Gold enrichment is rely on fine pulverizing device with durable performence energy–efficiency and steady productivity. Two widely using apparatus are the sphere mill and the wet pan grinder. Their role in gold extraction is essential, and need profound knowledge of function mechanism, design specs, and on-site operational datas.
The ball grinder is a horizontal rotate cylinder machine; driven by gears with electric motor. Iron balls serving as crash medium. Ore feed enters via hollow axis, smashed by collision + abrasion, then discharge through overflow or grate type. Revolve speed usually 21–23 r/min; motor power from 18.5–4500 kW. Reduction ratio reach 3000-4000; productivity vary 0.65–615 t/h; feeding dimension up to 25mm; outlet size tunable 0.074–0.4 mm. These parametres are conform to mineral treat standard ISO-certfied..
The wet pan mill, also called gold round mill, designed with strong steel base, heavy rollers, and grinding plate. Motor push center shaft, rollers spin opposite to slurry produce repeat squeezing plus rubing. Typical pan diam 1200–1600 mm. Output 0.5–6 t/h. Final particle fineness can reach 200 mesh. Power consume is lower compare to ball mill, and operation only need simple oiling cycle (normally each 6 months). Wet pan mill very efficient for small–mid plants under humid climate or low-power regions
| Machine | Capacity (t/h) | Feed Size (mm) | Discharge Size (mm) | Power (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ball Mill | 0.65–615 | ≤25 | 0.074–0.4 | 18.5–4500 |
| Wet Pan Mill | 0.5–6 | ≤30 | 0.074–0.2 | 7.5–37 |
Plant record showing maintanance cycle of ball mill bearings avrg 5000 h,, while liners changed after 6–12 month depend on ore strength. Wet pan rollers often last 8–10 months with 3% lower abrasion rate versus iron ball liners
Sphere mill is suited for huge processing plants handling aurum, copper ore, ironstone, zinc and clinker. Wet pan grinder more adopt for oxidized gold, alluvial gravels and small recovery units. In dry dusty climate, ball mills display better sealing system. In tropic moisture, wet pan mills give high liberation due to slurry blending..
Case 1: A beneficiation line in Sudan installed two 1200 mm wet pan grinders, productivity 1.5 t/h each. Feed 20 mm, discharge 0.1 mm. Recovery improved 25% over previous hammer–type circuit. Only 2 lubrication interval in 14 months of use.
Case 2: A mining project Peru applied 3.2×4.5 m ball grinder with 1250 kW motor. Throughput 85 t/h, final size 0.08 mm. Downtime lowered 18% because trunnion bearing cooling upgrade. Power spend avg 21 kWh/t ore, aligning with global benchmark.
Case 3: In Ghana, a hybrid system using wet pan then small overflow sphere mill. Input ore 18 mm, final grind 200 mesh. Recovery exceed 92%. The circuit flexible adjustable on ore hardness, prove mixed process raise efficiency..
For big production, ball grinder remain core apparatus due to scalability and stable output. For small entrepreneur, wet pan mill offer cost-saving pulverization with easier install. Decision must consider ore hardness, target fineness, energy expense, climate condition and maintain staff. In actual operation hybrid circuit (wet pan pre-grind + ball mill finish) give balance solution,.
Gold ore grinding effiency direct influence recovery. Both ball mill and wet pan mill show proven reliable backed by field projects. Datas confirm performance in varied climate and ore-type. Equipment choosing should fit project size, ore nature and economic objective. When operated rightly, these devices give stable sustainable and effective gold extraction workflow
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