Riffles: Why They're Made & Benefits of Incremental Lengths

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the design and functionality of riffles on a Wilfley table, specifically addressing why they are made in incremental lengths and the advantages of this design. Participants explore the mechanics of particle separation based on weight and the operation of the table, which involves shaking.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the purpose of the riffles and the advantages of their incremental length, seeking clarity on the shaking of the table.
  • Another participant suggests that the riffles are designed to separate different weights of tailings, with lighter materials moving more due to the shaking than heavier ones.
  • A participant expresses confusion despite reviewing an article, asking for further clarification on the separation of heavier and lighter particles.
  • A quote from the article describes the operation of the Wilfley table, explaining how heavier particles are retained by the riffles while lighter particles roll over them.
  • Another participant comments that lighter particles tend to bounce higher and travel further, implying a physical principle at play in the separation process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the operation of the riffles and the separation of particles, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with some confusion persisting.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference an article for additional context, but some express uncertainty about specific points, particularly regarding the mechanics of particle behavior on the table.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the mechanics of particle separation, mining engineering, or the operation of mineral processing equipment may find this discussion relevant.

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why these riffles are made ?and These riffles increased in length incrementally from the top of the table down to the bottom.why these are made in this way? what's the advantage of making in this particular way?why this table constantly shakes?
table-post-2.jpg
 
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jedishrfu said:
Here's an article on the table

http://www.coppercountryexplorer.com/2007/09/mill-machines-the-wilfley-table/

I think the riffles are there to separate out different weights of tailings as the lighter weight stuff would move more with the shaking than the heavier stuff.
I am still confused (even after reading the link you gave )can you please clear all my questions/doubts given in my first post.
 
This quote from the article sums up its operation:
The Wilfley Table is simply a large wooden table, on top of which are a series of parallel “riffles”. These riffles increased in length incrementally from the top of the table down to the bottom. The entire table is set at an angle, and the slime is poured onto it from the top corner. The heavier particles (copper) would be held up along the riffles, while the lighter particles (the non-copper) would roll over them. The whole table is oscillated back and forth over 200 times a minute, which works the copper particles down the riffles and towards the opposite end of the table. From there they are removed. The rest of the slime simply floors off the table at the opposite end and is carried away in a waste launder.
 
jedishrfu said:
This quote from the article sums up its operation:
I didn't understand the following point:
The heavier particles (copper) would be held up along the riffles, while the lighter particles (the non-copper) would roll over them.can you please explain .
 
Simple physics, lighter particles bounce higher and travel further.
 

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