Sand, also known as fine aggregate for concrete, is an essential material in construction projects and one of the main components of modern concrete.  In concrete, it plays the role of adjusting the proportions and filling the voids between coarse aggregates. There are roughly four types of sand: river sand, sea sand, desert sand, and manufactured sand. Which type is suitable for use as construction aggregate? What are the differences between them?

01

Different Distribution Areas

Manufactured sand mainly consists of mechanically crushed mountain sand, and its production enterprises are distributed throughout the country.  It can be said that manufactured sand can be produced wherever there are rocks.Natural mountain sand is mostly produced at the foot of mountains, while river sand mainly comes from rivers and lakes. They are distributed in both inland and coastal areas. Mountain sand has smaller reserves, while river sand is widely distributed and has large reserves.Desert sand, as the name suggests, comes from deserts. Geographically, deserts are concentrated in 13 regions worldwide. China's deserts cover a total area of approximately 700,000 square kilometers, and if the more than 500,000 square kilometers of Gobi Desert are included, the total area is 1.28 million square kilometers, accounting for 13% of China's total land area. The arid region of Northwest China is the most concentrated area of deserts in China, accounting for about 80% of the country's total desert area. The main deserts from west to east include the Taklamakan Desert, Gurbantünggüt Desert, Kumtag Desert, Qaidam Desert, Badain Jaran Desert, Tengger Desert, Ulan Buh Desert, and Kubuqi Desert, among others. The reserves of desert sand are enormous.Sea sand, as the name suggests, is sand that has been soaked in seawater. It is mainly distributed in coastal areas, usually located at the confluence of seawater and rivers and in shallow sea areas, existing in the form of sandbars, sand ridges, sand dunes, sand waves, scour channels, ancient river valleys, ancient beaches, and ancient deltas. The main offshore sand deposits in my country are mainly located in the Bohai Sea, the northern Yellow Sea, the Taiwan Strait, the Pearl River Estuary, around Hainan Island, and the Beibu Gulf, with huge reserves.

02

Differences in Mineral and Chemical CompositionManufactured sand's parent rock (raw material) mainly consists of granite, limestone, basalt, gneiss, etc., and its main mineral and chemical components are consistent with the parent rock. For example, granite manufactured sand's main minerals are quartz and feldspar, and its chemical composition is mainly silicon dioxide and aluminosilicates; while limestone manufactured sand's main mineral component is mainly calcite, and its chemical composition is mainly calcium carbonate. Manufactured sand has stable mineral and chemical composition and basically contains no organic matter. In contrast, natural mountain sand has a complex composition, more organic impurities, and a higher clay content.River sand's main mineral component is quartz, containing minerals such as mica, and it contains many impurities. Because river sand undergoes long-distance "tumbling" and repeated washing and screening by water, its compositional maturity is high (referring to the degree to which clastic materials are modified in terms of composition).Desert sand's main component is quartz, with small amounts of feldspar and muscovite. Its source is mainly residual minerals from the weathering of sandstone and granite. The sand in the desert is formed by weathering and accumulation, and harmful substances cannot be removed, resulting in a high content of harmful substances in the sand, and it is fine and loose, not meeting my country's standards for construction sand.Desert sand has a very high alkali content. The salt and alkali components in the sand are corrosive to the steel bars in buildings. High-alkali sand will react chemically with cement and water, leading to insufficient strength of the final concrete, thus causing serious consequences.The main mineral component of sea sand is also quartz. Its compositional maturity is higher than that of river sand, but it often contains shells and rock fragments, and has a higher clay content and more impurities. It is distinguished from river sand by its high content of chloride ions (salt), as well as a higher content of organic matter and a certain content of sulfates and sulfides. The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of China stipulates that sea sand used as fine aggregate for reinforced concrete must be desalinated so that its chloride ion content is less than 0.06%. If unqualified sea sand is used directly, the high content of chloride ions will corrode the steel bars, leading to damage to the building structure and greatly reducing the strength, hardness, and load-bearing capacity of the building.

Cone crushers are critical equipment in mining, construction, and aggregate production industries, known for their high crushing efficiency, stable performance, and ability to handle hard materials. However, due to the harsh working environment—characterized by heavy loads, strong impacts, and abrasive materials—cone crushers are prone to wear, fatigue, and component damage, which directly affect their service life and operational costs. Extending the service life of a cone crusher requires a combination of scientific selection, standardized operation, regular maintenance, and timely troubleshooting. This article elaborates on the key measures to achieve this goal.

1. Rational Selection and Installation: Lay a Solid Foundation

The service life of a cone crusher is largely determined at the selection and installation stage. Irrational selection or improper installation will lead to potential faults and shorten the equipment’s lifespan.

In terms of selection, it is essential to match the crusher’s specifications and performance with the actual working conditions. First, clarify the properties of the material to be crushed, such as hardness, viscosity, moisture content, and particle size. For example, crushing high-hardness materials like granite or basalt requires a cone crusher with high wear resistance and strong load-bearing capacity, while materials with high moisture content may need equipment with anti-clogging designs. Second, determine the required output and discharge particle size to avoid overloading or underloading the crusher. Overloading for a long time will cause excessive wear on the main shaft, bearing, and crushing cavity, while underloading may lead to inefficient operation and uneven wear of components.

During installation, strict adherence to the manufacturer’s guidelines is crucial. Ensure the installation foundation is flat, solid, and has sufficient bearing capacity to reduce vibration during operation—excessive vibration is a major cause of component loosening and fatigue damage. Align the main shaft, eccentric shaft, and other key components accurately to ensure smooth operation. Additionally, check the tightness of bolts, connectors, and lubrication pipelines to prevent oil leakage, air leakage, or component displacement during operation. After installation, conduct a no-load test and a load test sequentially to verify the equipment’s operation status and adjust parameters in a timely manner.

2. Standardized Operation: Avoid Unnecessary Damage

Improper operation is one of the leading causes of shortened cone crusher service life. Operators must be professionally trained to master the correct operation methods and safety norms.

Before starting the crusher, conduct a pre-operation inspection. Check the lubrication level and quality, the wear status of the crushing liner, the tightness of fasteners, and the operation of the electrical system. Ensure there are no foreign objects (such as metal blocks, stones larger than the feed size) in the crushing cavity, as these can cause severe impacts and damage the liner or main shaft. Start the crusher in accordance with the specified procedure: first start the lubrication system and wait for the oil pressure and temperature to reach the normal range, then start the main motor, and finally feed materials evenly.

During operation, maintain a stable and uniform feed rate. Avoid sudden increases or decreases in feed volume, as this will cause load fluctuations and uneven wear of the crushing cavity. Do not feed materials beyond the maximum feed size, and promptly remove any uncrushable foreign objects to prevent equipment jamming. Monitor key parameters in real time, such as the temperature of the bearing, the vibration of the equipment, the oil pressure of the lubrication system, and the discharge particle size. If any abnormal parameters are detected, stop the machine immediately for inspection and troubleshooting to avoid minor faults evolving into major damage.

After shutting down the crusher, follow the correct shutdown procedure: first stop feeding materials, continue operating the crusher until all materials in the cavity are discharged, then stop the main motor, and finally stop the lubrication system. Clean the crushing cavity, feed hopper, and discharge port to remove residual materials, and conduct a post-operation inspection to record the wear status of components and potential problems.

3. Regular Maintenance: Preventive Measures for Longevity

Regular and systematic maintenance is the core measure to extend the service life of a cone crusher. It can effectively prevent component wear, fatigue, and failure, and ensure the equipment operates in optimal condition for a long time.

3.1 Lubrication System Maintenance

The lubrication system plays a vital role in reducing friction between moving components (such as bearings, eccentric shafts, and gears) and dissipating heat. Poor lubrication will cause severe wear, overheating, and even seizure of components. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly check the lubricating oil level, quality, and oil pressure. Replace the lubricating oil according to the manufacturer’s recommended cycle (usually every 2,000 to 4,000 operating hours) and use the specified type and grade of oil to avoid mixing different types of oil. Clean the oil filter, oil cooler, and oil tank regularly to prevent impurities from entering the lubrication system and causing blockage or wear. Ensure the lubrication pump operates normally, and check for oil leaks in pipelines and connectors.

3.2 Wear Component Replacement

Components such as crushing liners, mantle, concave, and feed plates are prone to wear due to direct contact with abrasive materials. Regularly inspect the wear status of these components—when the wear amount exceeds the specified limit, replace them in a timely manner to avoid excessive wear on other components. During replacement, select high-quality wear-resistant materials (such as manganese steel, alloy steel) that match the working conditions to improve the service life of the new components. Additionally, check the fit between the liner and the crusher body, and fasten the bolts firmly to prevent the liner from loosening and causing impact damage during operation.

3.3 Fastener and Seal Inspection

Vibration during the operation of the cone crusher can easily cause loosening of bolts, nuts, and other fasteners. Regularly check the tightness of all fasteners and retighten them if necessary. Replace any damaged or deformed fasteners to ensure the stability of the equipment structure. At the same time, inspect the seals (such as oil seals, gaskets) of the lubrication system, hydraulic system, and electrical system. Replace worn or damaged seals promptly to prevent oil leakage, water ingress, or dust intrusion, which can cause component corrosion and wear.

3.4 Hydraulic System Maintenance

Many cone crushers are equipped with hydraulic systems for adjusting the discharge gap and overload protection. Maintain the hydraulic system by regularly checking the hydraulic oil level, quality, and pressure. Replace the hydraulic oil and filter element according to the recommended cycle, and clean the hydraulic tank and pipelines to remove impurities. Check for leaks in the hydraulic cylinder, valve, and pipeline, and repair or replace damaged components in a timely manner. Ensure the hydraulic system’s pressure relief valve, overflow valve, and other safety components operate normally to avoid hydraulic system failure due to excessive pressure.

Understanding Mobile Gold Crushing Plants

In today’s competitive gold mining industry, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount. Mobile gold crushing plants offer the perfect solution for processing gold ore economically while maintaining high production standards. As a leading manufacturer of crushing equipment, Liming Heavy Industry provides robust NK Series mobile stations specifically designed for gold processing applications.

Our mobile crushing solutions combine flexibility with high performance, allowing mining operations to process ore directly at the site, significantly reducing transportation costs and improving overall profitability.

Key Factors Affecting Mobile Gold Crushing Plant Cost

1. Equipment Selection

The core of your mobile gold plant will be the crushing equipment. Liming Heavy Industry offers several high-performance options:

• NK Series Mobile Jaw Crusher Plant – Ideal for primary crushing of gold-bearing ore

• NK Series Mobile Cone Crusher Plant – Perfect for secondary and tertiary crushing stages

• NK Series Mobile Impact Crusher Plant – Excellent for processing softer gold ores

2. Production Capacity Requirements

Your target output directly impacts the mobile gold crushing plant cost. Our NK Series plants are available in various configurations to handle capacities from 50 to 500 tons per hour.

3. Material Characteristics

The hardness, abrasiveness, and size distribution of your gold ore influence equipment selection and wear parts consumption, both crucial cost factors.

Why Choose Liming Heavy Industry for Your Mobile Gold Crushing Needs?

As a professional manufacturer specializing in crushing equipment for decades, we understand the unique challenges of gold ore processing:

Superior Equipment Performance

Our NK Series mobile crushing plants incorporate industry-leading features:

• Heavy-duty construction for durability in tough mining conditions

• Advanced automation systems for optimal performance

• Energy-efficient operation to reduce running costs

• Easy maintenance access to minimize downtime

Complementary Equipment Solutions

For complete gold processing lines, we offer complementary equipment including:

• C6X Series Jaw Crusher – For primary stationary crushing applications

• HPT Hydraulic Cone Crusher – High-performance secondary crushing

• S5X Vibrating Screen – Efficient sizing of crushed material

Cost-Saving Considerations

When evaluating mobile gold crushing plant costs, consider these money-saving factors:

1. Total Cost of Ownership

Beyond the initial purchase price, consider:

• Fuel efficiency

• Maintenance requirements

• Wear part consumption

• Expected equipment lifespan

2. Modular Design Benefits

Our NK Series plants offer modular configurations allowing:

• Future capacity expansions

• Easy component upgrades

• Flexible deployment options

Getting Precise Cost Estimates

For accurate mobile gold crushing plant cost information tailored to your specific needs, we recommend:

1. Share your ore characteristics (hardness, feed size, moisture content)

2. Define your target production capacity

3. Specify any site constraints or special requirements

Our technical team can then recommend the optimal NK Series configuration and provide detailed cost breakdowns.

Investing in a mobile gold crushing plant requires careful consideration of both capital and operating costs. Liming Heavy Industry’s NK Series mobile stations offer the perfect balance of performance, flexibility and cost-effectiveness for gold processing applications.

With our extensive experience in crushing equipment manufacturing and gold processing applications, we can help you select the most cost-effective solution for your operation.

Above the 4,500-meter snow line of the Tianshan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan, two Liming mobile crushing stations — KE750-1 Jaw Crusher and KC160-2 Cone Crusher — have been running steadily for eight years at a renowned local aggregate company.

During Liming’s “Service Across Ten Thousand Miles” campaign, the service team in Kyrgyzstan received an urgent report of oil leakage from the customer’s equipment.LIMING’s engineering team mobilized immediately for an on-site diagnosis.

After thorough disassembly and inspection, the root cause was found: the drive shaft had been jammed by oversized ore, causing the moving cone to lift abnormally. This deformation disrupted the seal between the spherical bearing and the bowl-shaped copper bushing, resulting in oil leakage.

The client highly praised Liming’s timely response and professional service, expressing continued trust in Liming equipment. This was a reaffirmation of reliability and commitment under the most demanding conditions.

As global infrastructure construction enters a new phase of "greening and intelligentization," the demand for green and intelligent equipment in sectors like mining, construction, and environmental protection continues to grow. As a renowned enterprise in the global mining equipment manufacturing industry, LiMing Heavy Industry Technology, leveraging its profound technological accumulation and forward-looking positioning, has not only achieved its own sustained development but has also become a vital force in promoting industrial progress and enhancing customer value.

Seizing the Trend | Positioning in the New Green & Intelligent Arena

With the implementation of the "Dual Carbon" goals and the digital transformation of manufacturing, the sand and aggregate industry is undergoing profound changes. Emerging markets such as green mines and construction waste recycling are developing rapidly, placing higher demands on equipment's environmental performance, intelligence, and overall solutions. LiMing Heavy Industry Technology began systematically promoting the intelligent and green transformation of its products several years ago:

● Green Processes Driving Industry Advancement:The company's developed multi-stage dust removal, low-noise equipment systems, and dry sand-making processes are widely used in large sand and aggregate projects and construction solid waste recycling, helping customers achieve environmental goals and rational resource utilization.

● Intelligent Systems Optimizing Operation Management: Production lines equipped with intelligent control systems enable remote monitoring, fault diagnosis, and data analysis, shifting production management from "experience-driven" to "data-driven," thereby enhancing operational stability.

● Global Resource Integration & Service Expansion: Relying on the headquarters' R&D center and overseas branches, a service network covering Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and other regions has been established to respond promptly to global customer needs.

The S5X Circular Vibrating Screen: Liming Heavy Industry’s Pioneering Solution for High-Efficiency Material Classification

In the dynamic landscape of mineral processing, construction aggregates, and industrial material handling, efficient classification stands as a cornerstone of operational success. As a global leader in crushing, screening, and mineral processing equipment, Liming Heavy Industry has long been committed to developing innovative technologies that redefine industry standards. The S5X Circular Vibrating Screen—a flagship product in our screening equipment lineup—epitomizes this commitment, integrating advanced engineering, robust construction, and intelligent design to deliver unmatched performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness for clients worldwide.

1. Introduction: The Critical Role of Screening and Liming’s Innovation Mission

Screening, the process of separating solid materials into distinct particle size fractions, is indispensable across a spectrum of industries. From quarries producing construction aggregates to mineral processing plants extracting valuable ores, and from coal preparation facilities to chemical processing units, precise classification directly impacts product quality, production efficiency, and downstream process performance. A subpar screening solution can lead to wasted raw materials, inconsistent end products, increased energy consumption, and costly equipment downtime—challenges that modern enterprises cannot afford in an era of intensifying market competition.

For over three decades, Liming Heavy Industry has focused on addressing these industry pain points through continuous R&D and technological iteration. Our core mission—“To Provide Global Clients with High-Quality Crushing & Screening Solutions”—drives every stage of product development, from concept design to after-sales support. The S5X Circular Vibrating Screen is the result of this mission: a device engineered to overcome the limitations of traditional screening equipment, such as low processing capacity, poor screening accuracy, high noise, and short service life. By leveraging advanced dynamics principles, high-strength materials, and intelligent optimization, the S5X sets a new benchmark for circular vibrating screens, catering to the evolving needs of industries ranging from mining and construction to metallurgy and environmental protection.