How is the Jigging Separation Process Performed?

A jig is a mechanical machine used for the separation of materials of different specific gravities by pulsating a stream of liquid flowing through a bed of materials resting on a screen.

Mineral processing is an important step in the mining and extraction of raw materials. It involves separating valuable minerals from ore, which is done most efficiently through a process known as jigging. 

Jigging is a common method of mineral processing and involves the use of a jig, which is a type of mechanical device. In this essay, I will explain the different types of jigs used in mineral processing, their advantages and disadvantages, and how they can be used in different contexts. 

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Jigging is a technique of separating materials of different specific gravity by the pulsation of a stream of water (liquid) flowing through a bed of materials resting on a screen. 

Pulsate -> oscillate => swing back and forth at a regular rate.

Jig = move up and down in a quick jerky motion.

Jigging process principle 

Jigging is a process of gravity concentrated where solids are separated based on the differences in the behavior of particles through a moving fluid which in turn, depends upon specific gravity. The separation of solids of different specific gravities has achieved the pulsation of a liquid stream flowing through a bed of solids on a screen. 

The liquid phase or jigs up and down and this action the heavy material to move toward the bottom of the bed and the lighter material to rise to the top. In this method, each product is taken out separately. 

Types of jigging in mineral processing

1. Diaphragm jig 

Diaphragm jig separation is a process used in mineral processing to separate particles based on their specific gravity. This method is used to separate ore concentrates, coal, and other heavy minerals from lighter materials. It is a type of gravity separation that uses a specially designed jig to produce a fluidized bed that allows the heavier particles to settle to the bottom and the lighter material to float to the top.

2. Air Pulsating Jig

3. Moving Jigger

Application of jigging 

The jigging process is used for mixtures of heavy minerals with light minerals. 

It is commonly employed for bawdy material having a size 20 to 25 mesh and above and where there is a sizeable large difference between the effective specific gravity of the valuable and waste material.

Jigs are simple in operation, consume very large quantities of water, and have high tailings losses on metallic ores. They are used mostly to treat iron ores, a few lead-zinc ores, etc. 

Mostly Jigging is widely used for the concentration of coal. 

Take these Notes is, Orginal Sources: Unit Operations-II, KA Gavhane