Separation of Gold by Centrifuging
The separation of gold by means of the force of a centrifugal consists on a spiral with a separating mechanism that has a channel that rolls in a spiral and around a vertical axis and its transversal section has a concave form for the purpose so that the water and the solid that go into flow in the external part of the spiral in the shape of a thick sheet and diminishing in thickness progressively in the sense of the external edge of the spire. On every half turn of the spiral, there is a regulatory opening that is situated on the lowest part of the deflector that guides the heavier material for the exit that it discharges in a central tube. The poor minerals that have not been separated are dragged by the water until the final discharge. Due to the condition of quick separation, it is necessary to process the treated material at least 5 to 6 times until one is able to achieve the optimization of the recovery. Normally the treated pulp has a 75 percent of water proportion and 25 percent in solids. There are simple spirals and double ones and the feeding is done through a distributing box, where the adequate control can be done in relation to the pulp, which is why it requires a strict supervision during the process.
Fundamentals:
- Inclination of the spiral 5 degrees
- Velocity of the water 1.5 3.0 m per second
- Relation: centrifugal acceleration vs. gravity
- V2/rg = 0.57 to 2.3
- Centrifugal force: Fc = m V2/r
It is important to consider for the processes of centrifugation the usage of clean water, since muddy water of recycling can affect the recovery, which is why they are supplied with the traditional jig and concentration tables. (Depending on the area the work is being done, the waters are muddy.)
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