The Clifton clarion., 1889-08-14

We have now seen, in a general way, just how all ore particles coarscr than i-16 inch in diameter are treated and it remains to be explained how the finer particles of ore can best be separated from the accompanying sands.
 IL may be as well, although it is hardly necessary. to say hero that concentration of ere" simply means the collecting together of ali ore and sand particles having the same specific gravity, into separate and relative groups; that is, each ore or sand par ticle must be placed with that other which has the same specific gravity.
 in treating the fines" the law of specific gravity which governed the treatment of the coarser particles, al- So holds good, although at first sight the process would seem to differ. In the jigs, the coarse ore is subject to the action of an intermittent stream of water, whereas in tha case of the fines the stream of water is kept a steady as possible, and except in the case of one or two machines there is no pulsation given. In that process where there is no intermittent motion given to the pulp stream, the separa- tioI is effected by passing the pulp over an inclined table, technically known as "buddl4." The puddle" is made in quite variety of forms and every mill man has bis own notions as to which form is best, but the puddle pure and simple is nothing more or less than an inclined table.
 In many parts Of Cornwall and Wales, notably iu the tin districts of Cornwall. there is used what is known as the fiat puddle; this is merely table about 6 feet square. placed at the level of the working floor, and having m inclination of from 1-2 inch to S-4 inch per foot. At the upper end of the table there is placed a box which serves the purpose of delivering the clear water in an unbroken stream to the table. In operation, there is placed l,a 4,h ,& o. Il water box pile of fine ore (about 200 lbs.); the operator having regulated the supply of water, begins work by bringing small quantity of the ore in front of the stream in such man. ner that the stream Is dehected to one side of tho table. The tool used in this work is a small hoe, and while using it the operator stands upright with his back to the water box and the blade of the hoe almost between his feet. When the ore is brought in- to contact with the water stream, the result is that the light sands are car ried with it down the table near the foot, and the heavier ore remains be- hind at the head. The work of bring ing small portions of the pile into contact with the stream being contin- ned, the stream which was at first de- fected to one side of the table, ends by being defected to the opposite side, lesviag the entire table covered by ore and sand, the heaviest ore be- ing al the top of the incline, and the light sands at the bottom. The work man then proceeds to remove the light slnds into the tailings spout, while the richer ores he again gathers in a pile, and proceeds for second or third washing as in the first case.
 Another form of puddle. and which does Rot require the same amount of manual labor, is the stationary round puddle: this machine is simply cir r;.lar table bui!; to represent flat gone. who's" sides have an inclination