Apparatus and process for separating contaminants from particulate

Abstract

An apparatus and process for separating contaminants from particulate material for separating undesirable debris from particulate material such as sand or gravel quickly and efficiently for increasing the production of separated gravel. A conveyor having a frame and a belt with corrugated side walls defining a channel for retaining water. The conveyor includes a second roller adjacent a rear portion of the conveyor, wherein a cornice of the second roller is preferably at an elevation equivalent to an upper edge of the corrugated side walls. At least one dividing member having a front edge, wherein the front edge projects into an upper layer of water within the channel for separating the upper layer from a lower layer of the water. Water is supplied to the channel adjacent the rear portion and a mixture of contaminated rock is supplied thereafter through a delivery chute. The preferred gravel and sand settle to the lower layer of the water while the undesirable debris such as wood, shale, coal and weeds are retained within the upper layer. The front edge of the dividing member separates the upper layer of water containing the undesirable debris from the lower layer of water containing the preferred gravel and sand. The speed of the conveyor is adjusted in proportion to the percentage of contamination. It can be appreciated that this invention is not limited to separating particulate material such as sand or gravel. The present invention may also be utilized for separating crushed rock, gold or any other well-known non-buoyant material.