NEW GOLD AMALGAMATOR.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 12, 20 October 1871, Page 3

NEW GOLD AMALGAMATOR.

Dr Beer has recently patented a neAv machine for gold-washing, Avhieh ho calls a “ differential specific gravities amalgamator,” being based upon the difference of the specific gravities of tlie substances used. He is confident that the machinery i.s superior to all others employed for the same purpose. It consists of a turbine fan, with nine flanges, attached to a horizontal wheel, about two feet in diameter, Avhicli revolves in a strong sheet-iron cylinder. Beneath the fan are rakes, which rotate simultaneously on the same axle. The whole rests in a circular pan a few inches larger than the cylinder. When in operation, the lip of the cylinder Avill be slightly above the bottom of the pan containing the mercury, into which, however, it will just dip. The rakes wi ll revolve at a level slightly above the surface of the mercury. The machine is self-acting. Its motion is acquired by the constant discharge upon the fan of the Avater and Avash-stuff from .the sluice box, As this stuff passes between the flanges of the fan, it is kept in motion and prevented from clogging by the action of the rakes beneath. The Avater Avithin the cylinder, it is expected by the inventor, Avill have sufficient gravity to force its Avay against the resistance of the mercury beneath the lip of the cylinder, and carry Avith it pyrites, sand, &c., tho v gold remaining at the bottom of the pan. Dr Beer anticipates that the pyrites and heavier substances, after passing out of the cylinder, Avill remain floating on tlie mercury in the pan outside, but that the Avater and light substances Avill flow off. and the amalgamator thus be kept in good Avorking order. He states that it can bo easily attached to any qu rtz-crusher, ai.d may be advantageously used for waahing alluvium aud tailings. He claims that it Avill render blanketing unnecessary, and prevent the Avastc of mercury. The amalgamator has been on vicAv at Greville’s Exchange Rooms for several days past, and has been inspected by a large number of persons interested in gold-inmiDj.—» Sydney Herald.