The Benefits of Using Spiral Chute

Gravity separation is widely used in the beneficiation of metallic and non-metallic minerals due to its low environmental pollution and low cost. Gravity separation equipment is generally suitable for processing coarse-grained materials with a certain specific gravity difference. We have introduced some gravity equipment: jig machine, shaking table and centrifugal separator before. This article will introduce a gravity equipment in detail: spiral chute.

Goto Keefam to know more.

The spiral chute is a gravity separation equipment that uses the inertial centrifugal force generated by the ore pulp in the spiral rotation motion to realize the separation of light and heavy minerals.

The spiral chute is widely used to separate non-ferrous metals, ferrous metals, non-metallic minerals, rare metal minerals and heavy minerals in tailings with a particle size range of 0.3-0.02 mm, such as iron, tin, tungsten, tantalum, niobium, gold mine, coal, monazite, rutile, zircon, etc.

The chute beneficiation is inclined flow separation. The operation process is mainly affected by the impact of the water current, the gravity of the mineral particles, the inertial centrifugal force and the friction force of the chute surface. The slurry is fed to a chute with a certain slope. Driven by the water flow, the ore particles are loosened and stratified. The upper light minerals are quickly discharged out of the chute, and the lower heavy minerals are retained in the chute or discharged from the lower part at a low speed. After receiving them separately, concentrates and tailings are obtained.

The spiral chute is mainly composed of these six parts:

(1) The ore divider is used for distribute slurry, located at the uppermost part.

(2) The ore feed chute is located between the ore divider and the chute.

(3) The chute is the main part, which is connected by a number of spiral pieces with bolts. Spiral pieces are made of glass steel.

(4) The cutting chute is connected to the discharge end at the lower part of the spiral chute.

(5) The ore receiving bucket is a concentric annular cylinder, which can collect the different grade streams intercepted by 4 ore cutting chutes and send slurry to the next operation.

(6) The chute bracket refers to the pillars around the spiral chute and the upper cross frame.

According to the particle size of the ore that can be processed by the spiral chute, it can be divided into three categories:

(1) For coarse-grained chute, the feed size is above 2-3mm, and the maximum can reach 100-200mm.

(2) For ore sand chute, the feeding grain size is 2-3 mm.

(3) For sludge chute, the feed size is less than 0.074 mm.

(1)The diameter of the chute. The processing capacity of the chute is proportional to the square of the diameter. When conditions permit, large-diameter spiral chute should be used to handle coarse materials.

(2)The cross-sectional shape of the spiral chute is related to the particle size of the materials. For the particle smaller than 2mm, the ratio of long and short axis is 2:1. The long axis is horizontal. It is appropriate that half of the long axis is equal to one third of the diameter of the spiral.

(3)The size of the pitch is usually defined by the ratio of the pitch to the diameter of the spiral, which is called the pitch-diameter ratio. When the ratio is about 0.73, the sorting effect is better.

(4)The length of the spiral chute and the number of turns. They determine the running distance of the material. It takes 3-4 laps for easy beneficiation ore, and 5-6 laps for difficult-to-select ore. 

(1) Energy efficient. The spiral chute has no moving parts and consumes no power.

(2) Less space occupation. The equipment occupies a small area and has a large processing capacity per unit area.

(3) Water saving. There no need to add flushing water during the separation process.

(4) Stable separation index. When the ore volume, ore concentration, particle size and grade change, the impact on the separating index is small.

(1) Large height difference. It need a pump to lift the slurry for feeding.

(2) Low concentrate grade. It is suitable for use as roughing equipment.

(3) Poor separation effect for conjoined or flake ore.

(4) The parameters of the spiral chute are not easy to adjust to adapt to changes of ore properties.

(1)Suitable ore concentration:

Generally, the ore concentration for roughing separation is 30%-40%, and the concentration is 40%-60% for beneficiation. During the separation, the ore particle size and ore concentration are required to fluctuate within 5% of the error range. 

(2)Suitable ore volume:

The size of the feed ore volume directly affects the thickness and speed of the ore flow. The ore volume should be large when separating coarse-grained materials, and small when separating fine-grained materials. When roughing, the ore volume should be large, and when concentration, the ore volume should be small.

(1) Large-scale, large processing capacity, based on scale effect to create benefits.

Are you interested in learning more about Durable carbon steel spiral chute? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

(2) Improve the separation of fine particles and fine particles, especially for particle size of -0.047 mm.

(3) Enhance the enrichment of useful minerals, and improve the separation efficiency of the spiral chute and the recovery rate of minerals.

(4) Energy saving and environmental protection, small floor space.

(5) Convenient operation, stable separation process, simple structure, easy maintenance and management.

In the global gravity chute conveyor market reached a value of $5.42 billion.

Gravity chutes are used in a range of industries for transporting goods and streamlining processes. Any company that handles materials can make use of the significant benefits of gravity chutes.

What Are Gravity Chutes?

A gravity chute is a conveyor system with an inclined plane. Goods are transported using the force of gravity, sliding down this plane to their destination. The angle of the slope and the friction determine the speed when lowering a product.

There's a range of gravity chutes available which meet various needs.

High-Speed Sort Chutes

These are ideal for the effortless transportation of goods and can work with items that vary in terms of size and shape. They're stable, quick, and versatile, making them suitable for fast-paced environments that handle different types of goods.

Spiral Chutes

Spiral chutes are designed to be safe and economical. They're best for lowering products from high elevations (such as a mezzanine) while maintaining a slower speed.

Straight Chutes

Straight chutes help maintain smooth operations within a system. They keep items moving freely and are available in various configurations such as dished chutes, through chutes, and flat bottom chutes.

Mis-Sort Chutes

These may be needed for systems that handle varying products. Mis-sort chutes can be used to reorganize items that have been sorted incorrectly, allowing you to keep things in order. This helps to prevent operational issues.

While these chutes all serve a similar purpose, they vary in their primary use. Your business operations will determine the type you need. However, they all offer similar advantages.

Our Gravity Chutes

The Benefits of Gravity Chutes

For material handling, gravity chutes are one of the most useful solutions available. They provide a range of benefits that could be ideal for your business.

Efficient Product Movement

Gravity chutes are very effective, and they're also incredibly easy to use. They require almost no employee training, and they're quick and easy to set up. You can start using your gravity chute as soon as it's installed, helping you maintain high productivity.

Safe for Products

Depending on the materials you're handling, gravity may not sound like the best thing to use for transportation. We can configure your gravity chute to ensure products move at the speed you want them to. If you have fragile goods, a slower speed can ensure they're not damaged during the process.

Little Floor Space Usage

Gravity chutes generally don't need to take up any more space than their profile. They're typically comprised of static parts, meaning there's no need for a power source such as a motor. This is even more noticeable with spiral chutes, as you can have yours as tall as is necessary without the height affecting how much floor space is used.

In manufacturing and material handling environments, every inch of space is crucial. Being able to save space with a gravity chute is ideal.

Easy to Maintain

Our stainless steel chutes have a range of ideal characteristics. They're non-magnetic, corrosion resistant, lightweight, cause little friction, and are available in modular design. We use 12 gauge (300 series) stainless steel for strength and durability and can provide both weld-up and bolt-up systems.

We also provide UHMW (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) chutes, which have many of the same benefits. They're easy to configure and install and have a modular design that can be altered and expanded with ease.

Clean and Sanitary

Another factor you may need to consider is sanitation - especially if you're handling food/drink. Both stainless steel and UHMW are incredibly easy to keep clean. Many commercial kitchens use stainless steel surfaces as it's one of the most sanitary material options available.

Cost Saving

Due to the lack of mechanical parts, gravity chutes are very cost-effective for fabrication. Installation is also quick and easy, so you won't be looking at significant labor costs.

Our Gravity Chutes

Stock MHS Gravity Chutes

At Stock MHS, we strive to produce the best material handling solutions available. We follow all industry standards and have worked with a range of private and public companies across the US.

All businesses are different, which means there's no "one size fits all" solution when it comes to gravity chutes. Because of this, we design every chute specifically for each application. We can adjust the length, height, configuration, slope, and more to ensure your gravity chute is perfectly suited to the operations of your business.

Our spiral gravity chutes are among the most popular. This is usually the best solution if you want to save on space. We can adjust the movement speed, volume moving, and vertical drop with ease. There are also additional features available if needed, such as slide gates, holding areas, and exit chutes.

Our Gravity Chutes

Finding the Right Solution for Your Business

Gravity chutes can prove incredibly useful within a material handling environment. They provide an effective way to move goods around a processing area with ease. With how easy they are to install and use, and the various other benefits they offer, you should consider implementing a gravity chute system within your business.