Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Separating Ores.
Year: 1896

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Separating Ores.
1, WALTER THOMAS NEWMAN, of 12 Melinda Street, in the City of Toronto,
County of York, and Province of Ontario, in the Dominion of Canada, Expert in
Mines, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to the separation of metals from their ores, and is more
especially applicable to the separation and recovery of the more valuable metals
such as gold, silver, platinum &c., from sands, or ores and minerals after they have
been pulverized, and the improved method is equally serviceable in "placer" and
"mill" work, and for working "tailings" &c., its object being, first, to effect a
thorough separation and concentration of the constituent particles of the "pulp" or
mass, and deliver each class or grade of material as a separate clean product, second,
to save the float metals by amalgamation, and,-third, to produce such a combination
of useful results by a continuous and contemporaneous operation, with greater
accuracy, ease, and economy than can be effected by any of the arts or methods.
now known or used for like objects.
The essential feature of my improved art or method is the subjection of the
metal-bearing sands, or pulverized ores, to the action of an upwardly-moving
column, or fountain of water, or other suitable fluid element, whereby the specific
gravity of each class or grade of material in any given mass is opposed by a force
or velocity of movement sufficient to separate and carry same in different directions,.
or into individual channels, and thus fit each class or grade of material for further
and separate utilization.
In carrying out my invention I may use any suitable apparatus, but I will
describe arrangements which I have found highly suitable for producing the
combination of useful results above mentioned, and for clearness of description will
confine myself to the application of the method to the treatment of gold-bearing
sands and ores.
I must premise, for the comprehension of those skilled in the art, that my
improved method may be put into practice by the simple employment, with any
preferred casing or support, of an open-ended hopper into which the finely-divided
materials are fed,-in conjunction with a head of water which will force such
materials upwards and outwards between the walls of such hopper and any suitable
surrounding tank, or passage way, such adjacent walls being amalgamated with
quick-silver, and the minerals and metallic particles being so affected that they will
be held in suspension by the upward flowing column of water until such time as the
gravity of the materials shall have been overcome thereby sufficiently to separate
and eject the less valuable constituents, and to bring the valuable metals into
contact with the amalgamated surfaces on which they are retained until the
operation ceases, and their removal is permitted.
In treating a mass of ore, which, though finely-divided (either in its natural
state, or reduced by crushing or stamping) contains a variety of materials
possessing different specific gravities, my method consists in subjecting the mass to
the action of an upwardly-flowing column or fountain of water, or its equivalent,
the velocity or movement of which is caused to be more rapid at the point
where the heavier and consequently more valuable materials (as pure, and covered

page_text: gold) are separated, than at the points where lighter materials (as concentrates,
sand, &c.,) are separated,-and such velocity or movement of the column or fountain
is arranged to be still less as it approaches the overflow or head of its outlet
channels, in such manner that the floating metals may be brought into contact with
amalgamated surfaces, and left to be retained thereby while the lighter or less
valuable materials are carried off.
Such a process would he effectually carried out by the employment of an
apparatus having a series of parting tanks, basins or receptacles, (the number of
which would be determined by the number or different grades of the materials
brought under treatment), each with its own separate discharge opening, but all
being subjected to the action of one and the same column or body of water, the
latter being regulated, however, in its velocity at the different points of separation,
and so directed that materials of the least specific gravity would be discharged at
the highest point (where the least resistance of the moving column will be found,)
the next greatest in gravity at a lower point, and so on down to the lowest point, or
that nearest to the inlet of the column, where the resistance will be the greatest,
although this latter must never be sufficient to overcome the gravity of the heaviest
material, which ordinarily will stand first in the order of value. Thus it will be
seen that the force of the column performs the double operation of first opposing
the descent of undesirable material and its consequent delivery out of its class, and
second, in failing to eliminate or carry eff the more desirable materials into their
wrong channels or directions.
The apparatus which I prefer to employ for carrying out the simple operation of
separating and amalgamating, in connection with my process, consists in a cylindrical
casing of iron or steel, a tapered or bell-shaped parting tank supported within such
casing, closed at the bottom but open at the top, and having a surrounding pan or
channeled way set at an incline and located near the top or overflow of the parting
tank, and having a spout or chute projecting through the casing, and a funnel-
shaped hopper inserted for some distance within the parting tank but leaving a
space between its walls and the interior of the parting tank, such hopper being
preferably open at the top but partially closed by a wire screen at or near its
lowest or narrowest portion. Parts of the area of the parting tank and the hopper
may be corrugated, and the adjacent walls are amalgamated with quick-silver.
The tank and the hopper, or either of them, may be of copper.
In this construction the materials to be separated and the water are intended to
be fed together into the hopper, a sufficient head being maintained therein, to cause
the water and materials to pass rapidly through the wire screen and thence upwards
by a return flow or column between the walls of the hopper and the parting tank.
The action is such that the sand and least desirable materials are rapidly carried
out over the top of the parting tank and thence by the inclined pan and spout
conducted in any desired direction, the gold or other valuable metals being only
elevated and held temporarily in suspension while being separated until they are
caught and retained by the amalgamated surfaces. When such amalgamated
surfaces become fully charged with the gold &c., the operation will be suspended,
and the hopper will be removed to permit of the amalgamated materials being
scraped off Irom the parting tank.
The next form of apparatus, in the order of simplicity, will involve the introduction
of the column of water at a point below the lower outlet of the hopper, and
between it and the parting tank, and the introduction of the finely-divided material
at the top of the hopper. In this construction a safe receptacle will be located
within the casing immediately below the parting tank, which latter will have a
central orifice, the size of which can be regulated, to permit the upward flow of
the water, and the descent into the safe receptacle of the gold, amalgam &c., this
being permitted by reason of the gravity of such materials overcoming the force or
velocity of the column of water at this point. The walls of the hopper and
parting tank will be amalgamated as before, and may also be partially corrugated.
The action here is to separate the materials according to their gravity, the pure

page_text: and covered gold &c., being saved in the safe receptacle, the float gold retained by
the amalgamated surfaces, and the tailings being carried out over the top of the
parting tank in the same manner as already described.
Another form or arrangement, contemplating the introduction both of the finely-
divided material and the column of water from below, will involve the use of the same
essential parts, but modified insofar as the situation of the safe receptacle and its
inlet will be concerned in relation to the feed pipe and the lower orifice of the
parting tank. Here I prefer to set the safe receptacle somewhat aside from the
centre, vertically speaking, of the passage leading into the parting tank. This
will prevent undesirable materials from being washed or forced into the safe
receptacle, while not preventing the descent of the materials the specific gravity
of which will overcome the force or velocity of the column. Otherwise the
construction will be the same as that last above described.
Either of the above constructions would constitute an apparatus suitable for
employment in "placer" work.
Where there are several different valuable constituents in the ore, which is often
the case in quartz &e., requiring to be crushed in a stamping battery, it will be
desirable to construct the apparatus with multiple sectious and parting tanks one
located above the other, and with the hopper in connection with the uppermost
section. Each section will have its own discharge outlet, and as many separating
sections will be used as may be necessary to effect the saving of each grade or class
of material, and the orifices of the different parting tanks would be graduated from
bottom to top, beginning with the smallest at the bottom, and gradually increasing,
the hopper being then situated in the top parting tank which inust in all cases be
amalgamated, so as to catch the float gold.
In this manner the different specific gravities of the materials will automatically
regulate their separation at the proper points. It will also be found that the
velocity of the water is greatest at the centre of the column, or fountain-head, and
that the different sized particles will separate at varying distances from said centre,
the lighter and smaller particles nearest the outer circumference of the area of
movement, and the larger and heavier more towards the centre ;-consequently
this apparatus will affect a sizing as well as a concentrating of the materials
contemporaneously. It will also size or granulate the ore by dividing the particles.
into as many uniform sizes or grades of granulation as may be necessary to
concentrate in one and the same operation.
The principle of my invention being, as hereinbefore premised, the utilization of
the upwardly-flowing column against the gravity of the minerals and metals which
are fed against and into it, and the elevation of each product and its discharge as a
separate body,--I will now point out some of the features of advantage. "These
are that the force of the column may be increased or diminished at any point at
will that the passage of the water may be controlled in three ways, viz. by
increasing the quantity, (which governs the speed at the outlets by raising the
head in the hopper ;) that the velocity may be increased without increasing the
quantity, by simply varying the size of the inlet orifice ;-and that the size of
the outlets may be varied by raising or lowering the different sections.
Another advantage in the use of my process for amalgamating, is that no mercury,
or amalgam, can be lost, as, when detached, these simply fall into the safe; and, as
the flow of water decreases very rapidly as it reaches the overflow point, the float
gold falls back and slides down the lower of the amalgamated plates and becomes
amalgamated thereon. Should the amalgamation of the plates be neglected the
particles of float guld simply rise by a temporary suspension and slide repeatedly
until caught, but it will be found that the gentle action of the water and materials
against these plates invariably tends to keep the amalgamating plates in perfect
condition.
Although amalgamated surfaces are provided as specified it will be seen that an
additional advantage exists in the fact that the coarse gold, platinum &c., (whether
free or coated) is savel without relying upon the amalgamation. This, and the

page_text: fact that the mercury dislodged from any amalgamated surfaces which may be
used drops through into the safe, ensures an absolute economy.
My method is also equally available for use with a dry, or air current, when
water cannot easily be had, with but slight modification of apparatus, such as the
introduction of a bell valve in the hopper, and is not limited to the use of any one
element to form the column or fountain.
Dated this Sixteenth day of May 1806
Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Separating Ores.
I, WALTER THOMAS NEWMAN, of the City of Toronto, in the County of
York, and Province of Ontario, in the Dominion of Canada, Expert in Mines, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
This invention relates to the separation of metals from their ores, an 1 is more
especially applicable to the separation and recovery of the more valuable metals
such as gold, silver, platinum &c., from sands, or ores and minerals after they have
been pulverized, and the improved method is equally serviceable in "placer" and
"mill" work, and for working "tailings" &c., its object being, first, to save the
fine and float metals by amalgamation, second, to effect a thorough separation and
concentration of the constituent particles of the "pulp" or mass, and deliver each
class or grade of material as a separate clean product,-and, third, to produce
such a combination of useful results by a continuous and contemporaneous operation,
with greater accuracy, case, and economy than can be effected by any of the arts
or methods now known or used for like objects.
The essential feature of my improved art or method is the subjection of the
metal-bearing sands, or pulverized ores, to the action of an upwardly-moving
column, or fountain of water, or other suitable fluid element, whereby, according to
one part of the invention, the float and fine gold is caught during their upward
passage by amalgamated surfaces; and whereby, in the further development
contemplated by another part of the improvements, the specific gravity of each
class or grade of material in any given mass is opposed by a force or velocity of
movement sufficient to separate and carry same in different directions, or into
individual channels, and thus fit each class or grade of material for further and
separate utilization.
In carrying out my invention I may use any suitable apparatus, but I will herein
illustrate and describe arrangements which I have found highly suitable for
producing the combination of useful results above mentioned, and for clearness of
description will confine myself to the application of the method to the treatment
of gold-bearing sands and ores.
Before proceeding, however, to describe the method and apparatus in proper
detail I must premise, for the comprehension of those skilled in the art, that my
improved method may be put into practice by the simple employment, with any
preferred casing or support, of an open-ended hopper into which the finely-divide
materials are fed,-in conjunction with a head of water which will force such
materials upwards and outwards between suitably arranged amalgamatel walls, or
through passage ways the walls of which are amalgamated with quick-silver, and
the minerals and metallic particles being so affected that they will be held in
suspension by the upward flowing column of water until such time as the gravity

page_text: of the materials shall have been overcome thereby sufficiently to separate and eject
the less valuable constituents, and to bring the valuable metals into contact with
the amalgamated surfaces on which they are retained until the operation ceases,
and their removal is permitted.
In treating a mass of ore, (for combined amalgamating and concentrating
purposes,) which ore, though finely-divided (either in its natural state, or reduced
by crushing or stamping) contains a variety of materials possessing different
specific gravities, my method consists in subjecting the mass to the action of an
upwardly-flowing column or fountain of water, or its equivalent, the velocity or
movement of which is caused to be more rapid at the point where the heavier and
consequently more valuable materials (as pure and covered gold) are separated,
than at the points where lighter materials (as concentrates, sand, &c.,) are
separated, and such velocity or movement of the column or fountain is arranged
to be still less as it approaches the overflow or head of its outlet channels, in such
manner that the floating metals may be brought into contact with amalgamated
surfaces, and left to be retained thereby while the lighter or less valuable materials
are carried off.
Such a process would be effectually carried out by the employment of an
apparatus having a series of parting tanks,-basins or receptacles, (the number
of which would be determined by the number or different grades of the materials
brought under treatment,) each with its own separate discharge opening, but all
being subject to the action of one and the same column or body of water, the latter
being regulated, however, in its velocity at the different points of separation, and
so directed that materials of the least specific gravity would be discharged at the
highest point (where the least resistance of the moving column will be found,) the
next greatest in gravity at a lower point, and so on down to the lowest point, or
that nearest to the inlet of the column, where the resistance will be the greatest,
although this latter must never be sufficient to overcome the gravity of the heaviest
material, which ordinarily will stand first in the order of value. Thus it will be
seen that the force of the column performs the double operation of first opposing
the descent of undesirable material and its consequent delivery out of its class, and
second, in failing to eliminate it, or to carry off the more desirable materials into
their wrong channels or directions.
For full comprehension of my invention and of the preferred modifications of
apparatus for carrying the same into practical effect, reference must be had to the
accompanying drawings forming part of this specification, in which the saine letters
of reference indicate like parts in all the figures.
In said drawings;-
Figures and 14 are vertical sectional elevations of separating and amalgamating
apparatus constructed according to two simple forms for carrying out my method
or process.
Figure 2 is a similar view of another modification of a separating and amalga-
mating apparatus where the materials under treatment are introduced from above,
and the water from below.
Figure 3 is a similar view of another arrangement or construction so devised
that the finely divided materials and the fluid column may be introduced together
from below the separating tanks &c.
Figure 4 is a perspective vertical sectional view of an apparatus designed for the
treatment and separation of materials possessing a variety of grades or classes of
different specific gravities
Figure 5 is a detail in perspective of the upper part of one of the parting tanks
showing the inclined pan in connection therewith.
Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional perspective view illustrating the thimble,
coupling &c., used at the orifice of the parting tank, and
Figure 7 is a similar view showing the construction of the thimble, orifice &c.,
through which the column is conducted into the lowermost parting tank.
Referring first to Fig. 1, which represents an apparatus which I have found

page_text: .
eminently suitable for "placer" work, or simply separating and removing the sand
and other worthless material, and amalgamating and retaining the fine and float
gold &c., C is any suitable casing, preferably rectangular in its upper portion with
a wedge-shaped or tapering lower extension 2, and made of galvanized steel, iron,
or partly of wood, and properly, stayed.
3 is an opening near the bottom for permitting the removal of the heavier
amalgamated materials, mercury, &c.
represents any suitable screen, or series of screens, against which the material
is first projected in connection with a column of water from a sluice (the boulders
being carried off in any desired direction,) after which the material and water pass
up through passages (one or more) 5 formed between sloping removable amalga-
mated plates 6, which catch and retain the valuable fine and float metals while the
water and gangue matter pass out and are carried off by means of a trough 7, and
.outlet spout 8.
No further description of this form of apparatus will be necessary, as it is
practically the same as that now about to be described.
Referring now to Fig. 14, which also represents an apparatus for doing the same
work as that shown in Fig. 1, C is the casing, made preferably of cylindrical shape
and open at top and bottom (although the bottom may be closed) and arranged to
stand vertically. Concentrically within this casing is a parting tank, T, suitably
supported, such tank being usually made of copper and constructed somewhat in
the form of an inverted bell, or cone, open at its top or widest portion, and provided
a short distance below its open top with a surrounding pan P having standing flanges
for securing same to the exterior of said tank and the interior of the casing, said
pan being set at an incline and having a spout S, extending from its lowest point
out through the casing. Concentrically with and depending into this tank is a
correspondingly-shaped hopper H, adjustably-supported at the top of the casing C
by an outwardly and downwardly-turned Hange p, suitably slotted to receive
adjusting screws pl. This hopper does not entirely fill the tank T when in place
therein, there being a space between its outer walls and the walls of the tank.
The lower end or outlet of the hopper is preferably closed by a wire screen w,
while its top is usually left open. The lower portion of this hopper is preferably
corrugated, as at h, and it may be made wholly or partly of copper. The exterior of
the hopper and the interior of the tank will always be amalgamated with quick-
silver.
The operation of this apparatus, Fig. 13, is as follows;
The finely-divided materials and a head of water are fed together into the hopper
from the top, and the action of the latter is such as will force such materials
through the screen te, and upwards and outwards between the walls of the hopper
and the parting tank, the minerals and metallic particles, &c., being so affected
that they will be held in suspension by the upward Howing column of water until
such time as the gravity of the materials shall have been overcome thereby
sufficiently to separate and eject the less valuable constituents, and to bring the
valuable metals into contact with the amalgamated surfaces on which they are
retained until the operation ceases, and their removal is permitted. The float gold,
for instance, will not be carried to the top by the same flow as effectually ejects the
sand.
In Fig. 2, 1 illustrate a substantially similar arrangement in so far as the casing,
the hopper and the parting tank and its pau are concerned. In this construction,
however, I prefer to corrugate the lower portion of the parting tank, as at h', ani
leave the hopper plain, and I may also employ set screws h2, projecting through
the tank so that their points will impinge upon the walls of the hopper to assist in
adjusting and steadying same. W, is a pipe leading from the source of water supply
and extending through the casing C at a point below the parting tank T, said pipe
having a vertically turned elbow or extension W₁ in communication with the lower
end of such parting tank which is open in this case, and said water pipe W has a lower
opening or nozzle W 2 in the same vertical line as the elbow W, and leading into

page_text: a safe receptacle R located within the casing, preferably centrally, and such safe.
receptacle being arranged to stand upon the ground, or upon any suitable support.
It has, by preference, an internal sack r. preferably of some textile material, and
the cover of the safe receptacle may be screwed or otherwise fastened to it, or
such cover may be made in one with or affixed to the nozzle W 2 of the water-
pipe W. Any suitable coupling, such as that shown at v2 will be provided between,
the water pipe and the lower end of the parting tank to properly close the joint.
In operating an apparatus thus constructed, the finely-livided material will be
fed into the hopper from the top, and the column of water will be introduced
through the pipe W at the bottom of the parting tank, the operation being such
that the continual upward flow or fountain of water through the elbow W¹ is to so
act upon the mass of material at the screen w that as the different constituents:
drop through said screen they are immediately separated, the lighter materials
being carried upwards in the space between the hopper and the parting tank and
out through the open top of the latter and thence by the inclined pan P into which
they fall with the water, and spont S, in any desired direction. The adjacent walls
of the hopper and parting tank being amalgamated as described for Fig. 1, will
retain the float gold &c.. while the coarser material, such as free and coated
gold &c., being of sufficient specific gravity to overcome the force or velocity
of the upwardly-moving column will fall down through the openings Wi
and W 2, into the safe R. Any mercury or amalgam which may be dislodged
from the amalgamated surfaces will also fall into the safe. The velocity of the
column of water may be controlled by any suitable means, such as a thimble of
reduced diameter placed in the elbow W', or by a gate or valve at any point in the
pipe W, as will be shown in connection with another figure.
The constructions just described, as well as that shown in Fig. 3, will be also
particularly suited for working "placer" deposits in which there are not a great
variety of constituents in the mass of material. In the latter figure I illustrate
an arrangement where the finely-divided material and the water may be fel from a
tank Zsuitably located to afford the necessary head or velocity of movement, and
conduct same together through the pipe W into the lower end of the parting tank T,
the bopper H in this case being preferably open entirely at the bottom; the
amalgamating surfaces are also here employed to catch the Hoat gold &c., and the
heavier metals are arranged to fall down into the safe in the same manner as
already described, it being preferred here, however, that the nozzle W 2 is slanted
or directed somewhat aside from the bend of the pipe W so as to allow the free
upward flow of the column of water, sand &c., while still conducting the heavy and
valuable materials into the safe R which will, in this case, be placed aside from the
centre so as to be easily removable; the nozzle W 2 is preferably provided with a
gate wl, for stopping the passage while the sale R is taken away from beneath.
The casing C may have a conveniently-located door c, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4,
through which the safe can be removed. The operation of this apparatus, Fig. 3,
in view of the foregoing, will not require any further explanation, as the amalgama-
tion, separation and carrying-off of the materials will be precisely the same as I
have described in connection with Figs. 1, 14, and 2.
For treating a mass of ore, which, contains a variety of materials possessing
different specific gravities, I arrange my apparatus so that the mass of material
will be subjected to the separating action of the upwardly-flowing column or
fountain of water, or its equivalent, and the floating metals brought into contact
with amalgamated surfaces, and left to be retained thereby while the other
materials are carried off through their individual channels according to grade.
Such an apparatus is clearly shown in Fig. 4 and its more important details in
Figs. 5, 6 and 7. Here there are a series of parting tanks, basins or
receptacles T, T1, T2, (the number of which will be determined by the number of
different grades of material to be separated and delivered each as an individual
clean product) each of such tanks discharging separately from the top and each
having its own inclined discharging pan, as at P, P1, P2, and spout S, S', and S2,

page_text: respectively, such spouts being, by preference, coupled to a separate hose-pipe, as
at s, s', and s2, to facilitate the delivery of the seperate products of the apparatus
in different directions. One column or body of water is here sufficient, the same
being introduced at the bottom through the pipe W un ler control of a valve or
gate G suitably located in said pipe. The series of parting tanks will be vertically
arranged one above and within the other, the hopper H being located within
the upper parting tank T and having the exterior of its walls amalgamated with
quick-silver, which is also the case with the inner wall of the parting tank T, in
the same manner as before described for the amalgamating features of the ther
figures. In this construction it may be found necessary to adjust the parting tanks,
hopper &c., in their relation one with the other so as to vary the sizes of the
separating spaces, and for this purpose I arrange the cylindrical casing in three
sections C, C, C2, the same being adjustable vertically through the medium of
reinforcing rings C3, C4, each having vertical slots through which set
ecrews c, c 2, c 3, c 4, pass to connection with the respective sections of the casing.
The inclined pans P, P1, P2, are in rigid connection with the respective parting
tanks and sections of the casing. The uppermost parting space is formed by the
adjacent amalgamated walls of the hopper H and the tank T, the next parting space
below being formed between the walls of the guiding casing U and the walls of
the tank T', the former being arranged concentrically within the latter, such
guiding casing being preferably supported by the reinforcing ring C 3 to which its
upper part is riveted, and a precisely similar arrangement is formed by a like
relation between a guiding casing Ui, the reinforcing ring C 4, and the lower
parting tank T 2. The hopper, guiding casings and parting tanks are preferably
formed in the shape of funnels or inverted cones, the hopper H having the wire
screen to covering the open end or apex, and the parting tanks T and T¹ having
tubular extensions t, ', respectively, to which are threaded tubular returns u, u¹, of
the guiding casings U and U, respectively, and these parts are held in adjustable
relation to each other by suitable threaded couplings v, v respectively;-
a similar coupling v2 serves to secure the lower part of the parting tank T 2 to
the elbow or vertical portion W₁ of the water pipe W. With this construction of
apparatus there are consequently three orifices through which the upwardly-
moving column or fountain of water will pass from the inlet to the head in the
hopper H, the division of such column taking place at such different orifices and
forming separate streams with the materials falling from the hopper and separating
and directing same up through the different parting tanks, over the tops of the
latter into the inclined pans an 1 off through the respective spouts. V, and V 2 are
thimbles inserted at the entries of the different parting tanks, preferably of
graduated diameters, for reducing the sizes of the respective orifices commencing
with the smallest at the bottom, so as to regutate the velocity or force of the
column at the different points of separation, so that materials of the least specific
gravity will be discharged at the highest point (where the least resistance of the
moving column will be found), the next greatest in gravity at a lower point, and su
on down to the lowest point, or that nearest to the inlet of the column, (where the
resistance will be the greatest) the force or velocity, however, of the column being
never permitted to be strong enough to overcome the gravity of the heaviest
materials, which ordinarily stand first in the order of value. I prefer that the
lowermost thimble V 2, be formed with a horizontal flange V 3, which will be
retained between the lower end of the parting tank P 2 and the upper edge of the
extension or elbow W₁ of the water pipe W, and securely clamped therein by the
threaded coupling v2, as shown particularly in Fig. 7. The other thimbles V, V
are preferably formed as shown in Fig. 6, with an outwardly and downwardly-
extending flange v4 adapted to fit neatly against the adjacent tubular extension,
the upwardly moving column of water filling the joint immediately with sand, thus
holding the thimble securely. These constructions easily permit of the removal
of such thimbles and the substitution of others of different diameters to suit special
requirements.

page_text: The safe receptacle R is here located preferably immediately under the centre
of the nozzle W 2 of the water pipe W, and the cover may be cast or otherwise
formed in one with such pipe and its nozzle, and the safe receptacle proper
may be screw-threaded into said cover, or may be maintained in relation
thereto by any other secure means, such as hasps and staples, wires and lead
seals &c., in order to prevent the removal of the safe and its valuable contents by
any unauthorized person.
Although I have herein described and illustrated several desirable forms of
apparatus, it must be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise
arrangements or details, as such may be varied and modified by the mere exercise
of mechanical skill, without departing from the principle or sacrificing the
advantages of my invention.
In recapitulation, I may say that my apparatus is adapted to accomplish at one
operation, the following results, viz.; sizing or grading according to fineness,-
concentration or separation of the valuable constituents from those which are com-
paratively valueless, either with or without a further separation of each constituent
of value, and amalgamation, as well as further combined results, such as the
repetition of the process in cases where exceptionally poor granulation exists,
where a perfect saving of all constituents is effected by running the output of any
section contemporaneously through a twin section, without departing from any
essential of my invention, the principle of which, as herein before premised, is the
utilization in a suitable apparatus, of the upwardly-flowing column against the
gravity of the minerals and metals which are fed against and into it, and elevation
of each product and its discharge as a separate body..
Some of the features of advantage in the multiple arrangements, are; that
the force of the column may be increased or diminished at any point at will;-
that the passage of the water may be controlled in three ways, viz.; by increasing
the quantity, (which governs the speed at the outlets by raising the head in the
hopper;) that the speed of flow may be increased without increasing the quantity,
by simply varying the size of the inlet orifice ;-and that the size of the outlets
may be varied by raising or lowering the different sections, and that the rapidity
of discharge may be increased, or decreased by raising or lowering any one of the
parting tanks, thus altering the head in relation to such tank.
Another advantage in the use of my apparatus for amalgamating, is that no
mercury, or amalgam, can be lost, as, when detached, these simply fall to the
bottom as in Figs. 1 and 14, or into the safe shown in the other figures, and, as the
flow of water decreases very rapidly as it reaches the overflow point, the fine and
float gold falls back and slides down the amalgamated plates and becomes
amalgamated thereon. Should the amalgamation of the plates be neglected the
particles of gold simply rise by a temporary suspension and slide repeatedly until
caught, but it will be found that the gentle action of the water and materials against
these plates almost invariably tends to keep the amalgamating plates in perfect
condition.
Although amalgamated surfaces are provided as specified it will be seen that an
additional advantage exists in the fact that the coarse gold, platinum &c., (whether
free or coated) is saved in the receptacle R, when such is used without relying
upon the amalgamation. This, and the fact that the mercury or amalgam dislodged
from any amalgamated surfaces which may be used, cannot escape ensures an
absolute economy.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I'
claim is;
1. The method or process for the separation of metals from their ores, which
cousists, essentially, in the subjection of the mass of metal-bearing material while
the same is in a finely-divided condition, to the action of an upwardly-moving column

page_text: or head of water or other fluid element, so directed against and in connection with
amalgamating surfaces that the gangue-matter and other comparatively-worthless
materials may be opposed by a force or velocity of movement of such column or
fountain sufficient to separate and carry same away free from the valuable metallic
particles, float-metals &c., and such as will hold the latter in teniporary suspension
and separation until they are caught and preserved by amalgamation, substantially
as set forth.
2. The method or process for the separation of metals from their ores, which
consists, essentially, in the subjection of a mass of metal-bearing material while the
same is in a finely-divided condition, to the action of an upwardly-moving column
or fountain of water, or other fluid element, in such manner that the specific gravity
of the particles of each class or grade of material in the mass is opposed by a force
or velocity of movement of such column or fountain varying at different elevations
and sufficient to separate and carry such different grades into individual channels to
fit each of such grades of material for further and separate utilization, substantially
as set forth.
3. The method or process for the separation of metals from their ores, which
consists, essentially, in the subjection of a mass of metal-bearing material while the
same is in a finely-divided condition, to the action of an upwardly-moving column
or head of water, or other fluid element, in such manner that the particles of
different specific gravities will be opposed to different degrees of force or velocity
of movement of such column at different elevations, whereby each class or grade of
material in the mass may be carried as separate products into different channels to
fit each for further utilization, the lighter and least-valuable material being carried
off at the highest point or that where the least resistance is offered by the upwardly-
moving column, the float metals being intermediately saved by amalgamation,-
the next grade of material according to its specific gravity being delivered at a
lower point than the first, and so on progressively towards the inlet or source of
the column where the resistance is the greatest, but such resistance being so
regulated that it will not overcome the specific gravity of the heaviest and most
valuable material but which will permit the same to be separated and fall through
such column to the lowest point where it will be preserved, substantially as set
forth.
4. In an apparatus for the separation of metals from their ores, the combination
with a suitably-arranged casing or support, of a hopper into which the metal-
bearing materials are fed, in conjunction with a head of water, a passage way, open
at or near its top to permit of the discharge of such water and materials, and the
adjacent walls of such passage way being amalgamated with quick-silver, the whole
being arranged and a sufficient head of water maintained so that the particles of
material may be held in temporary suspension by the water flowing upwards
between such amalgamated walls until such time as the gravity of the materials
shall have been overcome thereby sufficiently to separate and eject the less valuable
constituents and to bring the valuable metals into contact with the amalgamated
surfaces, substantially as set forth.
5. In an apparatus for the separation of metals from their ores, the combination
with a suitably-arranged casing or support, of an open-ended hopper into which the
metal-bearing materials are fed, in conjunction with an upwardly-flowing column or
fountain of water, a surrounding tank, or passage way having an inlet for the
column at its lower end, and open at its top for the discharge of the water and
materials, the adjacent walls of such hopper and tank being amalgamated with
quick-silver and having a space between them sufficient to permit of the upward
passage of the column of water and materials,-a receptacle for the more valuable
materials below the inlet of the column, and means for permitting the adjustment
of the hopper in its relation to the tank and for regulating the supply and discharge
of the water and materials, substantially as set forth.
6. In an apparatus for the separation of metals from their ores, the combination
with a vertically-arranged casing, of an open-ended hopper adjustably-supported

page_text: within said casing, a tank supported by the casing and receiving a portion of the
hopper while preserving a space or passage-way between them, means (as an
inclined tray and spout) arranged near the open upper end of suid tank for receiving
its overflow of water and material, and the adjacent surfaces of such hopper and
tank being amalgamated with quick-silver, a pipe for the water leading through-
the casing from the source of supply and forming connection with the lower end of
such tank, and a safe receptacle below and in connection with such water pipe
aud tank-the whole being arranged so that a head of water may be maintained
in the tank and that the materials may fall by gravity from the hopper into the
tank, and be separated between the adjacent walls of same, and whereby the
lighter materials may be discharged by the upwardly-moving column at the top of
the tank, the float metals retained upon the amalgamated surfaces, and the heavier
and more valuable materials be permitted to overcome the resistance of the column
and fall into the safe receptacle, substantially as set forth.
7. In an apparatus for the separation of metals from their ores, the combination
with a vertically-arranged casing, of a hopper adjustably-supported within said
casing at the upper part thereof, said hopper being open at the top and having a
screen at its bottom, a series of parting tanks and guiding casings vertically-
arranged one within the other so as to leave surrounding spaces or passage ways
between the hopper and the first parting tank at the top and between each guiding
casing and parting tank below, an inclined pan or channel surrounding each parting
tank, near its open top, and each having a suitable outlet spout in connection with
its lowest point and projecting through the casing for carrying off the different
grades of material, a tubular extension with a thimble fitting its orifice at the
lowermost point of each parting tank and in regulable-connection with its
contiguous guiding casing, a pipe for the water leading through the lower part of
the casing from the source of supply and forming connection with the extension of
the lowermost parting tank, its orifice being also provided with a thimble, and a
safe receptacle below and in connection with said water pipe; the whole being
arranged so that the materials falling from the hopper will be subjected to the
action of one and the same column or upwardly-moving body of water but so that
the velocity of movement of such column will vary at the different points of
separation in order that materials of the least specific gravity will be discharged
from the uppermost parting tank, the next greatest in gravity from the tank
immediately below, and so on down to the lowest point or orifice nearest to the
inlet of the column, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
8. In an apparatus for the separation of metals from their ores, the combination
with the safe receptacle R, and the casing composed of a vertical series of sections
as C, C, C2, and re-inforcing rings as C3, C4, and with means of adjustment
between said sections and rings.-of the hopper H adjustably-supported from the
uppermost section, a series of parting tanks, as T, T', T 2, having tubular
extensions at their lower ends, as t, t', a series of guiding casings, as U, U₁, in.
connection with the re-inforcing rings of the casing and adjustably secured to the
said tubular extensions of the parting tanks, a discharging pan or channel,
as P, P1, P2, for each parting tank, and spouts for such pans extending through
the sectional casing,-a pipe, as W, for the water leading through the lower part
of the casing from the source of supply, and having a valve or gate, as G, said pipe
also having elbow Wand nozzle W 2 forming connection respectively with the
lowermost parting-tank and the safe receptacle; the whole being arranged so that
the materials may be separated according to their different specific gravities-the
lightest at the top and the heaviest at the bottom of the series of parting tanks, &c.,
substantially as set forth.
9. The combination with the casing, and with the hopper arranged substantially
as described, of a parting tank, as T, having tubular extension, as t,-the guiding
casing, as U, having tubular return, as u, threaded to the tubular extension of
the tank,-a thimble, as V, located in the tubular extension, and an adjustable

page_text: coupling, as v, for securing same together, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
10. The combination with the casing and lowermost parting tank arranged
substantially as described, and with the removable safe receptacle R located within
the lowermost part of the casing,-of the water pipe W having elbow W¹ and
nozzle W 2, such elbow and nozzle forming connection, respectively, with the lower
end of the parting tank and the cover of the safe receptacle, the thimble V 2, and
adjustable coupling 2, substantially as set forth.
11. The combination with the casing having the door c, and with the water
pipe W and nozzle W 2, of the safe receptacle R, having its cover made in one
with such pipe and nozzle, and arranged to be removably-sealed to the body of the
receptacle, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
12. In an apparatus for separating and amalgamating materials of the class
described, the combination with a cylindrical casing having an inlet for an
upwardly-moving column of water, of a funnel-shaped hopper, as H,-supported
by said casing, open at its top and provided with a screen, as w, at its bottom,-a
parting tank, as T, having means, as the inclined pan P, for receiving and
conducting the materials discharged from the open top thereof, the adjacent walls
of said hopper and said parting tank being amalgamated, and so situated relatively
to each other as to catch and retain the float metals while permitting the free
discharge of the water and other materials descending from said hopper,
substantially as set forth.
Dated this 27th day of February 1897.
WHEATLEY & MACKENZIE,
40 Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agents.