as means for receiving the several products separately as they are discharged through the plugs 38, and

separately delivering them in different planes so they can be caught separately by a fixed annular launder 45-or equivalent means and flowed for desired dispositions, I provide an annular rotatable diverting trough or receptacle 46, which in the specification I will term a rotatable trough. This rotatable trough is located around the flange of the vessel, passing fully around its circumference, and in position radial to the-discharge plugs, as shown. It is of sufficient internal diameter to afford necessary clearance" between its internal bore and the ends of thetrough be made detachable or removable,

and be held securely in place by suitable screw bolts. A portion of this top part is illustrated as detached and slightly moved from place in detail in Fig. 5.

The outer wall or bottom of the trough throughout the part of its circumference which is radially adjacent to the zones from which one kind of product is being dischargedis inclined to the upper edge of the trough, as indicated at 47, Fig. 2, so as to divert the roducts and water from these zones'to a igher plane than the discharge plugs 38; and from there it is thrown off from the revolving trough through discharge nipples 48 in that part of the revolving trough.

In another portion of the inner-circumference of the revolving trough, adjacent to the zones of discharge of another class of products and in position to catch such discharge,

' the bottom of the trough is inclined from both sides to its center, as shown in 'detail in Fig. 4, to divert such products to the center, which are then discharged in that plane through the appropriately located discharge nipples 48 in the revolving trough; and, further, such portion of the inner circumference of the revolving trough as catches the third class of material discharged from its zones is inclined towards the lower edgeas illustrated in Fig. 3to a plane below the dischar e plugs 38, and thereby diverts this materia to the lower plane, from whence it is discharged through its appropriately located nipples at a lower plane than the said dischar mg plugs. The ifference between-the planes of delivery of the three classes of materials discharged from the revolving trough, as well as that of theTiverfiow -44, is sufficient to enable them to be caught separately in annular openings of the several compartments 49-Fig. 2in the fixed launder L5, so as to be flowed separately from these com partments through their respective delivery ipes 50, for desired disposition. The fixed aunder is provided with an inclined bottom towards its pipes 50, to facilitate the flow of water and material from it. These several planes of delivery are in a direction transverse to the axis of the separator.

The several inclinations in the rotatable trough are preferably obtained by insertion shown particularly in detail in Fig. 5of shape to form the desired inclinations, and all or' part of these blocks may be removed if desired and others inserted, of shape to change the inclinations to any portion of the inside of the rotatable trough. To facilitate the removal and replacement of these blocks, the upper side of the trough or parts of it may be temporarily removed, as shown in detail in Fig. 5, in which figure a part of the top of the trough is shown loosened and moved somewhat from place, and one of the blocks is shown partly removed. This rotatable trough is partly sup orted and laterally held in place by the s 0 es 52, connected to its lower side, which spokes from there extend inward to and are connected with the central web 53, which is provided with a central hub 54 journaled around the extended end of the hub 55 of the deflector support. The hub 54 rests upon a roller bearing 56, as illustrated in Fig. The rotatable trough is further supported and is rotated by spokes or suitably shaped bars 57see Figs. 1 2 and 8secured' by bolts 58 to it at their outer ends, and from there extend upward and inward over the upper side of the vessel and connect, by bolts 59,- to a raised annular ring boss 60 on the rotatable feed device or means. This boss 60 is provided to afford better facility and greater strength for securing the ends of the spokes. As further means of assisting to support the trough, and preventing or lessening possible vibration, I provide a roller 57, suitably secured to each of the spokes 57, in posi tionas shown in Fig. 2to travelably engage or contact with and roll against the outer surface of the bottom of the vessel, in the differential travel of the trough and pan. I further provide a ring 61, movably encircling said boss, which boss holds said ring to lateral position; and I secure this ring and the inner end portions of the bar spokes together by screw bolts 62, so that the ring holds this end portion of the spokes relatively in place at times, when the bolts 59 are removed to enable the trough 4:6 to be circumferentially shifted or adjusted with relation to the feed device. There are several screw holes, 63, located in suitable positions in the boss to register with the bolts in the ends of the spokes 57, so that if it should be desired the bolts 59 may be removed and the trough swung or shifted somewhat around, and the said bolts then replaced, entering different screw holes, thereby holding the spokes and, consequently, the revolving trough in shifted position.

Through the connection of the revolving trough with the feed device, by means of the spokes 57, the trough is rotated by and with the feed device, and the several portions of its bottom differentially and appropriately inclined to collect the materials discharged from the several zones of diflerent action in the separator are maintained in the same radial position to the respective zones of action and discharge. If desired, the relative position of the revolving trough to the feed device and the several zones of action, and some other parts, can be changed or adjusted after removing the bolts 59, as just above explained.

The secondary discharge holes 40, as has been explained are closed by contact of the removable parts carried by the outer ends of the valve rods 43, except when said rods are drawn inward when it is desired to open their respective secondary discharge holes while within the appropriate zones of action in the separator. To accomplish the inward movement or reciprocation of these rods, I provide a casting 64see Figs. 2, 3, 11, 15 and 16for each of the rods, an secure it in alinement with the rod on the inside bore of the retaining-plate 9, as especially shown in the enlarged detail inFigs. 11 and 15, and to the castingI provide a small fulcrumed lever 65, one end of which is in position in contact with the inner side of an adjustable portion 66, threaded on the outer end of the rod. The opposite end of this lever depends in position to contact with and be deflected or swung outward by the suitably shaped and located shoe 67shown particularly in Fig. 15-which shoe is secured in desired position to the spokes 52 and deflects or rocks the lever while these levers are differentially traveling'by the shoe, with the result, through the inward movement of the other end of the lever, of drawing the rod towards the axis of the separator sufliciently to open its secondary discharge hole, permitting water and material to flow to discharge throughit. The shoes are adjustable, both circumferentially and radially, by moving their retaining screws and replacing them through different holes after the shoes are shifted to,perm1t it. r

The length of the shoes 67 is intended to be as great as the circumferential extent of the zones on the separating surface from which 1t is desired to secure the increased flow of water by means of the secondary discharge holes; and as the levers 65 are severally traveled beyond the shoes in their relative differential rotation, they are released. from deflecting contact with the shoe, and being hinged in position with the adjustable de-- pending portions on the outer ends of the rods, contacting with the upper end of the levers, and the rods being actuated by centrifugal force, the levers will then be swung to their-normal position forced by said rodsin their travel outward to again cover their respective secondary discharge holes, until another shoe-preferably diametrically opposite to the one just passedis encountered.

I provide the part 66 with an elongated hub portion, which may be adjusted on the end of its valve rod, as shown particularly in enlarged detail in Fig.'15, so that its decentrifu al stress of the valve rod and its.

attached parts during operation, irrespective of the contact pressure of the comparatively soft and hard closure parts or elements at the secondary discharge holes, thereby relieving the contacting parts in closing the secondary discharge holes from undue or damaging pressure. This is important, as it is desirable to make the secondary discharge holes through the comparatively soft or yielding portion 41 of material such as rubber, which is illustrated in Figs. 13, 14 and 15. These yieldable parts are inserted in counter-bores in the metal plug 40, and to effect closure the comparatively hard or unyielding parts 43 on the outer ends of the valve rods, by their outward travel, are brought into closing contact over the secondary holes. This contact of comparatively hard and soft parts effects a more complete stoppage of the secondary discharge holes un er varying conditions, occasioned by wear of material flowed through them than could be effected by contact of two comparatively hard substances. The closure or contact pressure of these parts may be regulated by adjusting the hub of the part 66 on the inner end of the valve rod which contacts with the casing 64; and to insure that the part 66 is prevented from possible movement .on the threaded end of the valve rod, I provide a lock-nut on the end of the rod, which may be drawn tightly against the end of the hub of the part 66 after such part has been adjusted as desired.

The rods 43 are partly depressed in radial channels 68, formed transversely to the plate 9, which channels are in alinement with the respective secondary discharge holes and serve to assist in holding the rods in alinement, as well as partly depressing them from position above the surface of .the plate 9. These channels are sufficiently large at their outer ends to accommodate the .part attached to the outer ends of the rods.

As means. for 'aflording ocular evidence during operation of the factthat the separator has a sufficient body .of water accumulated in it to completely fill the separating channel and fullysubmerge the separating.

surfacewhich is necessary to enable the procuring of satisfactory results and to np able transmisslon of an a ueous scouring or Washing force from the di erential rotatable deflector to the separating surface,' I provide a number of overflow pipes 44, which submerge and fill these parts, as well as to submerge the circumferential or delivery edge of the distributing plate, and approach as near the axis as the location of the overflow passa es in these pipes. These overflow pipes eliver their product into an annular compartment 69 of the revolving trough, as illustrated, and from there it is conducted through the discharge nipples 70- from the trough and delivered into a compartment 71 of the fixed launder, from which it flows by itself through a comparatively short discharge pipe 72, so that it may be observed by the operator, and affords evidence that the separating surface and separating channel are in asatisfactory state of submergence. From their respective compartments 49 of the fixed launder, tailings, concentrates and middlings are separately and uninterruptedly flowed through the appropriate discharge pipes 50 for any desired position.

. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the central or web portion 53connected to the revolving trough-is of shape, together with the ring which is secured to the web by suitable screwbolts 73, to form an annular water-receiving chamber 74, into which clear water can be introduced by a pipe 75 from any suitable source of supply. The pipe 75 has a valve 76 located in it, to govern the flow of water to the chamber. v

Surrounding the water chamber 74, as shown in Fig. 2 and in enlarged detail in Fig.

- l7, and supported by the web portion 53, of

the revolving trough, I locate a suitably shaped hollow ring 77, adapted to form a second water chamber 78, to receive water from the chamber 74 I provide the inside diameter of this ring with an annular opening near its top side, and also provide openings in the outer diameter of the chamber in position to deliver water, actuated by centrifugal force, into this annular opening of the ring 77. I further providethe ring 77 with suitably located radial pipes 42, which ter- -minate inv position to deliver water into the annular groove-shaped trough 18, to pass through the perforations 20 in the deflector and assist in removing middlings within certain zones of the separating surface, as has been hereinbefore explained. The positions of the ends of these pipes 42 are such with relation to the segmental zones in which middlings are removed as to effect suitable delivery of water for such purposes.

The hollow ring is movably secured to the web 53 by bolts 79, engaging a flange on the for different purposes within the separator,

and the relative positions of the separating surface 2, the deflector 16, the separating channel 17, and the rotatable trough 46. The several zones are illustrated as being between the lines 80, which lines are simply used for illustrative purposes and do not represent physical objects in the separator. In this figure it is assumed that all parts are revolved to the right, but at different speeds, and the preferable relative arrangement of theseveral zones, as has been hereinabove described, is illustrated and can be readily seen. There are two segmental zones of each kind or action illustrated, being relatively located onapproximately diametrically opposite sides of the separator. The material receiving and separating zones in this illustration are numbered 81, and are considered as the first, or leading zones, and next adjacent to and following them are the wash water zones 82, in which are also included the middlings-removing zonesthe latter being located in the last circumferential portion of the wash water zone: Next following are the concentrates-removing zones 83, and following adjacent thereto are the interposed clean water zones 84. Notwithstanding the concentrating channel and separating surface are circumferentially continuous, material or water in different appropriate desired and variablequantities are separately introduced into their respective segmental portions of said channel, and on their segmental areas included within the different zones, to effect the different desired and respective purposes.

The direction of differential rotation of the deflector with relation to the separating surface, when the several zones are arranged in the relative order described and illustrated in Fig. 18, should be in the direction indicated by the inner arrows, or to the left, and the rotatable trough and feed means should rotate differentially in the direction'of the outer arrows, or to the right, with relation to the separating surface.

In operation, the vessel carrying the separating surface is revolved at a desired rate of speed by power transmitted to the pulley 85, which drives the vessel shaft; and at the Sametime the feed'device ormeans is revolved by powertransmitted to the rope drive sheave 86, but at a sufficiently diflerenmiddlings-removing zones.

tial rate to that of the vessel to produce the velocity of differential travel between the feed means with the several zones of different action which it governs, and the separating surface, that will best enable satisfactory accomplishment of the various steps of treatment of the particular material being operated upon usually this differential rate of velocity would be approximatelybetween one and two revolutions per minute 1n a separator of approximately one or two hundred tons treatment capacity in twentyfour hours, but considerable latitude may be tolerated in this respect, depending on material under treatment.

Material for separation, pulverized and commingled with a sufficient amount of water to dilute it, so as to flow very freely as liquid and perform its part in separation, is supplied through its feed supply pipe and casting in a desired volume into one of the feed passages of the separatorprefer'ably the assage nearest to the axis, and is carried by means of the various agencies already herein described and deposited on the separating surface within the two approximately diametrically opposite separating zones, in which separation is mainly accomplished. At the same time waterpreferably clean is introduced in comparatively moderate quantities through one of the water feed supply pipes and castingsinto the, feed,passage of the separator that sup lies water within the wash water zones, w ich are following and adjacent to the separating zones.

Following and adjacent to these wash water zones are the middlings-removing zones. These are substantially embraced within the latter circumferential part of the wash water zones; and, in addition to the water supplied to their upper parts through some of t e channels in the groups that supply to the wash water zones, water is also introduced here through the perforations 20 in the deflector as they pass radially through these The flow of water through these perforations is regulated by the valve in the water .pipe 75. During this time there-is also preferably clean water in large enough quantities flowed by the water su ply pipe and casting that delivers into the eed passage which supplies the concentrates-removing zones, to effect their removal; and after their removal from these parts of the separating surface, such parts are clean and adapted and ready to again receive material for separation as such parts in their differential travel again reach the separating zones. c

' Following next adjacent to the concentrates-removing zones, and interposed be tween them and the separating zones, are the clean water zones, the ofiice of which is artly to serve as an equalizing means or bu head between the comparatively high velocity and pressure of flow of water within the concentrates-removing zones and the comparatively low pressure and'velocity offlow of water within the separating zones. These bulkhead or partition-zones are of considerable circumferential extent, and being within a comparatively .shallow separating channel, 1 the water therein is subjected to a high frictional resistance against flow or movement in the channel, and it therefore seeks the course of least'resistance, which is through the separating channel in a direction transversely across the separating surface towards the discharge holes of the lower part of said channel that are located nearest the place of delivery of this water into said channel. These zones occupy positions in .the channel, as before stated, between the concentrates-removing zones and the separating zones, where the parts of the separating surface are substantially clean,.the concentrates having been removed. The water comprising these bulkheads is spirally deflected in its transverse course through the separating channel, by the differential rotation of the deflector, as is hereinafterexplained, but that is the case with other zones of action in the separating channel, and the water in these bulkhead zones is moved or deflected substantially in mass or entirely without materially aflecting their identity or object.

The water introduced within the several zones should be sufficient in uantity to at all times keep the separating c annel full, and

' consequently the separating surface submerged, and to back up or accumulate sufficiently to produce some flow through the overflow pipes for observance by the operator as it flows from the fixed launder and it should also be suflicient and the flow so adjusted as to accomplish the various purposes in the cycles of operation and movements desired.

To assist in the separation and removal of the various products within the separating channel and on the separating sur ace, by creating or generating a somewhat spiral washing or aqueous scouring current, I rotate the deflector, at a desired speed differential to the vessel and separating surface, which at the same time is also differentialbut in a different degreeto the feed device or means and the revolving trough. I also regulate the extent of this spirally created scouring current by .the amount of differential rotation of the deflector.

While material is on the separating surface under the influence of centrifugal force, it has a tendency to be strongly thrown down and held on .said surface, the resultant frictional contact therewith preventing such material from being traveledin so great a' spirally inclined course, or to the same extent as. the water will be traveledand, further, the spiral deflection of material 139 across the separating surface, throughout the circumference of such surface, will be substantially the same in the several zones of opera tion, so that said several zones will be mainly carried or spirally deflected in substantially the same degree, and their segmental character and relative uniformity and positions will be sufliciently maintained, especially if the relative differential travel of the deflector is in the right direction, as has been hereinabove explained.

The relative circumferential osition of the parts of the rotatable trough aving different inclinations, and of the different segmental zones of the feed means must be such as to compensate for the spiral deflection of the several products caused by the diflerential rotation of the deflector while these products are passing over their segmental areas on the separating surface to discharge. This relative position of these parts is necessary to enab e the said several separated products to be caught in their appropriate portions or compartments of the rotatable trough as they are discharged from their respective zones in the separator, and, further, to main these conditions the rotatable trough should be suitably readjusted, in case the differentail velocity of the deflector in operation should be materially changed.

After portions of the separating surface have passed through the several segmental zones, as explainedthe concentrates having been removed and the secondary discharge holes again closed through movement of their valve rodssuch portions are ready to again progressively enter the material-receiving and separating zones to again perform their pur oses in the cycles of operation, with the resu t that separation in its incipient, progressive, and finishing stages, and the removal and separate discharge of the various roducts, is constantly and uninterruptedly ein accomplished.

W ile I have shown the feed or feed supply ,distributin device, and other parts ada ted ed to estab ish and maintain two of eac the different zones of action within my sepa-- rator, a greater or less number of each may be employed, rovided the separator is of size to allot circumferentially a suflicient segmental extent or space to each in which to accomplish the required results; and, while it is preferable to use .clean water in the various feed passagesexcept the material feedwater with some solid or contaminating matter may be used if necessary.

The details of my separator may be varied and changed somewhat,- and still come within the scope of my invention, so I do not want to be confined closely thereto, but desire latitude in construction and arrangement, for the embodiment of the broader principles herein described and illustrated.

In the foregoing specification I have des'zasae scribed, and in the accompanying drawings I have illustrated, but have not claimed, some features and details which are described and claimed in my ap lication on the same subject matter, Seria No. 354,07 8 filed January 25, 1907, and I do not intend to here claim such parts or portions as are claimed in that application.

I claim 1. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatable element having a separating surface forming one wall'of a separating channel or passage which is adapted to be filled with water during operation, a deflector diflerentiall rotatable to said element, forming the ot er wall of said channel, means differentially rotatable to said element having the separating surface and to the deflector, having members respectively at the same time adapted to distribute material for deposit and separation in said channel and on the separating surface *within a particular segmental separating zone or area while said surface is traveling relatively to said zone or area, and to distribute concentrates removing water to said channel within a particular segmental concentrates removing zone or area on the separating surface while said surface is traveling relatively to said zone or area, means for increasing the water discharge capacity from desired differentially circumferentially travelable segmental zone or area, and means differentially rotatable to the separating surface adapted to catch and deliver separately the several separated products discharged from said separating surface provided with removable portions for deflecting material to different planes of discharge from said delivery means in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation, substantially as described.

2. In a centrifugal ore separator, a rotatable feed distributing device having members respectively at the same time adapted to distribute material for separation within a segmental separating zone or area, and to distribute water alone within a segmental wash water zone or area, and to distribute I concentrates removing water within a segmental concentrates removing zone or area in combination with a relatively travelable element having a separating surface adapted to be submerged while in operation and differentially rotatable means adapted at the same time to catch and deliver separately at different vertical planes with respect to the axis, the several separated products discharged from the separating surface, such means having removable portions for diverting material to the said different planes, and a fixed launder having compartments adapted to separately catch the respective products from said several planes as delivered, substantially as described.

3. In a centrifugal ore separator, the com- .ibination of a rotatable element having a bodying several feed sections, each having multiple channels therefrom terminating in positions adapted for delivery of water and material within desired segmental portions of the circumference of sa1d feed means, a rotatable element with multiple channels communicating'with said feed means for delivery of water and material therefrom to the separating surface, and means difierentially rotatable 'to the separating surface adapted to catch and deliver separately the several separated products discharged from the segmental zones or areas of different action in .the separator, such latter means having remental zones or areas on said separating surface, rotatable means for supplying concentrates removing water within-other particular segmental zones or areas on the separating surface, and adjustable means adapted to increase the water discharge capacity from progressively changing portions of the separating surface While in operation as and while said portions enter and are passing through particular segmental zones in the separator, substantially as described.

5. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatable element having a separating surface adapted to be submerged while in operation, differentially rotatable means for supplying material for deposit and separation within particular areas on said separating surfac'e,,rotatable means for supplying concentrates removing water Witlllll' particular areas on the se arating surface, said separator being provi ed with rimary and secondary discharge holes, adplstable mechanism for closing said secondary discharge holes within desired segmental areas or zones of action and for opening them with, in other desired segmental areas or zones of action in the separator, and means difierentially rotatable to the separating surface and material supply means for generating an aqueous washing forceon said surface, substantially as described. i

6. In a centrifugal ore se arator,- the combination of a rotatable e ement having a separating surface adapted to be submerged while in operation, differentially rotatable means for supplying material for deposit and separation within particular areas on said separating surface, rotatable means for sup plying concentrates removing water Within particular areas on the separating surface, said separator having primary and secondary discharge holes, and mechanism embodying an adjustable reciprocatory ortion for effecting closure of the secon ary discharge holes, substantially as described.

7. In a centrifugal ore se arator, the .combination of a rotatable e ement having a separating surface adapted to be submerged while in operation, differentially rotatable means for supplying material for deposit and separation within particular areas on the separating surface, rotatable means for supplying concentrates removing water within particular areas on the separating surface, said separator being provided with primary and secondary discharge holes and mechanism for closing said secondary discharge holes within desired zones of action and opening them withinother desired zones of action, said mechanism embodying reciprocatory means'for effecting closure of said holes, and adjustable mechanical means for regulating the contact pressure of the closure arts in effecting closure of saidsecondary ho es, substantially as described.

8. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatable element having a separating surface adapted to be submerged while in operation, differentially rotatable means for supplying material for deposit and separation within particular areas on sa1d separating surface, rotatable means for supplying concentrates removing water w1th1n particular areas on the separating surface, the separator provided with primary and secondary discharge holes and having port ons of comparatively hard material, and portions of comparatively soft material for openmg and effecting closure of said secondary holes, and mechanism for relatively moving sa1d hard and soft portions to open said holes with- .m desired zones, and to effect their closure within other desired zones.

9. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatable element having a separating surface adapted to be submer ed while in operation, differentially rotata 1e means for supplying material for deposit and separation within particular areas on sa1d separating surface, rotatable means for supplying concentrates removing water w1th1n particular areas on the se arating surface, said separator being provi ed with primary and secondary discharge holes, and havin portions of comparatively hard material an portions of comparatively soft material for opening and effecting closure of said secondary holes, mechanism for relatively moving said hard and soft portions to open said holes within desired zones and effect their closure within other desired zones, and means for sustaining centrifugal stress of the movable tially rotatab e to said scouring means and 7 moving Water to said water receptacle, subterial for deposit on the separating surface, rotatable means for supplying concentrates removing water within particular areas or separating surface, rotatable means for su parts for effecting such closure irrespective I of its closure contact of said hard and soft portions, substantially as described.

10. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatable element having a se arating surface adapted to be submerged W ile in operation, dlfferentially rotatable means for supplying material for deposit and separation Within particular areas on said separating surface, rotatable means for supplying concentrates removing water within particular areas on the se arating surface, said separator being provi ed with primary and secondary discharge holes, and having portions of com )aratively hard and portions. of comparative y soft material for opening and effecting closure of saidsecond'ary holes, and adjustable means for sustaining centrifugal stress of the movable parts for effecting such closure irrespective of its closure contact, substantially as described.

11. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatable element having a separating surface adapted to be submerged in Water while in o eration, means differentially rotatable to t e separating surface for supplying material for deposit and separation within particular areas or zones on said surface, means differentially rotatable to said material supply means for conveying the mazones from the separating surface, means differentially rotatable to the separating surface and material supply means for enerating an aqueous scouring or washing orce on said surface, said latter means provided with a water receptacle communicating with Water channels extending to the peri heral diameter of said scouring means a jacent to the separatin surface, and means differenrelatively adjustable thereto and to its sup porting element for supplying middlings-restantially as described.

12. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatable element having a se arating surface adapted to be submerged w ile in operation, differentially rotatable means for supplying material for deposit and separation within particular areas on the plying concentrates removing water Within particular areas on the se arating surface, said separator being provi ed with primary and secondary discharge holes elements of hard and soft material dis osed in proximity to the secondary holes an mechanism'effectin contact of said elements of comparatively so t or yieldable material and portions of com aratively hard material at said secondary ischarge holes for opening and effecting closure of the same, and means for conducting material from said supply means to the separating surface terminating in close proximity to said surface in position, with its terminal portion in a state of submergence during operation, substantially as-described.

13. A centrifugal ore separator having a separating channel, the outer Wall of which is formed by a rotatable element having a separating surface, said channel being adapted to be filled with water while in operation, a deflector differentially rotatable to said element, and forming the inner Wall of said channel, in combination with feed distributing means rotatable differentially to the separating surface and deflector, and having ifferent members respectively adapted at the same time to separately distribute material for a segmental separating zone or area, and to separately distribute water for a segmental Wash water zone or area, and to separately distribute Water into a segmental concentrates removing zone or area, and to separately distribute Water for a segmental Water partition zone or area interposed between the segmental separating zone or area and the segmental concentrates removing zone or area and means adapted to increase the discharge capacity and flow over segmental areas on the separating surface while said areas are relatively circumferentially traveling through desired segmental zones in the separating channel, substantially as described.

14. A centrifu al ore separator having a comparatively sha low circumferentially continuous separating channel, the outer wall of which is formed by a rotatable element having a separatin surface, said channel being adapted to be led with water while in operation,a deflector diflerentially rotatable to said element and forming the inner wall of said channel and rovided with a circumferential field of midd ings water removing channels through its wall to its eripheral surface, in combination with feed distributing means rotatable differentially to the separating surface and deflector and having different members respectively adapted at the same time to separately distribute material for a segmental operating zone or area and to sepa- 11 rately distribute water for a segmental Wash Water zone or area and to separately distribute water for a segmental concentrates removing zone or area and to separately distribute Water for a segmental Water partition zone or area interposed between the segmental separating zone or area and the segmental concentrates removing zone or area, means adapted to increase the discharge capacity and flow over segmental areas-0f the separating surface while said areas are relatively circumferentially traveling through desired segmental zones in the separating i channel and means differentially rotatable vto the deflector and synchronously rotatable with and adjustable to the feed distributing means, adapted to deliver water within desired se mental portions of said circumferential fie d of water channels in the deflector,

substantially as described.

15. A centrifugal ore separator having a comparatively shallow circumferentially continuous separating channel, the outer Wall of which is formed by a rotatable element having a separating surface, said channel being adapted to be filled with water while in operation, a deflector difleren tially rotatable to, said element and forming the inner wall of said channel, in combination with feed distributing means rotatable difierentially to the se arating surface and deflector and having iflerent members respectively adapted at the same time to separately distribute material to. a segmental separating zone or area and to separately d1s-' tribute Water to a segmental wash Water zone or area and to separately distribute water to a segmental concentrates removing zone or area and to separately dls'trlbutc water to a segmental water partition zone or area interposed between the segmental separating zone or area and the segmental concentrates removing zone or area, means ada ted to increase the discharge capacity an flow over segmental areas ofthe separating surface while said areas are relatively circumferentially traveling through desired segmental zones in the separating channel and rotatable means for catching and delivering separately at different vertical planes with respect to

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