The STLB series and Knelson concentrators share the same working principle of using centrifugal force to recover fine gold and heavy minerals. Knelson, as the original Canadian brand, offers high-end precision and superior performance for ultra-fine gold, but comes with a much higher cost. The STLB series, developed in China, provides reliable recovery rates of 90–95%, easier maintenance, and a more affordable solution, making it widely popular in Africa and South America for alluvial and rock gold processing.

Origin & Development

Knelson: Developed in Canada in the 1980s, one of the earliest and most well-known centrifugal concentrator brands. Advanced technology but very expensive.

STLB Series: Designed and manufactured in China, widely used as a cost-effective alternative with full model range.

Working Principle

Both use high centrifugal force to separate heavy minerals (such as gold, tungsten, tin, iron) from gangue.

Knelson: Mostly batch type, requires periodic shutdown for concentrate collection.

STLB: Available in both batch type and continuous discharge models, offering more flexibility.

Structure & Technology

Knelson: Precision design, cone-shaped bowl with rubber liner, strong stability.

STLB: Simpler structure, locally made spare parts, easier maintenance, lower operation cost.

Recovery Performance

Knelson: Higher recovery rate for very fine gold (-74 μm), suitable for high-end mining projects.

STLB: Excellent recovery for alluvial gold, rock gold, and tailings reprocessing, recovery rate typically 90–95%, with better cost-performance ratio.

Price & After-Sales

Knelson: Imported, usually 3–5 times more expensive than STLB models, higher spare parts cost.

STLB: Affordable, spare parts supply is easy, widely accepted in Africa and South America markets.

Conclusion

If you need premium brand and focus on ultra-fine gold recovery → choose Knelson.

If you care about cost-efficiency and practical performance for medium-scale mining → STLB series is the best choice.