or in my case, _not_ panning for gold

[amSteve]

my starting point here: https://www.treasurenet.com/threads/wisconsin-driftless-clay.709226/

short version: I have lots of river bottoms adjacent to a glacial clay shelf that has yielded some flakes and lots of micro/flour gold where the clay layer transitions to the upper layer of sand/loom. I feel i have to devise a system that easily separates the clay from the micro gold if i want any chance at substantive return. Blue bowl and even miller tables are too slow. Shaker table, maybe but I'm interested in exploring a system i know exists commercially but not finding anyone doing it diy despite a very low tech basis.

The problem with micro gold is, in fluid, it's too easy to pour off if panning. (and yes, I've spend my share of time watching Mr. Herd). But micro gold is still heavier than clay particles so why not produce a chamber where the water current is from below, hold the material in statis long enough to allow the stratification then siphon off the top layer aka the clay?

I've asked AI to do the engineering math - the flow rate required and a way to observe how stratified the layers are and am becoming convinced that a few hundred dollars is all it would take to build it. I'm looking at an 8 foot high, 12 inch cylinder with both optics and pressure sensors submerged to monitor the process. A coil of soft copper with holes drilled at the base provides the needed flow and velocity needed to suspend the material. Off the shelf pressure sensors (about $15 per) can (according to the AI) reliably differentiate the difference between a layer of clay vs. micro gold. A cheap camera with proper filters and lights augment the observation.

Before i start building I'd really like someone experienced in the field to poke holes in the idea. thx

 

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[Johnnybravo300]

Jet dry?

 

[amSteve]

Jet dry?

yep

 

[russau]

Jet Dry or Clay-be-Gone will drop the clay to the bottom in still water with the micro gold partials . There once was a piece of equipment that did this already. I can't recall the name of it , but I made one a long time ago and they worked BUT it's long gone now and basically it was just as you described but lots smaller . I will remember the name of it in time ,I HOPE ! Like you stated to water flow was from the bottom through a paper filter to keep the particulates above the water inlet . and the clay practical's would flow out the top (over flow) and the fine gold particle's would end up on the filter . The name was like gold tower" or something like that. If I had one to use right now I'd run that clay material through a smaller mill to crush up the (dry clay ) and then run it through this device your making or the clay balls will capture your fine gold and take it with the clay out of your system! good luck and let us know how it went with some picture's.