Abstract: Methods and apparatus for liquid/solid separation for use in applications such as dewatering fine particulate solids, and recovery of valuable metals from ore in a leaching process are provided. One application relates to methods of agitation leaching of metals such as gold from gold-bearing feedstock. A slurry is formed in a tank by agitation, and allowed to settle. A filter bed forms to drain the liquid from the tank, and a vertical screen pipe such as a well point addresses the formation of an impervious film on the upper surface of the filter bed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for liquid/solid separation for use in applications such as dewatering fine particulate solids, and recovery of valuable metals from ore in a leaching process are provided. One application relates to methods of agitation leaching of metals such as gold from gold-bearing feedstock. A slurry is formed in a tank by agitation, and allowed to settle. A filter bed forms to drain the liquid from the tank, and a vertical screen pipe such as a well point addresses the formation of an impervious film on the upper surface of the filter bed.

Abstract: A rotor bowl for use in a centrifugal concentrator for separating particulate material of higher specific gravity from a liquid slurry comprising a liquid and particulate material of different specific gravities, wherein the inner surface of the rotor bowl has an outwardly inclined migration surface and a capture zone above the migration surface, wherein the capture zone has a generally vertical annular wall located radially outwardly of the migration zone, and the generally vertical annular wall has a vibratory surface adapted to be selectively vibrated to thereby stratify particulate material or slurry located in contact with or adjacent to the vibratory surface within the capture zone to thereby permit the heavier concentrate to accumulate in the area closest to the wall of the capture zone. The vibratory surface may be the continuous inner liner of the capture zone, or separate vibrating surfaces may be provided on the surface of the inner liner in the capture zone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for liquid/solid separation for use in applications such as dewatering fine particulate solids, and recovery of valuable metals from ore in a leaching process are provided. One application relates to methods of agitation leaching of metals such as gold from gold-bearing feedstock. A slurry is formed in a tank by agitation, and allowed to settle. A filter bed forms to drain the liquid from the tank, and a vertical screen pipe such as a well point addresses the formation of an impervious film on the upper surface of the filter bed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for liquid/solid separation for use in applications such as dewatering fine particulate solids, and recovery of valuable metals from ore in a leaching process are provided. One application relates to methods of agitation leaching of metals such as gold from gold-bearing feedstock. A slurry is formed in a tank by agitation, and allowed to settle. A filter bed forms to drain the liquid from the tank, and a vertical screen pipe such as a well point addresses the formation of an impervious film on the upper surface of the filter bed.