What is a blocked settling machine?
Blocked settling machine (also known as resistance settling machine or
gravity settling machine) is a device used for material grading and
concentration, widely used in industries such as mineral processing, metallurgy,
chemical engineering, and building materials. Its working principle is based on
the velocity obstruction effect of particles settling in liquid. By controlling
the flow of particles, it achieves the sorting of particle size, density and
other characteristics. Especially suitable for processing minerals or materials
in the medium particle size range.
1、 Working principle
The basic principle of the obstructed settling machine is to use gravity to
cause particles to settle in the liquid according to their density, size, and
shape. However, due to the interaction between particles and the presence of
resistance in the liquid, the settling velocity of particles will be affected.
The purpose of designing a blocked settling machine is to optimize the settling
process by effectively controlling these interactions, thereby achieving
efficient material classification.
Slurry inlet: After the material and liquid (such as water) are mixed into
slurry, they enter the blocked settling machine through the feeding port.
Settling zone: The slurry enters the interior of the equipment, and the
particles begin to layer according to different settling velocities. Materials
with larger particles or higher density settle faster due to gravity, while
materials with smaller particles or lower density settle slowly.
Stratification: The particles inside the settling machine gradually divide
into different layers due to the influence of liquid flow and particle
interactions. Coarse particles settle to the bottom, while finer particles float
in the upper layer.
Diversion and discharge: After stratification, fine-grained materials
(usually containing more floating materials) are discharged from the overflow
outlet, while coarse-grained materials (higher density materials) are discharged
from the bottom discharge outlet.
2、 Structure and Composition
The main components of the obstructed settling machine include:
Feeding system:
Transport the slurry or material to be processed to the input end of the
settling machine.
Settlement zone:
This is the core part of the equipment, usually designed as a long and narrow
slot or cylindrical container, where materials are classified according to the
difference in particle settling velocity in this area.
Overflow outlet and ore discharge outlet:
Overflow outlet: discharges finer and lighter materials, usually upper layer
materials.
Discharge outlet: It discharges coarser and heavier particles that settle
quickly, usually located at the bottom of the equipment.
Liquid control system:
Control the speed and pressure of water flow inside the device to regulate
the settling effect.
Emission device:
Used for discharging graded materials, ensuring the grading effect while
avoiding excessive material accumulation.
3、 Application Fields
The application of obstructed settling machine is very extensive, especially
in the case of sorting materials with medium particle size. Common application
areas include:
Mineral processing:
In the process of ore processing, the obstructed settling machine is used to
grade ores such as iron ore, bauxite, copper ore, titanium ore, etc.
Coal washing:
In the coal industry, the obstructed settling machine is used in the coal
preparation process to separate finer coal from impurities.
Classification of chemical raw materials:
In the chemical industry, hindered settling machines can be used for particle
size sorting of chemical raw materials, pigments, coatings, and other
materials.
Cement and building materials industry:
Used for grading raw materials such as cement, sand and gravel, gypsum, etc.,
to ensure that materials of different particle sizes are properly processed.
Waste disposal:
Used in the process of waste disposal to remove impurities or unwanted
components through sorting.
4、 Advantages and Characteristics
Efficient grading:
The obstructed settling machine achieves efficient classification of
materials by precisely controlling the particle settling velocity. Compared to
traditional grading devices, its grading accuracy is higher.
Energy conservation and environmental protection:
This device utilizes gravity and liquid resistance for grading, without the
need for external power or mechanical movement, with low energy consumption and
no secondary pollution.
Strong adaptability:
Suitable for materials with different particle sizes and densities,
especially for materials with relatively close particles, it can efficiently
distinguish different particle sizes.
Automated control:
The water flow control system of the obstructed settling machine can
automatically adjust, optimize the grading process, and improve production
efficiency.
Low investment cost:
Compared to other mechanical sorting equipment, the investment cost of the
obstructed settling machine is lower, and the operation and maintenance costs
are also more economical.
5、 Limitations
Limited granularity range:
The obstructed settling machine is suitable for materials with medium
particle size, and the grading effect may not be ideal for materials that are
too coarse or too fine.
Affected by water quality:
The water quality has a significant impact on the grading effect, and
impurities or pollutants in the water flow may reduce the grading accuracy of
the equipment, so it is necessary to ensure clean water quality.
Limited processing capacity:
Compared to large-scale screening equipment, the processing capacity of
obstructed settling machines may be lower, limiting their application in
large-scale production.
6、 Maintenance and upkeep
Regularly inspect the settlement area:
Check for the accumulation of impurities in the settling zone and keep it
unobstructed to ensure the grading effect.
Maintenance of water flow control system:
Regularly check the water flow system to maintain stable water flow and
pressure, and avoid system blockage or poor operation.
Cleaning of discharge outlet:
Regularly clean the overflow and discharge ports to prevent blockage and
ensure smooth discharge of materials.
Replace damaged components:
If there are worn or damaged components, they should be replaced in a timely
manner to maintain the normal operation of the equipment.
7、 Summary
The obstructed settling machine, as a device that achieves sorting through
the difference in settling velocity of particles in liquid, has the advantages
of high efficiency, energy saving, and low cost. It has a wide range of
applications in mineral processing, chemical raw material grading, coal
beneficiation, and other fields. Despite limitations such as limited granularity
range and processing capacity, it is still an important equipment for sorting
fine-grained materials. Through rational design and precise operational control,
the obstructed settling machine can provide efficient grading and sorting
services for multiple industries.