Spiral concentrators are used globally in the fine coal processing industry to segregate particles, by gravitation, on the basis
of density and size. Consisting of an open trough that twists vertically downwards about a central axis, a slurry mix of
particles and water is fed to the top of the concentrator. Particles are then separated radially as they gravitate downward.
Since their introduction to Australia in the 1940's, the generic design has evolved largely by laboratory trial-and-error
investigations of different prototypes. However, this approach has proven expensive and optimal designs have not been
necessarily developed. Accordingly, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis has been used recently as an
alternative method of investigation, to assume as is envisaged, a role in the design process. To date, CFD models have
progressed to simulations of turbulent fluid flow on current production spiral designs, and are continuing to be adapted for
inclusion of particles at realistic feed concentrations. To be able to use the models confidently however, laboratory
experiments must also be performed to validate the predictions during the development stage. This paper reports the
current findings of an ongoing CFD and experimental program applied to one spiral unit. Satisfactory quantitative
agreement has been achieved for the fluid and particulate flow characteristics, and although further validations are
appropriate, the model already possesses significant potential for use as a reliable predictive design tool.