Concentration Of Ores
Chapter Name : General Principles And Processes Of Isolation Of Elements |
Sub Topic Code : 102_12_06_03_01 |
Topic Name : Concentration Of Ores |
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Sub Topic Name : Hydraulic Washing |
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Introduction
We examine the driving principle and method behind hydraulic washing, and the purpose it serves in the extraction of metals.
Pre-Requisites:
Ore, Gangue, Gravity Separation.
Activity:
Notice how oil and water separate out into layers automatically. This is the principle of gravity separation, the same principle we use in hydraulic washing to separate the light gangue from the heavy ore.
Real Life Question:
Why do oil and water separate out in layers when we try to mix them together? What happens when we shoot a stream of water at a table filled with dust?
Key Words / FlashCards
| Key Words | Definitions (pref. in our own words) |
|---|---|
| Hydraulic Washing | A method to concentrate ore through gravity separation by using a stream of water to separate ore and gangue. |
Learning aids / Gadgets
| Gadgets | How it can be used |
|---|---|
| Videos | To visualize how hydraulic washing takes place and understand the functioning. |
| Mixing oil and water in a glass jar | They separate in layers because of the difference in gravities. This is the principle of gravity separation used in Hydraulic Washing. |
Real life uses :
When we shoot a water stream at dust on a table, the dust flies off with the water leaving the table clean. We use the same principle when we apply hydraulic washing.
Places to visit :
In the kitchen, mix oil and water in a glass vessel and watch how they separate automatically. This happens because of the difference in their gravities. The same concept is used in hydraulic washing to separate light gangue from the heavy ore.
Practical examples around us
| Examples | Explainations |
|---|---|
| A mixture of oil and water separates into layers by itself | This is because the oil is denser than the water. Similarly, by using water we separate the light gangue from the heavy ore. |
What you learn in Theory:
The principle, functioning and purpose of hydraulic washing in the extraction of metals.
What you learn in Practice:
How the separation of gangue from the ore is carried out using a stream of water.