How to Build A Profitable Sand Washing Plant?

A sand washing plant with a scientific and reasonable configuration can not only effectively improve the efficiency and obtain high-quality sand, but also allow customers to recover costs in a short time, obtain more considerable economic benefits.

1. How to reasonably configure the sand washing plant?

1.1 Complete production line

A complete process is a necessary condition for a reasonable and economical sand washing plant. According to the type of raw material, it is mainly divided into two types.

For natural sand such as river sand and mountain sand without stones and the unwashed sand you bought, the configuration of the production line is a silo – belt conveyor - vibrating screen - sand washer (sand washing machine) –dewatering machine- belt conveyor - washed sand silo.

Screening: Unwashed sand is transported from the silo to the vibrating screen for screening and classification;

Sand washing: After the screening, the sand will be washed in a sand washer;

Fine sand recovery: The sand washing slurry is precipitated in the sedimentation tank, then the fine sand is separated and extracted from the precipitated sediment by a fine sand recycling machine (hydrocyclone separator);

Washed sand: The washed sand is clean enough to meet the national use standards, and the loss rate is low.

For pebble, limestone, basalt, granite, construction waste, and other manufactured sand raw materials, the whole production line is equipped with: feeder - jaw crusher - cone crusher or impact crusher - sand making machine - dewatering machine- vibrating screen - sand washing machine – belt conveyor – washed sand silo.

1.2 What principles does the sand washing plant follow?

A scientific process of sand washing plant shall follow the principles of simplicity, low investment, and reasonable spatial layout while ensuring normal operation. In terms of layout, the following should be considered.

1. Appropriate power supply lines shall be arranged on the site to guarantee the power-consuming security on site;
2. Set appropriate positions of raw material warehouse and finished product warehouse. The production capacity, model, and quantity of equipment on the production line shall be arranged according to the set output to ensure that it can meet the daily washing needs;
3. When planning the layout of the sand washing plant, places for equipment storage, transportation, and maintenance during equipment shutdown should be taken into consideration;
4. Reasonably arrange the pipes for water supply, sedimentation tank, backwater to keep the sand washing plant clean at all times.

2. What machines are needed in the sand washing plant?

2.1 Wheel Sand Washing Machine/Bucket Sand Washing Machine

1. Working principle of the wheel sand washing machine

When the sand washer works, the power unit drives the impeller to rotate slowly after deceleration through the V-belt, reducer, and gear. The impeller drives the sand and stones in the groove to roll. Friction occurs when they roll to remove the impurities on the surface of the sand and destroy the water vapor layer wrapped in the sand and stone. Adding water to form a strong water flow is to take away impurities and small foreign matters. Finally, washed sand is discharged from the outlet by the impeller.

2. Application scope of wheel sand washer

It is widely used in construction sites, sand and gravel plants (sand and gravel plants), worksite of building and concrete dams, and electric pole factories.

It can also be used for washing materials in industries such as sand quarry, mines, building materials, transportation, chemical industry, water conservancy and hydropower, concrete mixing plants, etc.

3. Pros of wheel sand washer

a. Scientific structure: The structure is simple, reasonable, and compact, which makes the machine run smoothly and easy to maintain;

b. Excellent sealing feature: The power unit of the impeller is separated from water and sand, avoiding the damage of the bearing due to immersion in water and sand. Besides, the adoption of an oil bath-type power unit and adjustable overflow weir plate reduce the loss of fine sand and stone powder;

c. High-quality washed sand: The washed sand is qualified for high standard construction sand;

d. Large capacity: The special rotor design of the sand washer is well combined with an effective and accurately controlled feeding system, which greatly improves the production capacity and product quality.

2.2 The Supporting Equipment

1. Dust removal and noise reduction device

Water spraying device shall be set at the main parts such as the inlet and outlet where dust is generated. The bag filter. which can solve the problem of dust control simply and quickly, is a better choice. For the sand washer, the fan is the main source of noise, so it is recommended to select a fan with low speed and low noise.

(2?Sludge management: A sedimentation tank shall be set next to the sand washer. After the sedimentation, fine sand recovery, separation of water and mud, the treated water can be recycled, mud can be used as compost, transported to the backfilling area of the sand field and mining field for landfill, and can also be sold to brick factories as brick-making raw materials. Sludge management greatly reduces the investment cost of environmental protection and increases profit.

2.3 What principles should be followed when matching equipment?

1. Appropriate types and models of crushing, sand-making, sand-washing, and screening equipment shall be configured according to the water content, hardness, and treatment capacity of the processed raw materials.
2. Perfect coordination between equipment is the key to ensure the stable and effective operation of the entire production line.

3. What should be done before, during, and after the establishment of the sand washing plant?

3.1 Plan and prepare for sand washing plant operations

Access, interpret and apply sand wash plant documentation, and ensure the work activity is compliant?

1. Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements?
2. Identify and address potential risks, hazards, and environmental issues, and implement control measures?
3. Select and wear correct personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities?
4. Inspect and prepare work area in coordination with others?
5. Select, and check for faults, plant, tools, and equipment to carry out tasks?
6. Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency.

3.2 Operate the sand wash plant:

1. Coordinate activities with others prior to commencing and during work activities;
2. Carry out pre-start, start-up, and shutdown procedures;
3. Select and modify the operating technique to appropriately meet changing work conditions;
4. Conduct, control and monitor operations within the equipment limitations, maintaining sand wash efficiency and effectiveness;
5. Act on or report monitoring systems and alarms;
6. Continually monitor hazards and risks, and ensure the safety of self, other personnel, plant, and equipment.

3.3 Carry out post-operational procedures

1. Inspect, fault find and report;
2. Carry out operational maintenance, servicing, lubricating, and housekeeping tasks;
3. Maintain, process, and pass on records and reports.

4. How does the sand washing plant pass the environmental protection evaluation?

4.1 Purchase environmental protection machines

Environmental protection machines can reduce pollution from the source. The machines used in the sand washing plant are jaw crushers, cone crushers, impact crushers, sand making machines, and sand washing machines. It is recommended to purchase novel and advanced equipment with good airtightness and low noise.

4.2 Collocate environmental protection devices

Collocate a sealing cover and a sealed dust remover to control the overflow of dust, high-presser spray devices installed at storage and transportation points, bag dust collectors to collect dust from the discharge point, and the sand washing sedimentation tank to treat the wastewater.

4.3 Carry out Environmental monitoring when the sand washing plant is in operation

After purchasing environmental protection equipment and devices, Strict environmental monitoring will be a top priority. Query the discharge standards of organized particulate matter and sewage stipulated by your state through Epa.

Jordan is the writer of the blog with a broad knowledge of this industry. He hopes to help you in your projects sincerely. Here is the website: https://www.ftmmachinery.com/