Spiral Sand Washer in Mineral Processing Industry

The spiral sand washer is a vital piece of equipment primarily used in the pre-washing and cleaning stage of mineral processing. It is designed to remove impurities such as clay, sludge, dust, and light organic matter from raw ores. This machine is highly effective for processing a variety of minerals including silica sand, river sand, quartz sand, iron ore, manganese ore, and other non-metallic ores that are clay-bound or require significant removal of fine, deleterious materials.

It is commonly integrated into sand and gravel production lines, mineral beneficiation plants (especially for iron and manganese), and quartz processing lines. Its role is crucial for preparing raw material feed for subsequent separation processes like magnetic separation or flotation by ensuring the material is properly liberated and cleaned.

The working principle involves a rotating spiral shaft installed within an inclined trough. As the mixture of ore and water is fed into the lower end of the trough, the rotating spiral blades gently agitate and lift the material. Heavier, clean grains settle and are conveyed upward along the bottom of the trough by the spiral, eventually being discharged from the upper outlet. Meanwhile, lighter impurities (clay, fines) are suspended in the water overflow and are washed out through weirs at the lower end of the tank.

Its key advantages and features include:

• High Cleaning Efficiency: Effectively disintegrates clay clusters and removes contaminants.

• Low Water Consumption: Utilizes a recycling water system.

• Simple & Stable Operation: Robust structure with low maintenance requirements.

• Long Service Life: Critical wear parts like the spiral blades are often lined with durable materials.

• Good Dehydration Effect: The conveyed sand has lower moisture content.

  

The main structural components of a spiral sand washer consist of:

1. Trough: The inclined U-shaped tank that holds the slurry.

2. Spiral Assembly: The central shaft with continuous helical blades (flights) responsible for agitating and conveying material.

3. Drive Unit: An electric motor and reducer gearbox that provide power and control the spiral's rotation speed.

4. Supporting Frame: The sturdy steel structure supporting the entire assembly.

5. Water Inlet & Overflow Weirs: Pipes for fresh/recycled water feed and adjustable weirs for controlling overflow of impurities.

6. Discharge Outlets: Separate ports for cleaned sand (upper) and waste slurry overflow (lower).