Gravity separation is an industrial method of separating two components from a suspension or any other homogeneous mixture where separating the components with gravity is sufficiently practical. All of the gravitational methods are common in the sense that they all use gravity as the dominant force. Often other methods are applied to make the separation faster and more efficient, such as flocculation, coagulation and suction. The most notable advantages of the gravitational methods are their cost effectiveness and in some cases excellent reduction.
Gravity separation is the best proven and accepted technique of concentrating minerals and has been used as a primary form of mineral concentration for centuries. Due to its high efficiency and low cost, gravity separation is always the first consideration in any flowsheet development program and always features in any flowsheet where there is sufficient differences between the specific gravity of the valuable and gangue minerals.
In the case of gold and PGE, gravity separation can quickly generate a precious metal concentrate that can be sold direct to refineries, resulting in better payment terms, faster payback and immediate cash-flows. The small footprint of these gravity plants means less capital outlay and better security for these small volume high-value concentrates.
Knelson and Falcon Superbowl centrifugal bowl concentrators in many sizes (3”, 7.5” and 9”)
Gekko and Acacia protocols
Holman, Denver, Deister, Wilfley, Mozley, Gemini tables ranging in size from full size to “1/8”
Humphreys, Vickers, Reichert, Carpco, and Mineral Technologies, Single and double spiral ranging from full size to “pee-wee”
Reichert & various trays and sluices
Denver, Hazin-Quinn, Kelsey,In-Line Pressure jigs ranging in size from 12” to 1”
Bateman 1 tonne/hr and 15 tonne/hr dense media separation plants