Spiral chute is applicable to material separation of size 0.3 - 0.02 mm, such as of Iron ore, Ilmenite, Chromite, Pyrite, Zircon and Rutile, Monazite, Tungsten ore, Tin, Tantalum ore, Niobium mine and other non-ferrous metals, precious metals and non-metallic minerals, which with proportion differences.

In order to have a good separation, there should be a difference in Specific Gravity’s of at least 1.0. One main benefit of spiral concentrators is they have no moving parts. The feed range, in percent solids, to a spiral ranges from 20% solids up to 40% solids. Depending upon the material characteristics, a maximum efficiency will usually be reached somewhere in this range. All that is required are some slurry pumps, the slurry to be separated and the banks of spirals with a feed distributor.

Slurry is pumped to the top of the spiral (typically 13’ to 15’ from the floor), and it enters a feed distributor that evenly distributes the feed to each spiral concentrator. The design and shape of the spiral make it work, when combined with gravitational acceleration. As the slurry travels the spiraling path down the spiral, mineral grains settle and start sorting according to size, density and to a lesser extend shape. Low density particles are carried with the bulk of the water towards the outside of the spiral (perimeter), while particles with the greatest density migrate towards the inside of the spiral.