gravimetric falcon centrifugal concentrator

Types of gravimetric Falcon centrifugal concentrators

A gravimetric Falcon centrifugal concentrator is a machine that uses centrifugal force to separate valuable minerals from other materials based on their respective weights. Several models of this machine exist.

• CO concentrator: This machine has a primary feed capacity of up to 90 tons per hour. It also has a primary concentrate mass pull of up to 350 grams per hour on a feed-grade basis. This amount can be increased with a higher concentrate mass pull.
• SC1000/1500/2000/3000/5000: This model comes in different specifications. It is an industrial-grade separator that processes primary concentrators in South Africa, Australia, and other gold-mining countries. It uses a centrifugal force that is 200 times stronger than the force of gravity to separate items based on their weight difference.
• SC: The smallest separator in the family is the SC10. This item is often used in laboratory settings. It pulls concentrates with a mass of 5 to 10 grams per hour on a feed-grade basis.

Specifications and maintenance of gravimetric falcon centrifugal concentrators

The specification of a gravimetric falcon concentrator affects how it is used in different industries and its ability to separate materials. Some key specs to note include its size, feed rates, recovery rates, adjustable rotation speeds, the design of the bowl, and any features for automated control.

• Sizes: Gravity concentrator machines usually come in various sizes. The typical diameter of a concentrator bowl is between 7 inches and 40 inches. Larger models have bigger bowls which means they can process more feed material.
• Feed rates: The amount of feed a concentrator can handle per hour will depend on its size. Larger concentrators have higher feed rates. Typical feed rates range from about 50 kilograms per hour to 3,000 kilograms per hour
• Recovery rates: This is the percentage of valuable material a concentrator is able to extract. Different concentrator models have varying recovery rates, ranging from as low as 80% to as high as 98%.
• Rotational speed: The speed at which a concentrator rotates will impact how well it separates materials. Concentrators usually have variable speeds that go from about 1,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 6,000 rpm or more.
• Bowl design: A concentrator's bowl design will determine how effective it is at separating materials. Concentrators come with either helical or flat plate designs. Some have interchangeable bowls so users can select the best one for their needs.
• Automated features: Some concentrator models have automated controls for things like feed rates, rotation speed, and shutdown sequences. Concentrators with these kinds of automated features help operators optimize processing efficiency.

Except for the specifications above, maintenance is vital to ensuring the concentrator does its job for a long time without breaking down. The critical step in concentrator maintenance is regular inspection. The operator should look for signs of wear, loose parts, changes in noise levels, and material build-up on the bowl. Any damaged or worn parts should be replaced promptly.

During maintenance, the concentrator should be cleaned thoroughly. This process involves removing the concentrator bowl and soaking it in soapy water for some time. Once done, the operator should rinse it thoroughly and dry it completely before re-installing it. Not only does cleaning prevent material build-up, but it also improves separation efficiency.

The belt tension and lubrication system should also be checked periodically. Ensuring proper belt tension helps to avoid excessive motor use and concentration downtime. Furthermore, the concentrator should be correctly aligned so its weight is evenly distributed along the support column. This alignment minimizes vibration and wear.

Applications/scenarios of gravimetric falcon centrifugal concentrator

As a powerful separation device that can withstand high g-forces, the gravity concentrator is primarily applied in the mineral processing industry. However, its application scope is widespread, extending to other industries and fields.

• Mining and mineral processing: The primary use scenario of the gravimetric concentrator is the mining and mineral processing industry. It is used to separate valuable metals from ore, such as gold, silver, copper, iron, and zinc. By centrifuging, the device concentrates the minerals of higher density and value, improving the quality and recovery rate of the processed ores.
• Soil remediation: In the environmental protection industry, the gravimetric concentrator can separate heavy metals from contaminated soils and clean the soil.
• Recycling industry: Concentrators can be used in the recycling industry to separate valuable materials, such as precious metals in electronic wastes, thereby improving the purity of the recycled products. For instance, in recycling used circuit boards, the gravimetric concentrator can help recover precious metals like gold and silver, reducing environmental pollution and wastage of resources.
• Chemical industry: Some chemical products or raw materials with high densities need to be separated, purified, or concentrated. The separation function of the gravimetric concentrator can meet this need.
• Food industry: In some food processing procedures, the gravimetric concentrator may be used to separate certain ingredients or additives to improve food quality.
• Scientific research: In some scientific research, the gravimetric concentrator can be used for experimental separation and concentration, such as biological, chemical, or environmental research.

How to choose a gravimetric falcon centrifugal concentrator

Although there are numerous variants of gravimetric concentrators available, the following features should be important when mining buyers are looking to invest in these machines.

• Size/Capacity: It is vital to ensure that the concentrator's size and capacity match the desired volume of feed material. Focus on finding a concentrator that can efficiently process the intended quantity of material within the available timeframe.
• Feed-Size Range: Ensure that the concentrator is capable of handling feed material within the required particle size range. It is also important to consider the optimum operating feed size range for effective separation.
• Separation Efficiency: A concentrator with good separation efficiency is crucial to achieving desired concentration levels. Buyers should examine product specifications to determine the concentrator's separation efficiency and choose one that can provide the necessary concentration factors.
• Number of Stages: Some processes may require concentrators with multiple stages for more effective separation. Buyers should consider whether single or multi-stage concentrators are suitable for their specific application.
• Slurry Flow Rate: The slurry flow rate is an important factor determining the processing capacity of a concentrator. Buyers should select a concentrator with a slurry flow rate that meets their required processing rate to avoid bottlenecks in the mining process.
• Motor Power: The concentrator's motor power directly impacts its operational performance. Buyers should choose a concentrator with motor power sufficient to perform the required processing tasks, thereby ensuring stable operation.
• Control System: Some advanced concentrators are equipped with control systems that allow remote monitoring and control of operational parameters. This enables users to optimize processing conditions and improve efficiency. Buyers can select a concentrator with a control system if the feature aligns with their operational needs.

Q & A

Q1: What is the difference between a concentrator and a detector in mining?

A1: The gravimetric concentrator is of paramount importance in the processing of minerals as they are the machines that separate and recover valuable minerals, leaving the rest of the material to be discarded as waste. Detecting an element is only the first step in a long and costly process.

Q2: What are the main types of concentrators used in the mining industry?

A2: The main types of concentrators are: jigs, shaking tables, spiral concentrators, hydrocyclones, flotation cells, and cleaning spirals. Each type of concentrator has its own specific method of separation.

Q3: What is the separation method of spiral concentrators?

A3: The separation method of spiral concentrators is based on the difference in specific gravity between the useful minerals and the gravel. It is similar to the washing of sand on the seashore where the gold-bearing material is ipso facto in the form of a spiral on the sand and water beach where the gold sinks to the surface of the sand is collected on the sand for the sand to be discarded.

Q4: What is the main role of a concentrator in the mining process?

A4: The main role of the concentrator is to increase the content of valuable minerals in a smaller amount of material, make the processing of ores more efficient, and ultimately enhance the profitability of mining operations.