In the mineral separation industry, when it comes to mineral processing equipment, there are many types and forms. In mineral processing technology, there are several categories, such as gravity separation, magnetic separation, flotation, electric separation, air separation, and color separation. Today, we will focus on the 6S shaker, a commonly used equipment in gravity mineral processing. The 6S shaker is also called a mineral processing shaker. It mainly separates materials based on the difference in specific gravity through the reciprocating motion of the shaker bed surface. Now, the advantages and disadvantages of mineral processing shakers are roughly summarized as follows.
6S Shaking Table Advantages
Wide range of applications
Because the mineral processing shaker has various specifications and groove shapes to choose from, it is suitable for various metal ore or non-metallic ores with different specific gravity. It can realize forward and reverse separation operations.
The sorting particle size range is wide
The mineral processing shaker is a gravity separation equipment with a wide range of particle sizes. Others, such as spiral chutes, jigs, centrifuges, blanket machines, etc., have strict requirements on particle size. The optional particle size range of the mineral processing shaker is between 2mm and 325 mesh, and some delicate particle bed surfaces can even reach about 500 mesh.
Versatility
Gold shakers can be used to process a variety of minerals in addition to gold, including tin, tungsten, and other heavy minerals such as lead. It has a perfect effect on extracting copper rice and copper powder from electronic waste crushed materials. The mineral processing shaker can not only be used for the gravity separation of various minerals but also plays a significant role in separating plastics and metals in electronic waste. Because e-waste crushed materials are mainly plastics and non-ferrous metals, and the difference in proportion between them is relatively significant, my country has begun to use mineral processing shakers to recycle e-waste materials since the 1990s.
The mineral belt is visible and easy to operate
Another obvious advantage of the mineral processing shaker is that it can see the distribution of the ore belts of tailings, medium, and concentrates during the mineral processing operation. When abnormalities occur, it can adjust in time. We can monitor the separation process in real time by observing the concentrate and tailings streams.
Low power consumption and low operating costs
Shaker tables typically require very little electricity to operate, reducing operating costs. The motor power of a single mineral processing shaker is a 380-volt 1.1-kilowatt motor, or a 220-volt 3-kilowatt motor can be used, and the power consumption per hour is only 1-2 kilowatt hours. The water consumption does not exceed one ton of water per hour, and most of the wastewater can be recycled after sedimentation. Shaking table beneficiation does not require expensive chemicals or reagents.
High Recovery Rate
Gold shaker tables are known for their high recovery rates. They effectively recover fine and coarse gold particles, which may be lost using other methods.
Gravity Separation
They rely on gravity as the primary mechanism for separating valuable minerals from the gangue. It is a simple and environmentally friendly method.
Compact Design
Shaker tables are relatively compact and don’t require extensive infrastructure. They are suitable for small-scale and remote mining operations.
Adjustable Parameters
You can adjust the table’s parameters, such as amplitude, frequency, and stroke, to optimize its performance for different feed materials and conditions.
The fiberglass shaking table surface is corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant, not easily deformed. And it can adapt to various environments.
6S Shaking Table Disadvantages
Limited Capacity
The processing capacity of a single mineral processing shaker is small. The processing capacity of the mud bed surface is only a few hundred kilograms per hour, and the processing capacity of the ore sand bed surface is only about one ton at most.
Space Requirements
Setting up and operating a 6S shaking table may require a relatively large space, which may not be practical for small or cramped mining sites. It occupies a large area. A single mineral processing shaker covers an area of 8-9 square meters. Including the working area and the site for transporting raw and finished materials, at least 10 square meters must be reserved. However, in recent years, new products such as double-layer and multi-layer shakers have been launched, which can solve the problem of large floor space.
The bed is large & heavy, difficult to transport.
For workers who only sometimes use the mineral processing shaker, transporting the shaker bed is laborious. It generally requires 6-8 people to carry it manually. For long-distance movement, a crane can tie it with soft straps for transportation. Do not use complex objects such as forklifts to exert force on the bed surface directly. Otherwise, it will easily damage the bed surface of the mineral processing.
Water Usage
6S shaking tables require a continuous water supply to create the appropriate slurry and maintain the separation process. This can be a drawback in regions with water scarcity.
Loss of Fine Gold
While 6S shaking tables effectively capture a high percentage of gold, they may still result in some loss of very fine gold particles. It’s not the best choice for processing extremely fine particles.
Skill-Dependent Operation
Achieving optimal results with a 6S shaking table often requires skilled operators who can adjust the table’s parameters (amplitude, frequency, stroke) and maintain the equipment properly.
In summary, while 6S shaking tables are widely used for mineral separation, particularly in gold mining, they have limitations regarding capacity, fine particle recovery, water usage, and maintenance requirements. Consider the mining operation’s specific needs, conditions, and constraints to use a 6s shaking table.