System and method for recovering aggregate fine size particles

A method for recovering aggregate fine size particles from a carrying medium, comprising the steps of:

• (a) introducing a feed comprising water and particles having sizes of about 3/8 inch and less to a sand screw, thereby separating the particles into separate groups of large and fine particles, the fine particles being present in a fine particle stream comprising water and fines having sizes in the range of about 200-mesh and smaller, and being essentially free of particles having a size larger than 200-mesh;
• (b) introducing the fine particle stream from the sand screw to one or more hydraulic centrifugal separators which overflow a fine particle stream comprising water and fines having sizes in the range of about 400-mesh and smaller, and being essentially free of particles having a size larger than 400-mesh;
• (c) introducing the overflow fine particle stream from the one or more hydraulic centrifugal separators to a thickening tank, wherein clear water is removed therefrom, and precipitated material is removed as an underflow stream from a lower portion of the thickening tank;
• and
• (d) introducing the underflow stream from the thickening tank directly to a belt filter press, optionally with addition of a flocculant to the underflow stream.