CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:103 852168
V. Susanne Cook, Esq.
Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corp.
58th Floor, 600 Grant St.
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219
RE: The tariff classification of mineral separating machines
from Australia
Dear Ms. Cook:
In your letter dated May 1, 1990 on behalf of MDC of
Illinois, Inc. you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The spiral concentrator is a machine used to separate
minerals from a slurry based on the weight and density of the
mineral particles. Each spiral concentrator consists of a bank
of individual columns which are shaped like a helix. Each column
contains up to ten individual spirals, referred to as starts,
supported on a three-legged stand. An individual column also
contains a feed distributor, splitter box, pressure distributor,
splitter plate adjustment mechanism, and a support frame. The
spirals are made of fiberglass and are coated with a wear
resistant material. The feed distributor is mounted above each
column and is supplied from a feed pipe, while the pressure
distributor is used to divert equal amounts of slurry to the
columns. The splitter box contains two splitter plates which act
as deflectors to control the separation of the material as it
exits the unit. The plates are connected to levers and actuators
so that they can be remotely adjusted. The spiral bank frame
supports the distributors, the columns themselves, and the
splitter plate adjusting mechanism. In operation, as a water
slurry containing the mineral particles flows down a start in the
spiral column heavy grains move toward the center of the column
while light grains and water move toward the outside, thus
separating the mineral particles. A standard concentrator bank
containing 6 columns, each with eight starts, can separate 70
tons of coal per hour.
The sieve bend is a screening machine used to classify,
dewater, and deslime slurries containing minerals, food
particles, or sewage. It consists of a curved wire screen with
flexible side skirts cast on its edges to prevent overflow. The
screen is mounted on special rubber vibration mounts. The entire
screen is vibrated and flexed by means of a motor driven
vibration bar in order to increase screening efficiency. The
machine also incorporates a feeder which ensures the slurry is
evenly distributed across the full face of the screen surface,
and has a steel frame which is lined with rubber to resist
corrosion and wear. In a supplementary letter dated May 9, 1990
you stated that sieve bends are primarily used for classifying
and sizing mineral deposits.
The applicable subheading for the spiral concentrator banks
and the sieve bends will be 8474.10.0090, Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for
stationary sorting, screening, separating or washing machines for
earth, stone, ores or other mineral substances, in solid
(including powder or paste) form. The rate of duty will be 2.9
percent ad valorem.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section
177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
A copy of this ruling letter should be attached to the entry
documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If the
documents have been filed without a copy, this ruling should be
brought to the attention of the Customs officer handling the
transaction.
Sincerely,
Jean F. Maguire
Area Director
New York Seaport