A gold mining spiral separator (also known as a spiral concentrator or spiral chute) is a gravity-based separation device used to recover gold and other heavy minerals from ore or placer deposits. It works by exploiting differences in particle density, allowing lighter materials to wash away while heavier particles (like gold) are concentrated.
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How a Spiral Separator Works:
1. Feed Introduction – The slurry (a mixture of water and crushed ore) is fed at the top of the spiral.
2. Gravity & Centrifugal Force – As the slurry flows down the spiral, centrifugal force pushes denser particles outward while lighter materials stay near the center.
3. Separation by Density – Heavy minerals (gold, black sands, etc.) settle into grooves along the inner edge, while lighter waste material flows down and exits at the bottom.
4. Collection Points – Adjustable splitters at different levels allow for the collection of different density fractions.
Key Features:
– No Chemicals or Power Required – Works purely on gravity and water flow.
– High Recovery Rates for Fine Gold – Effective for particles in the range of 0.02mm to 2mm.
– Low Maintenance – Simple design with no moving parts.
– Adjustable Splitters – Allows optimization for different ore types.
Common Applications:
– Alluvial/placer gold mining
– Beach sand mineral separation (e.g., ilmenite, rutile, zircon)
– Coal washing
– Chromite, tin, and tungsten recovery
Types of Spiral Concentrators:
1. Single Start Spiral – Basic design for general-purpose use.
2. Double Start Spiral – Higher capacity with two parallel spirals.
3. Multi-Stage Spirals – Multiple spirals stacked for enhanced recovery.
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Advantages:
✔ Low operating cost
✔ Environmentally friendly (no chemicals)
✔ Handles fine material well
Disadvantages:
✖ Requires consistent feed rate & slurry density
✖ Less effective for very coarse or ultra-fine gold
Best Practices for Gold Recovery:
– Ensure proper feed density (~25–40% solids).
– Adjust splitter positions to optimize concentrate grade.
– Combine with other methods (e.g., shaking tables or centrifugal concentrators) for maximum recovery.
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