gold screen plant design

Designing a gold screen plant (also called a trommel wash plant) involves several key considerations to optimize recovery, efficiency, and durability. Below is a structured approach to designing an effective gold screening and washing plant:

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1. Key Components of a Gold Screen Plant
A well-designed gold screen plant typically includes:
– Feeding System (hopper with grizzly or vibrating feeder)
– Trommel Screen (rotating cylindrical screen for material classification)
– Sluice Box or Gold Recovery System (underneath the trommel)
– Water Supply & Pump System (for washing and separation)
– Waste Discharge System (oversize material conveyor or stacker)
– Support Structure & Mobility Options (skid-mounted or trailer-based)

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2. Trommel Screen Design Considerations
The trommel is the heart of the plant—its design impacts efficiency:
– Diameter & Length:
– Larger diameter = higher throughput.
– Longer length = better classification but requires more power.
– Typical sizes: 3–8 ft diameter, 10–20 ft length.
– Screen Mesh Size:
– Adjustable panels (e.g., ½” for coarse material, 1/8″ for fine gold).
– May include multiple sections with different mesh sizes.
– Rotation Speed:
– ~12–18 RPM for optimal material movement.
– Too fast = poor separation; too slow = clogging.

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3. Material Feed & Classification
– Grizzly Section: Removes large rocks before the trommel.
– Vibrating Feeder: Ensures consistent feed rate to prevent overloading.
– Spray Bars: High-pressure water jets inside the trommel break up clay and improve screening.

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4. Gold Recovery System
Options for capturing gold after screening:
– Sluice Box: Lined with riffles/miner’s moss under the trommel discharge.
– Centrifugal Concentrator (e.g., Knelson, Falcon): For higher recovery rates in fine gold.
– ker Tables: For final cleanup of concentrates.

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5. Water & Power Requirements
– Water Flow: ~50–200 GPM depending on plant size and material type.
– Pump System: Diesel or electric pumps