A hydraulic classifier uses up flow of water through a vertical column to sort solid particles based on their size and density. Big particles require a high up flow velocity to wash out compared to small particles. Similarly, heavy particles require a high up flow velocity to wash out compared to less dense particles.
Hydraulic classifiers are used in mineral processing and have a range of uses associated with wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. Example applications include:
- Sorting silt, sand, and gravel
- Remove lead bullets from soil
- Remove metals from incinerator ash
- Retain adsorbent particles while treating silty water
