Enter the weight of the heavy mineral and the weight of the light mineral into the Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the Hydraulic Ratio. 

Hydraulic Ratio Formula

HR = WHM / WLM 

Variables:

  • HR is the Hydraulic Ratio
  • WHM is the weight of the heavy mineral
  • WLM is the weight of the light mineral

To calculate the Hydraulic Ratio, divide the weight of the heavy mineral by the weight of the light mineral.

How to Calculate Hydraulic Ratio?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Hydraulic Ratio.


  1. First, determine the weight of the heavy mineral. 
  2. Next, determine the weight of the light mineral. 
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = HR = WHM / WLM * 100.
  4. Finally, calculate the Hydraulic Ratio.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

weight of the heavy mineral = 5600

weight of the light mineral = 2000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of calculating the Hydraulic Ratio?

The Hydraulic Ratio is used to determine the relative proportions of heavy and light minerals in a mixture. This measurement is crucial in various industries, including mining and civil engineering, to assess the feasibility of hydraulic separation processes.

Can the Hydraulic Ratio be greater than 1?

Yes, the Hydraulic Ratio can be greater than 1. This occurs when the weight of the heavy mineral is greater than the weight of the light mineral, indicating a higher proportion of heavy minerals in the mixture.

How does the Hydraulic Ratio affect hydraulic separation processes?

The Hydraulic Ratio is a critical factor in hydraulic separation processes. A higher ratio suggests that a separation process may be more efficient or feasible, as it indicates a significant difference in the weights of the minerals to be separated.

Are there any limitations to using the Hydraulic Ratio in practical applications?

While the Hydraulic Ratio provides valuable insights, it is not the sole factor to consider in hydraulic separation processes. Other factors such as particle size, shape, and the specific gravity of the minerals also play a crucial role in the efficiency of separation.