Newmont used a devised that they developed called a ball trap. The balls and scats that escaped the ball mill would collected in a small drop box immediately after the dicsharge trunion. Water that was destined for the cyclone feed sump was injected into the bottom of the box to create an upward velocity sufficient to carry the ligher orre particles. Pinch valvles were located above and below the box. The heavier ball scats would remain in the box or trap. Periodically a set of pinch valves would cycle to allow the ball scats to be dropped out of the box and into a bin that was stationed below.
I attached a small piece from a P&ID for better explanation. They require a little tuning when installed to get the cycle times right. The pinch valves will needs replacement about once a year. Otherwise they were low maintenance and very reliable.
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Brian Arthur Designation
Principal
Brian Arthur Consulting Metallurgy
Reno, NV USA
775-388-3178
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2026 05:51 AM
From: Benedict Appiah
Subject: Recovery of steel balls from scats
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Benedict Appiah
Kumasi Ghana
23350165822
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