The jaw crusher lifts the main beam for processing sand and gravel aggregates

Jaw crushers are indeed used extensively in the mining, construction, and aggregate industries for processing sand, gravel, and various types of aggregates. The primary function of a jaw crusher is to break down large, solid pieces of material into smaller pieces by means of compression.

Here's how a jaw crusher operates in the processing of sand and gravel aggregates:

1. **Feeding**:

The raw material, which often includes large stones, chunks of concrete, or other debris, is fed into the jaw crusher through a feeder. The feeder controls the rate at which material enters the crusher, which is important for maintaining optimal performance and preventing overloading.

2. **Crushing**:

As the raw material enters the crusher, it is met by the moving jaw plate, which is hinged at one end and pivots around an axis. The fixed jaw plate is mounted on the opposite side and together, they form a "V"-shaped cavity. The raw material is crushed as it is squeezed between the two plates. The smaller pieces are then pushed out of the crushing chamber through the bottom opening.

3. **Automatic Opening**:

In some jaw crushers, there is a mechanism that lifts the main beam, which is the movable part of the jaw crusher, to ease the material out once it has been crushed to the desired size. This feature helps in the efficient discharge of the material.

4. **Screening**:

After the material is crushed to a smaller size, it may undergo a screening process. This is typically done on a separate screen that is part of the crushing plant. The screen separates the aggregate into different sizes, with each size being discharged onto a conveyor belt or stockpiled for further use.

5. **Conveying**:

The final crushed aggregate is then conveyed to a stockpile or directly to the next stage of the processing line, such as concrete batching or asphalt production.

Jaw crushers are known for their reliability and robust design, making them suitable for processing a wide range of materials, including sand, gravel, and various aggregates. The crushing action provided by the jaw crusher is crucial in the production of suitable material sizes for construction and other industrial applications.

It's important to note that jaw crushers should be properly maintained and operated within their specified parameters to ensure safe and efficient operation. Regular checks, lubrication, and replacement of wear parts are essential for maintaining the crusher's performance and preventing unexpected breakdowns.