1. Start with tonnes per hour, then allow for clay
Trommel capacity is quoted as a range because clay changes everything. Sticky clay takes longer to break up in the scrubber, so the same machine processes less material. In our range, the RHT-3 is rated at 8 – 12 t/h and the RHT-5 at 25 – 35 t/h, both depending on clay content. If your gravels are very clayey, size up or look at a static scrubber plant such as the ZSP-001, built for extreme clay conditions.
2. Check the maximum feed size
Every trommel has a sizing grizzly on the feed hopper. Material larger than the grizzly opening is rejected before it reaches the scrubber, so match the feed size to your ground. Across the range the maximum feed size rises from 15 mm on the prospecting trommel to 200 mm on the 100 TPH RHT-7.
3. Plan your water before anything else
Water is the most underestimated requirement on alluvial sites. Demand rises steeply with capacity, from 800 litres per hour on the prospecting trommel to 600,000 litres per hour on the RHT-7. The table below shows the catalogue figures, based on an SG of 1.8.
| Model | Throughput | Max. feed size | Water | Water inlet | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RHT-P | 100 – 250 kg/h depending on clay content | 15 mm | 800 L/h (SG 1.8) | 1" / 25 mm | 0.15 kW, 220 VAC · 12 VDC connection included |
| RHT-2 | 4 – 6 t/h depending on clay content | 100 mm | 30,000 L/h (SG 1.8) | 3" / 75 mm | Running 5.5 kW · start-up 7 kW · 380 VAC, 50 Hz |
| RHT-3 | 8 – 12 t/h depending on clay content | 120 mm | 30,000 L/h (SG 1.8) | 3" / 75 mm | Running 5.5 kW · start-up 7 kW · 380 VAC, 50 Hz |
| RHT-4 | 4 – 22 t/h depending on clay content | 120 mm | 101,000 L/h (SG 1.8) | 3" / 75 mm | Running 5.5 kW · start-up 7 kW · 380 VAC, 50 Hz |
| RHT-5 | 25 – 35 t/h depending on clay content | 150 mm | 175,000 L/h (SG 1.8) | 3" / 75 mm | Running 7 kW · start-up 9 kW · 380 VAC, 50 Hz |
| RHT-6 | 44 – 55 t/h depending on clay content | 150 mm | 275,000 L/h (SG 1.8) | 4" / 100 mm | Running 7 kW · start-up 9 kW · 380 VAC, 50 Hz |
| RHT-7 | 80 – 120 t/h depending on clay content | 200 mm | 600,000 L/h (SG 1.8) | 6" / 150 mm | Running 39 kW · start-up 49 kW · 380 VAC, 50 Hz |
4. Size your generator for start-up, not running load
Motors draw more power when they start. Each specification lists both running and start-up power, and the generator must cover the start-up figure. Pumps and generators are not included with the trommels, but we can source them for you matched to the plant.
5. Decide how you will move it
Our reverse helix trommels from the RHT-2 upwards are built on double-axle trailers with jack stands and adjustable jack arms, so they can move between deposits. Static wash plants such as the IWP-001 and AWP-001 handle higher volumes and rocky ground but need a fixed site.
6. Plan recovery after the trommel
The trommel washes and sizes the material and its sluices catch most coarse gold. To recover finer gold, add a centrifugal concentrator, then upgrade concentrate on a shaking table before smelting. A cleanout container brings those final steps together.
Need help choosing?
Send us your ore type, target throughput and site conditions and we will recommend equipment and prepare a quotation.

