A spiral classifier is a key piece of equipment in mineral processing, primarily used for classifying mineral particles by size through the interaction of gravity, water flow, and mechanical agitation. It works by separating particles into coarse and fine fractions based on their settling rates in a water medium, making it an essential tool in grinding circuits, ore beneficiation, and material processing. Its design and functionality enable efficient classification, which is critical for optimizing downstream processes such as flotation, filtration, and smelting.
1. Slurry Feed: A mixture of water and ground ore enters the classifier.
2. Settling & Separation: Coarse particles sink, while fine particles remain suspended.
3. Spiral Lifting Mechanism: A rotating spiral lifts settled coarse material upward for discharge.
4. Overflow & Underflow Separation:
● Overflow (fines): Carries fine particles to the next processing stage.
● Underflow (coarse): Returns oversized material for further grinding.
5. Dewatering: The spiral helps drain excess water from classified material.
High-weir spiral classifiers feature a relatively high discharge weir at the lower end of the trough, resulting in a deeper water pool in the classification zone.
This design is suitable for classifying coarse particles (typically with a cut size of 0.15 mm or larger) and is often used in primary grinding circuits. The deeper water pool allows for better separation of coarse particles, which settle rapidly, while fine particles are carried away by the overflow.
Submerged-spiral classifiers have a lower weir, and the spiral blade is partially submerged in the water at the lower end of the trough.
This design creates a more turbulent environment in the classification zone, making it effective for classifying finer particles (with a cut size as small as 0.075 mm). Submerged-spiral classifiers are commonly used in secondary grinding circuits or in applications where precise classification of fine particles is required, such as in flotation feed preparation.
Spiral classifiers are widely used in the mining industry as a critical component of grinding circuits.
● In coal processing, spiral classifiers separate coarse coal particles from fine coal and mineral matter, preparing the coal for washing or combustion. They are also used in the construction materials industry to classify sand and gravel, ensuring consistent particle size distributions for concrete production.
● In metallurgical processing, spiral classifiers play a role in purifying ores by removing fine gangue particles before smelting, reducing the amount of waste material that needs to be processed.
● Additionally, they are used in recycling operations to classify crushed materials, such as recycled concrete or asphalt, for reuse in construction.
*The output will vary according to different materials, feed particle size and other factors
Model | Spiral diameter(mm) | Speed of Spiral(r/min) | Power (kw) | Slope (°) | Power(KW) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sand Return (t/h) | Overflow (t/h) | |||||
FG500 | 500 | 8-12.5 | 6-11 | 32 | 12-18 | 1.1 |
FG750 | 750 | 6-10 | 11-24 | 65 | 12-18 | 3 |
FG1000 | 1000 | 5-8 | 25-45 | 110 | 12-18 | 5.5 |
FG1200 | 1200 | 4-6 | 50-80 | 155 | 12-18 | 7.5 |
FG1500 | 1500 | 4-6 | 70-115 | 235 | 12-18 | 7.5 |
FG1800 | 1800 | 2.5-6 | 100-190 | 310 | 12-18 | 11 |
FG2000 | 2000 | 3.6-5.5 | 160-230 | 400 | 12-18 | 15 |
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