In the past of washing systems for the mining industry, dry screening was a common practice in the mining industry. However, as global markets advance, more efficient washing systems have emerged as the preferred method for producing silt-free materials. Mining companies that use washing and scrubbing systems can ensure higher-quality end products by effectively eliminating contaminants.
Mining companies employ washing systems to improve the quality of their target products by reducing and eliminating unwanted materials. Contaminants such as chemical or mineral impurities can degrade product quality, making washing an essential step in the refining process.
Washing systems also play a crucial role in accurately separating materials based on particle size. Unlike dry separation systems that rely on gravity or air currents, water-based washing screens provide more precise cut-points and higher efficiency at small apertures.
Dry separation methods, such as standard sizing screens for coarse fractions or air classifiers for sand and fines, cannot match the efficiency and final product quality of modern washing systems. Factors such as latent moisture content, sticky or agglomerated materials, and the presence of low-mass contaminants can be better addressed through wet washing systems.
Common Contaminants Requiring Removal:
Each of these contaminants requires a well-designed washing system to achieve optimal efficiency and quality.
The most frequent use of washing systems is in the construction industry, particularly for concrete sand production. International standards dictate specific size parameters for concrete sand, including limitations on fines. Excess fines can lead to:
Specialist sands require precise particle size distribution and stringent chemical composition controls. Examples include:
For such applications, advanced washing systems may include hydrocyclone circuits, high-frequency screens, vertical spiral classifiers, and magnetic separation technologies.
Matec provides three primary approaches for cleaning and sizing aggregates: screening and scrubbing.
ScreenTec units divide aggregate and mineral feed into desired size fractions. Most screening in mining and construction industries is dry. However, in cases where residual moisture, fines, sticky clay, or other contaminants are present, introducing water into the equation significantly improves quality and efficiency.
ScrubTec logwashers are specifically designed for mined and quarried materials with persistent clay or soil adhesion. These systems include:
ScrubTec logwashers are ideal for breaking down tough clay materials and enhancing overall material quality.
AggreTec revolutionizes materials handling and washing by integrating multiple components into a single, easily deployable system. Unlike conventional setups that require separate units, AggreTec includes:
AggreTec simplifies deployment, reducing setup time and improving operational efficiency.
ChemREADY is your go-to partner for wastewater treatment management in mining and construction. In addition to providing high-quality washing systems, we offer:
For more information about our washing systems and how we can help you optimize your operations, contact the ChemREADY team today.
Nick Piskura is the Marketing and Web Development Specialist at ChemREADY who utilizes expertise in digital marketing strategies to provide knowledgeable insights in each segment of our business. Nick provides insights through web development and multimedia resources that support ChemREADY’s full range of services, including Legionella management, ANSI/AAMI ST108 compliance, boiler and cooling tower treatment, wastewater processing, and industrial water quality solutions.
