A Taper Trommel, also known as a trommel screen or rotary screen, is a cylindrical drum with a perforated surface used for sorting and classifying materials. Let's break down the components and operation of a Taper Trommel assembled with a gearbox and driven by a motor or diesel engine:

1. Trommel Drum: The main component of the Taper Trommel is the cylindrical drum itself. It typically consists of a steel frame with perforated metal or wire mesh panels wrapped around it. The perforations allow smaller particles to pass through while retaining larger materials for further processing.

2. Taper Design: The term "taper" indicates that the diameter of the trommel drum may change along its length. This design feature can help improve material sorting and classification by gradually changing the size of the screened material as it moves through the drum.

3. Length: The dimensions provided indicate that the trommel drum has a length of 16 feet (about 4.88 meters). The length of the drum determines the residence time of material inside the trommel, affecting the efficiency of screening and classification.

4. Diameter: The diameter of the trommel drum is specified as 6 feet (about 1.83 meters). The diameter influences the capacity of the trommel and the size of materials it can effectively process.

5. Gearbox: A gearbox is used to transmit power from the motor or diesel engine to the trommel drum. It helps adjust the rotational speed and torque to optimize the screening process based on the type and size of materials being processed.

6. Motor or Diesel Engine: The trommel drum can be driven by either an electric motor or a diesel engine. The choice between the two depends on factors such as availability of power sources, mobility requirements, and operational preferences. Electric motors are commonly used in stationary installations where grid power is available, while diesel engines offer flexibility for mobile or remote operations.

7. Support Structure: The trommel drum assembly is typically mounted on a sturdy frame or support structure to ensure stability and proper alignment during operation. This structure may also include access platforms and safety guards for maintenance and inspection purposes.

8. Material Feed and Discharge: Material is fed into the trommel drum at one end, often through a conveyor or chute, and discharged at the other end based on size classification. Oversized materials are retained inside the drum and discharged separately, while undersized materials pass through the perforations and are collected for further processing.

Overall, a Taper Trommel assembled with a gearbox and driven by a motor or diesel engine is a versatile and efficient solution for sorting and classifying a wide range of materials in various industries such as mining, construction, recycling, and agriculture.