Classifiers help to achieve optimum size control, improved product quality, enhanced efficiency and increased throughput. They can be used in mining operations as well as in aggregates and manufactured sand production.
Below are some types of classifiers:
Hydrocyclones: They sort particles in a liquid suspension and are most often utilized in mining applications. High-level wet classification in mining is necessary for efficient size control of particles finer than 1 mm.
Air classifiers : Air classifiers separate and recover ultrafine, fine and coarse materials in mining, aggregates production, sand manufacturing and other industrial processes(Classifiers, n.d.).
Spiral Classifier: Uses a rotating spiral screw inside a tank to separate coarse and fine solids in a slurry by settling velocity. It is simple, reliable, and widely used for classifying ore particles and returning coarse materials to grinding circuits
Cone Classifier: Uses a rotating spiral screw inside a tank to separate coarse and fine solids in a slurry by settling velocity. It is simple, reliable, and widely used for classifying ore particles and returning coarse materials to grinding circuits.
Cross-Flow Classifier: Has a helical flight conveyor that removes settled coarse material while maintaining a continuous flow of fines to the overflow. It improves metallurgical efficiency by minimizing oversize in overflow and undersize in discharge((Fuerstenau & Han, 2003)).
How do we achieve precise particle separation across diverse conditions, sometimes without water? The answer lies in the varied world of classifiers! What specific type of classifier do you find most fascinating or crucial for a particular application, and why? Let’s discuss!
Reference:
-
Classifiers. (n.d.). Metso. Retrieved June 5, 2025, from https://www.metso.com/portfolio/classifiers/
-
Fuerstenau, M. C., & Han, K. N. (2003). Principles of Mineral Processing. SME.
