The Process of Making Basalt Sand

Basalt is a versatile and widely used material in the construction industry. Its unique properties make it an ideal candidate for various applications, including the production of construction sand. In this blog post, we will explore what basalt is, how to process it into sand, the equipment required for basalt sand-making plants, and the benefits of using basalt sand in construction projects.

 

What is Basalt?

Basalt is an igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling and solidification of basaltic lava, which is rich in iron and magnesium. This rock is primarily found in volcanic regions and is known for its durability and strength. Here are some key characteristics of basalt:

• Composition: Basalt consists mainly of plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine, contributing to its dark color and fine-grained texture. It typically has a density of around 2.8 – 3.0 g/cm³.
• Physical Properties: Basalt is recognized for its high compressive strength (typically between 200-300 MPa), low water absorption, and resistance to weathering and erosion, making it suitable for various construction applications.
• Applications: Basalt is used in road construction, as aggregate in concrete and asphalt, in the production of bricks and tiles, and as a decorative stone in landscaping. Its versatility extends to geotechnical applications and the manufacturing of basalt fiber, which is used in high-strength composites.

 

The Process of Making Basalt Sand

Transforming basalt into construction sand involves several critical steps. Every step is essential for ensuring that the final product meets the necessary specifications for construction use. Here’s a detailed overview of the process:

1. Extraction of Basalt

The first step in making basalt sand is extracting basalt from quarries or volcanic sites. This involves:

• Drilling and Blasting: Large blocks of basalt are extracted using controlled blasting techniques, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximizing extraction efficiency.
• Transportation: The extracted basalt is then transported to the processing plant, often requiring heavy machinery and trucks to handle the large volumes of material.

2. Crushing

Once the basalt arrives at the processing plant, it undergoes crushing to break it down into smaller pieces. This step typically includes:

• Primary Crushing: Large basalt blocks are fed into a primary crusher, commonly a jaw crusher, which reduces the size of the blocks to manageable pieces.
• Secondary and Tertiary Crushing: The crushed material is further processed in secondary and tertiary crushers, such as cone crushers or impact crushers, to achieve the desired particle size for sand production. This multi-stage crushing ensures a uniform size distribution.

3. Screening

After crushing, the material is screened to separate fine particles from larger ones. This step typically involves:

Vibrating Screens: These are employed to sort the crushed basalt into different-size fractions. The goal is to isolate the desired sand-sized particles (usually between 0.075 mm and 4.75 mm) from coarser materials.

4. Washing

To enhance the quality of the final product, the screened basalt aggregates are washed to remove impurities like clay, silt, and dust. This process typically includes:

Washing Equipment: A sand washer or log washer is used to clean the aggregates. Washing is essential to ensure that the sand meets specific standards for cleanliness, which is critical for its performance in construction applications.

5. Drying

If necessary, the washed basalt sand is dried to reduce moisture content. This step is important for ensuring that the sand is suitable for construction applications. Drying can be achieved through:

Rotary Dryers: used to remove excess moisture from the sand. The drying process improves the workability of the sand.

6. Final Processing

Once the sand is dried, additional processing may be necessary to achieve the desired properties for the basalt sand. This can include:

Grading: Ensuring the sand meets the required specifications for size distribution. Proper grading is essential for achieving optimal performance in concrete and other construction applications.

Adding Additives: In certain cases, additives may be used to enhance specific properties of the sand, such as its cohesion or bonding capabilities.

7. Packaging and Distribution

After the basalt sand is processed and meets quality standards, it is packaged and prepared for distribution to construction sites or retailers. This final step involves:

Bulk Storage: Processed sand is often stored in silos or large containers to facilitate efficient loading and transport.

Transportation: Transport the sand to construction sites.

 

Basalt Sand Making Equipment

To effectively process basalt into construction sand, a variety of equipment is required. Here’s a breakdown of the essential machinery:

1. Crushing Equipment

• Jaw Crusher: Used for primary crushing of large basalt blocks, reducing them to manageable sizes.
• Cone Crusher: Employed for secondary and tertiary crushing to achieve smaller particle sizes, ensuring a uniform product.

2. Screening Equipment

Vibrating Screens: These are crucial for sorting crushed basalt into various-size fractions, allowing for the separation of sand-sized particles from larger aggregates.

3. Washing Equipment

Sand Washer: This equipment is essential for removing impurities and enhancing the quality of the basalt sand. It typically uses water and mechanical agitation to clean the aggregates effectively.

4. Drying Equipment

Rotary Dryer: A key piece of equipment for reducing moisture content in the sand, ensuring that it is suitable for construction applications.

5. Conveyors

Belt Conveyors: Used for transporting materials between different stages of processing, ensuring smooth and efficient operations within the plant.

6. Storage and Packaging Equipment

• Bins and Hoppers: Utilized for storing processed sand before packaging, allowing for efficient handling and distribution.
• Packaging Machines: These machines are used to package the final product for distribution, ensuring that the sand is ready for transport to construction sites.

Benefits of Using Basalt Sand in Construction

Using basalt sand in construction offers several advantages that contribute to the overall quality and longevity of construction projects. Some of these benefits include:

1. High Strength: Basalt sand possess excellent compressive strength, making it ideal for use in concrete and other structural applications.
2. Durability: Its resistance to weathering and erosion ensures that structures made with basalt sand maintain their integrity over time.
3. Sustainability: Basalt is an abundant natural resource, and utilizing it for sand production can reduce the environmental impact associated with mining traditional river sand.
4. Versatility: Basalt sand can be used in various applications, including concrete production, asphalt paving, and as a base material for roads and foundations.

 

Conclusion

Transforming basalt into construction sand is a multi-step process that involves extraction, crushing, screening, washing, drying, and packaging. The resulting basalt sand is a high-quality material essential for various construction applications. By understanding the properties of basalt and the processes involved in its transformation into sand, construction professionals can make informed decisions about using this durable and versatile material in their projects.

If you’re considering using basalt sand in your next construction project, be sure to consult with suppliers who can provide high-quality materials that meet your specific needs. Utilizing basalt sand not only enhances the strength and durability of your construction but also contributes to more sustainable building practices.

We offer customization for additional models to meet the diverse requirements of our customers. The price of the mining equipment will be determined by the manufacturer’s type, machine model, manufacturing process capacity, etc. We can provide a range of mining equipment, including stone crushers. You are welcome to consult JXSC‘s professional engineers to get a quotation based on your requirements. We can design a sand-making and crushing production line flow chart for you.