WIMA Sand Classifier
Precise Sand Classification in Wet Processing
The quality requirements for sand products have increased significantly in recent years. At the same time, natural raw sands often show considerable variations in grain size distribution. In order to produce defined and reproducible sand products under these conditions, a targeted sand classification process is required.
The WIMA sand classifier is a process-engineered solution for the hydraulic classification of sand in wet processing. It enables the production of sands with a defined particle size distribution and consistent quality, even when raw material properties fluctuate.
Why Sand Classification?
Sand is not a homogeneous natural material. Depending on the deposit, extraction method and upstream processing, the grain size distribution—particularly the fine fraction—can vary significantly. These variations directly affect the properties of downstream products such as concrete or mortar sands.
In many applications, screening alone is not sufficient to reliably compensate for these variations. Sand classification allows individual sand fractions to be separated hydraulically and then recombined in a controlled manner to form a defined final product. This makes it possible to achieve consistent product quality independently of natural fluctuations in the raw material.
Principle of Sand Classification
A sand-water mixture is fed into a water-filled classification tank. Separation of the grain sizes is based on the different settling velocities of the sand particles. Coarser particles settle more quickly than finer particles and are collected in different zones of the classifier.
The classification tank is divided into several chambers. In the front chambers, upward-flowing water is introduced to increase separation sharpness and prevent premature settling of fine particles. The individual fractions are discharged via multiple valve stations at the bottom of the classifier. A time-controlled combination of these discharges determines the final particle size distribution of the product.
Control System and Product Regulation
The control system of the WIMA sand classifier is designed to ensure consistent product quality even when feed material properties fluctuate significantly. Based on the recorded material flow and predefined target particle size distributions, the opening times of the discharge valves are automatically calculated and adjusted. As a result, variations in the raw material do not directly affect the final product composition. Product changes or adjustments to new requirements can be implemented via the control system without mechanical modifications to the machine.
KEY FACTS.
Classification principle
Hydraulic sedimentation classification
Integration
New and existing plants (retrofit capable)
Products
2 controlled products + 1 uncontrolled product
Control
Automatic control of target particle size distributions
Reproducible Product Quality
The rule-based adjustment of discharge times ensures stable particle size distributions even with fluctuating raw material properties.
Controlled management of the fine fraction
The fine content is influenced hydraulically via classification and upward-flow zones, without mechanical intervention in the process.
Adaptation to different plant capacities
Different sizes and configurations allow the sand classifier to be matched to the required throughput and plant layout.
High Usable Product Yield
Material is preferentially directed to the controlled products, reducing the amount of uncontrolled material to the technically necessary minimum.
Stable and Traceable Operation
Continuous monitoring of material flow and automatic control of valve opening times ensure a stable and transparent process.
Retrofitting
The classification principle allows straightforward integration into both new and existing wet processing plants.
WIMA sand classifiers are available in different sizes. The individual designs differ mainly in the length and width of the classification tank as well as in the number of valve stations.
Its design is project-specific and based on:
Required throughput
Raw material characteristics
Required separation sharpness
Anforderungen an die herequirements for the target product particle size distributions
This scalable design allows the sand classifier to be used in both smaller processing plants and high-capacity wet processing applications.
Retrofit Capability!
The WIMA sand classifier is suitable for both new installations and the retrofitting of existing wet processing plants. The classification principle is independent of upstream screening or washing stages and allows flexible integration into existing process chains.
If plant configurations change at a later stage or raw material properties vary, the sand classifier can be adapted via the control system.
Ready to Explore Your Possibilities with WIMA?
Do you want to learn more or discuss specific questions? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us; we’re at your service. Discover more about our sand classifier and solutions and find out how WIMA can enhance your production processes.