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LIPU spiral sand washing machines are designed for continuous washing, grading and cleaning of natural sand, manufactured sand and fine aggregate. The rotating spiral blades help remove clay, dust and other impurities while conveying the washed material toward the discharge end.
A spiral sand washing machine, also called a screw sand washer, is equipment used to wash sand and fine aggregate by removing clay, dust and other unwanted impurities.
The machine uses one or two rotating spiral shafts installed inside an inclined washing tank. During operation, the sand is mixed with water while the spiral blades continuously stir and move the material.
This washing action loosens clay and surface contamination from the sand particles. Suspended fines and impurities are carried away with the washing water, while the cleaned sand is gradually conveyed toward the discharge end.
Unlike a spiral classifier used in mineral grinding circuits, a spiral sand washing machine is mainly designed for sand cleaning, clay removal and aggregate washing.
The washing process can be summarized as:
Feed Material + Water → Spiral Agitation → Clay and Impurity Removal → Material Conveying → Clean Sand Discharge
Sand enters the washing tank together with process water. A motor and reducer drive the spiral shaft at a controlled speed.
As the spiral blades rotate, the sand is repeatedly stirred and rubbed in the washing tank. This action helps separate clay, dust and other impurities attached to the particle surfaces.
The loosened impurities become suspended in the water and are discharged with the wastewater. At the same time, the spiral blades continuously move the cleaned sand toward the upper discharge end.
This design combines washing and material conveying in one machine, making it suitable for continuous sand and aggregate processing.
The main components of a spiral sand washing machine include:
The transmission components are positioned away from the main washing zone to reduce direct exposure to water, sand and abrasive material.
LIPU provides both single-spiral XL models and double-spiral 2XL models.
Both types use the same basic washing principle, but the double-spiral configuration provides a larger working area and higher throughput for applications with greater production requirements.
| Factor | Single Spiral | Double Spiral |
|---|---|---|
| Spiral shafts | 1 | 2 |
| Structure | More compact | Wider washing tank |
| Capacity | Low to high | Medium to high |
| Installation width | Smaller | Larger |
| Typical use | Standard sand washing | Higher-throughput washing |
| Models | XL Series | 2XL Series |
For example, the XL-1000 has a rated capacity of 50–80 t/h, while the 2XL-1000 is rated at 100–150 t/h.
The XL-1500 handles 150–200 t/h, while the 2XL-1500 is rated at 200–300 t/h.
The final selection should consider required capacity, feed condition, clay content and available installation space.
Spiral sand washing machines are commonly used in sand production plants, aggregate processing systems and quarry operations.
Manufactured sand washing
After crushing and sand making, the spiral washer removes dust, clay and fine impurities from manufactured sand.
River sand cleaning
Natural river sand may contain silt, mud and unwanted fines. Spiral washing helps improve sand cleanliness before further processing or use.
Quarry aggregate washing
Fine aggregate from quarry operations can be washed to remove surface contamination and clay before dewatering or stockpiling.
Construction sand preparation
Washed sand can be prepared for concrete, mortar and other construction material applications.
High-clay feed treatment
For feed containing noticeable clay or surface impurities, the stronger agitation of a spiral washer can provide effective washing action.
LIPU spiral sand washing machines provide several practical advantages for continuous sand and aggregate washing.
Actual performance depends on the feed characteristics and operating conditions.
Both spiral sand washers and wheel bucket sand washers are used for cleaning sand, but they are better suited to different operating conditions.
| Factor | Spiral Sand Washer | Wheel Bucket Sand Washer |
|---|---|---|
| Main structure | Spiral screw | Rotating wheel bucket |
| Washing action | Stronger agitation | Gentler washing |
| Capacity | Medium to high | Usually small to medium |
| Clay removal | Better for clay-rich feed | Better for relatively clean sand |
| Material conveying | Spiral conveying | Bucket lifting |
| Installation | Longer washing tank | More compact structure |
| Typical use | Strong washing and high throughput | Final rinsing and sand cleaning |
A spiral washer is generally more suitable when the feed contains more clay or requires stronger washing action.
A Wheel Bucket Sand Washer can be more suitable when the sand is already relatively clean and the main goal is final rinsing with lower washing intensity.
The best choice depends on feed condition, capacity and the required final sand quality.
LIPU provides the following XL and 2XL spiral sand washing machine models:
| Model | Screw Dia. (mm) | Screw No. | Feed Size (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Water Consumption (m³/h) | Motor Power (kW) | Overall Dimensions (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XL-750 | 750 | 1 | <10 | 20–40 | 9–60 | 7.5 | 7000 × 950 × 1330 |
| 2XL-750 | 750 | 2 | <10 | 50–70 | 18–120 | 2 × 7.5 | 7000 × 1750 × 1330 |
| XL-1000 | 1000 | 1 | <10 | 50–80 | 10–70 | 11 | 8070 × 1200 × 1638 |
| 2XL-1000 | 1000 | 2 | <10 | 100–150 | 20–140 | 2 × 11 | 8070 × 2250 × 1638 |
| XL-1200 | 1200 | 1 | <20 | 100–120 | 20–140 | 18.5 | 9070 × 1430 × 1900 |
| 2XL-1200 | 1200 | 2 | <20 | 150–180 | 40–280 | 2 × 18.5 | 9070 × 2700 × 1900 |
| XL-1500 | 1500 | 1 | <20 | 150–200 | 60–300 | 22 | 10800 × 1720 × 1900 |
| 2XL-1500 | 1500 | 2 | <20 | 200–300 | 120–450 | 2 × 22 | 10800 × 3300 × 1900 |
| XL-2000 | 2000 | 1 | <20 | 250–320 | 160–460 | 37 | 11000 × 2200 × 2100 |
| XL-2400 | 2400 | 1 | <20 | 320–400 | 200–620 | 45 | 12500 × 2700 × 2200 |
Actual processing capacity and water consumption can vary according to feed condition, clay content, water supply and required washing quality.
Selecting the correct spiral sand washer requires consideration of the feed condition as well as production capacity.
Feed size
The XL-750 and XL-1000 series are designed for feed sizes below 10 mm, while larger models can accept feed sizes below 20 mm.
The upstream crushing and screening system should therefore control the material size before washing.
Required capacity
For smaller or medium-capacity lines, a single-spiral machine may provide sufficient throughput.
For larger production requirements, a double-spiral model or larger-diameter single-spiral machine may be more suitable.
Clay and impurity content
Feed containing more clay generally requires stronger agitation and sufficient washing time.
The actual feed condition should therefore be considered together with the nominal capacity.
Water availability
Different models have different water-consumption ranges. Water supply, recycling and sedimentation systems should be considered as part of the complete plant design.
Installation space
Double-spiral machines have a wider washing tank than comparable single-spiral models. Sufficient installation and maintenance space should be reserved.
A spiral sand washing machine is commonly installed near the final stage of a sand or aggregate production line.
A typical process may follow:
Raw Stone → Primary Crushing → Secondary Crushing → Screening → Sand Making → Spiral Sand Washing → Dewatering → Stockpiling
A Jaw Crusher can be used for primary crushing.
A VSI Sand Maker can then produce manufactured sand with the required particle size and shape.
After screening, the sand enters the spiral washing machine to remove clay, dust and other impurities.
The washed sand can then proceed to dewatering or final stockpiling.
LIPU provides spiral sand washing machines for different feed sizes and production capacities, from compact XL models to larger high-capacity machines.
Equipment selection can be based on:
LIPU can also integrate sand washing equipment with crushing, screening, sand-making and dewatering equipment to configure a complete sand and aggregate processing line.
What is a spiral sand washing machine used for?
A spiral sand washing machine is used to remove clay, dust and other impurities from natural sand, manufactured sand and fine aggregate.
What feed size can a spiral sand washer handle?
Depending on the model, LIPU XL and 2XL spiral sand washers accept feed sizes below 10 mm or below 20 mm.
What is the capacity of a spiral sand washing machine?
The current LIPU XL and 2XL series covers capacities from 20 to 400 t/h, depending on the model.
Should I choose a single or double spiral sand washer?
Single-spiral machines are suitable for many standard washing applications, while double-spiral models provide higher throughput. The final choice should consider feed condition, capacity and installation space.
What is the difference between a spiral sand washer and a spiral classifier?
A spiral sand washer is mainly used for washing sand, removing clay and cleaning aggregate. A spiral classifier is mainly used in mineral processing for particle-size classification based on settling behavior. Although their structures may look similar, their process functions are different.
We provide a variety of mining and processing equipment, including feeders, rock crushers, grinders, classifying and screening machines, washing machines, gravity separators, flotation machines, magnetic separators, electric separators, dewatering equipment and laboratory mineral processing equipment.
