Clay puddler

[johnb]

Now here's something different!! A modern day puddler.

The puddler works on water pressure only. Water under high pressure is pumped into the connection at the bottom of the cylinder creating a vortex spinning the material which is shoveled into the top of the cylinder. The water pressure and spinning action breaks up the material e.g. clay. When the clay is dissolved a valve in the bottom of the cylinder is slowly opened allowing the concentrates to drop into the sluice box. If you have heavy clay to work and a reasonable water supply this could be the answer.

If you require further information please contact me on this forum.

Thanks
JohnB

 

[trashmagnet]

hi john
that looks very interesting,
what stops the water overflowing out the top and washing the fine gold out?
regards trashy

 

[Ag Man]

The water being so turbulent would make the fine gold drop down fairly quick I recon.

 

[trashmagnet]

hi ag man
in theory it should,
but if the gold is stuck in puggy clay the water will wash the clay back out the top with the gold still in it, as your putting the gold/clay in the top it would have to break the clay instantly to let the gold drop.

I don't know anything about this machine and I'm not knocking it, just curious.
regards trashy

 

[BrisJoe]

Would love to see a video of it in action.

 

[trashmagnet]

hi ag man
hey when I said I thought the clay might get thrown out the top, I was thinking you had the water already going and then put the clay in the top, so I thought it might get thrown out before breaking up and gold drops.
but I just had a thought, maybe john meant you put the clay in first then turn the water on which would mean the clay in being broke up down the bottom.
a video would be great to see as i'm interested in this item
rcburke up north was doing the same thing in a bucket and spinner which looked like it worked great. by the looks of it johns set up would handle larger amounts which would be good.
regards trashy

 

[johnb]

Hi, thanks for your replies.

In response to your question trashmagnet, I did a test run on the puddler at Avoca, we put 2 cubic metres of clay through it and observed that no clay or gravel etc came over the top of the cylinder. To operate the puddler you start the pump, get the water circulating and the add the clay. When the water runs clear out the discharge channel at the back of the cylinder you slowly open the valve at the bottom of the cylinder allowing the contents to empty into the sluice box.

If anyone wants to try their luck with this unit they are welcome to have a go.

I will try and do a video on the operation of the puddler when I get some spare time, hopefully soon.

Thanks
JohnB

 

[trashmagnet]

hi john
are you selling these or is this just yours that you use?
I seen awhile ago jeff strang was selling them but they were a bit pricey from there.
I would have messaged you but not sure if people with less than 10 post's can message.
i'm interested in seeing it in action if your selling them.
regards trashy

 

[TenOunce Tone]

Looks like it has been used a bit. No doubt it works

Looks like an upright tromel with no screen holes..

Good post JB.

Cheers Tone

 

[Roscoe]

That's a great idea there. That,s a seriously high pressure pump attached to that old Briggs, thanks Johnb will keep that one in mind.

 

[G0lddigg@]

what a great idea!! makes perfect sense my I only concern would be how you are supposed to get the flow operating at optimum and feed the material in. woukd love to test this out on the few crevices I know of packed full of white clay

 

[Marked]

Does the discharge channel at the back of the cylinder empty through the sluicebox as well? I am assuming some sort of mesh/classifier prevents large material exiting the discharge channel before the clay is broken down?

A pic of the discharge channel at rear would clarify the operation of the puddler for a few people I think.

 

[johnb]

Hi Trashmagnet, I am interested in selling the cylinder and frame only but my main objective first is for someone to test it in the field and get some feedback from them on its operation. It worked for me but as clay varies in composition from place to place the proof will be in the testing.

Marked in response to your questions, In the photo below you notice the cylinder is upside down on the floor and the rectangular channel at the back of the cylinder is where the excess water enters the sluice box as the process of the clay disintegration is happening. There is no classifier or mesh in the cylinder. After the clay is broken up and the gold is retained in the sluice box, water supply is shut-down and the cylinder is pivoted to the side and the residue in the cylinder is tipped on the ground.

If anyone is interested in trialing this puddler, please contact me.

 

[Nugget]

If anyone is interested in trialing this puddler, please contact me. When I reach sufficient posts on this forum I will provide my phone number

Hi Johnb, you can already add your phone number to your Profile under the Personal tab.

 

[G0lddigg@]

Hi Trashmagnet, I am interested in selling the cylinder and frame only but my main objective first is for someone to test it in the field and get some feedback from them on its operation. It worked for me but as clay varies in composition from place to place the proof will be in the testing.

Marked in response to your questions, In the photo below you notice the cylinder is upside down on the floor and the rectangular channel at the back of the cylinder is where the excess water enters the sluice box as the process of the clay disintegration is happening. There is no classifier or mesh in the cylinder. After the clay is broken up and the gold is retained in the sluice box, water supply is shut-down and the cylinder is pivoted to the side and the residue in the cylinder is tipped on the ground.

If anyone is interested in trialing this puddler, please contact me. https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/img/member-images/1317/1384686716_puddler29.jpg

I'd be happy to test it for you, ive got three different patches with mud, pipe clay, slate clay and black stain your fingers full of pyrite clay. I'm in Ballarat

 

[trashmagnet]

hi john you need to empty your private message box, it's full :lol:
regards trashy

 

[Nugget]

hi john you need to empty your private message box, it's full :lol:
regards trashy

I still need to hide the PM button to prevent members sending PM's to Newbies as they can't access them until they reach 10 posts. To save any hassle I've just upgraded John's account to Member status 1 post early, so feel free to give it another shot.

 

[noyungan]

Hi one an all,
I've just registered last night under "noyungan" which probably says it all about me.. Better late than never!!! Dunno much about modern gold hunting but am impressed with quality of posts I've read. Had trouble finding a place to post until I found this spot under the posts on the new type of puddler. Years ago I saw a 1/2 stream of very high pressure water from a fire fighting pump and when aimed at the clay ground it sliced thru it like a knife thru butter. I reckon this cyclinder puddler using high pressure water has to be a goer.
I'm particularly curious about the GP3000 and its performance. One seems to read more about the SD's and GPX's. I want to go detecting and it was the best I could afford. Has anyone had experiences, foibles etc, they would share with me??
Regards,,, noyungan

 

[G0lddigg@]

thought i better post an update here posted a vid on how this thing works
https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=4544

 

[Teemore]

I'm particularly curious about the GP3000 and its performance. One seems to read more about the SD's and GPX's. I want to go detecting and it was the best I could afford. Has anyone had experiences, foibles etc, they would share with me??
Regards,,, noyungan

Hi noyungan (is that the equivalent to my not quite an old fart status?)

In regard to your query may get more attention posting your query in the Detectors/Minelab section.

And welcome aboard,
Cheers Tom