Centrifugal Concentrator for Chemical Free Gold Recovery

Abstract

A modular mineral processing apparatus is disclosed for the high-yield recovery of fine gold from high-viscosity, clay-rich slurries without the use of toxic chemical reagents. The apparatus comprises: a rustfree structural enclosure (12) fabricated from corrosion-resistant material housing ሟ vertically oriented, electric motor (3) driven centrifugal concentrator assembly; an internal processing bowl (7) featuring specialized annular riffles with fluidization microapertures configured to generate and sustain a dilated heavy-mineral bed under 8 centrifugal force field of between 60g and 2000; 8 water-jacketed fluidization system (10) delivering controlled upward water flow through the annular riffle micro-apertures to maintain the fluidized bed state; and ዉ precision fluid discharge mechanism incorporating independently operable separation valves (9) for the controlled extraction of the high-density gold-bearing concentrate from the lower-density tailings discharge stream. The apparatus enables fine gold patticles, including sub-100-micron patticles, to displace lower-density silicate gangue material while actively rejecting clay-mineral overflow, thereby producing a clean concentrate suitable for further upgrading.