China Clay Manufacturing Process:
The modern production process of china clay from mines is a three step method.
1. The earth overlaying the clay is removed and a high pressure water jet is fired at the quarry face to liberate the clay. This process is important to remove the drilled mud as their presence will affect the rheological properties of China Clay. The more efficient the washing process, the higher the density of clays in the slurry obtained. The slurry with Clay and sand in suspension flows under gravity across the floor of the pit to a sump. To facilitate both washing and transport, this process is normally worked in benches 10-20 m high.
2. The slurry of clay, quartz and mica is raised by powerful centrifugal ‘gravel’ pumps from the sump to the separator
3. Finally the refined clay is dried to reduce its moisture content.
