Producing a consistent, marketable aggregate product doesn’t end with crushing and screening. For operations processing sand and other fine materials, the washing stage can play an important role in removing unwanted material, controlling product gradation, and preparing material for stockpiling or sale.
Fine material washers provide a proven solution for washing, classifying, and dewatering fine aggregate.
What Does a Fine Material Washer Do?
Fine material washers, often referred to as sand screws, use a rotating spiral shaft and water to process fine aggregate. As material moves through the washer, particle-on-particle attrition helps remove unwanted coatings from the material, while water carries undesirable fines away with the overflow.
At the same time, the screw conveys the cleaned material up the inclined washer tub, allowing excess water to drain before the finished product is discharged.
This allows a fine material washer to perform three important functions within one machine:
- Washing
- Classification
- Dewatering
The result is a cleaner, drier finished product ready for the next stage of the operation.
Single vs. Double Fine Material Washers
Fine material washers are available in both single- and double-screw configurations. Choosing between the two largely depends on the capacity requirements of the application.
For producers requiring greater throughput, a double fine material washer provides additional processing capacity while maintaining the washing, classifying, and dewatering functions of a traditional sand screw.
EIW 44″ x 32′ Double Fine Material Washer
NorX currently has an Eagle Iron Works 44″ x 32′ Double Fine Material Washer available for operations looking to add or upgrade aggregate washing capacity.
Eagle Iron Works Fine Material Washers incorporate features designed to support consistent material processing, including adjustable weirs, a full-length close-clearance curved plate, a rising current manifold, and replaceable wear shoes.
The CONDOR line utilizes a Dodge Torque-Arm II reducer while retaining many of the same key design features found in Eagle Iron Works’ Classic Fine Material Washers.
Is a Fine Material Washer Right for Your Operation?
The right washing equipment depends on your feed material, desired finished product, required capacity, and overall plant configuration.
Whether you’re replacing an existing sand screw, increasing production capacity, or adding washing capabilities to your aggregate operation, selecting equipment that is properly sized for the application is critical to achieving the desired results.
Explore Aggregate Washing Equipment Available for Sale at NorX
If you’re interested in the EIW 44″ x 32′ Double Fine Material Washer or need help determining the right washing equipment for your application, contact NorX to learn more about available equipment and solutions.