How Spiral Panning Machines Work

Operation

• Though each spiral panning machine works in slightly different ways, the basic principle is the same. Spiral panning machines have a flattened bowl with raised spiral grooves that sits at an angle. A motor spins the bowl while water is sprayed into the bowl that helps to separate the gold-bearing material.

Collection

• The spinning action of the pan allows lighter material to fall out of the pan, while the heavier gold lies along the spiral grooves. The gold then moves along the grooves toward the center of the pan where it moves through a hole in the center of the pan and is collected into a separate container.

Procedure

• Spiral panning machines help to make the panning of gold a quicker process. Gold prospectors can spend their time collecting possible gold-bearing material and feeding it into the machine. The spiral panning machine can be taken to the gold location or left at home, where the prospector can bring large amounts of material to pan.