Gravity separation of fine itabirite iron ore using the Reflux Classifier – Part I – Investigation of continuous steady state separations across a wide range of parameters

Rodrigues, Armando Fernandes da Veiga; Junior, Homero Delboni; Rodrigues, Otávia Martins Silva; Zhou, James; Galvin, K.P.

doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2023.108187

Cited by 7 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Thus, the denser and coarser particles tend to move counter-currently, sliding over the inclined channels and leaving the system as underflow, while the lighter and finer particles move concurrently and are discharged in the overflow. The combined effect of the augmented residence time due to the inclined upward flow and the laminar regime generated by the narrow spacing between the channels allows the separation of materials as fine as 0.15 mm [48].…”

Section: Equipmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This unique design incorporates particle collisions with the channel walls as an additional factor that influences particle motion. As a result, it slows down particle movement, effectively prolonging their exposure to the airflow for an extended duration [48][49][50]. Kaas, Mütze, and Peuker [37] have indicated that industrial ZigZag separators have feed rates ranging from 5 to 15 ton/m 2 /h, with minimum air velocities of about 2 m/s and a solid-to-air ratio of up to 2 kg/m 3 .…”

Section: Equipmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Gravity Concentration in Urban Mining Applications—A Review

Ambrós

2023

Recycling

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Urban mining has emerged as a concept that goes beyond conventional recycling, as it aims to tackle both the challenges of solid waste generation and management, as well as the scarcity of primary resources. Gravity concentration has gained increasing attention as a promising method for addressing crucial challenges in urban mining applications. In this sense, this review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of gravity concentration in urban mining processes, covering principles, techniques, current applications, recent advancements, challenges, and opportunities. Emphasis was placed on shifting from the commonly found literature focus on ore processing to solid waste processing. Three types of solid waste, namely plastics, construction and demolition waste (CDW), and waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), were chosen for a more in-depth examination due to their massive production and widespread generation. Discussions also considered the potential of gravity concentration to address the unique challenges in their processing and explored possibilities for future developments.

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Section: Equipmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Equipmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gravity Concentration in Urban Mining Applications—A Review

Ambrós

2023

Recycling

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“…Figure 3 shows the product Fe grade as a function of the particle size and Figure 4 shows the Fe recovery as a function of the particle size. The error analysis was reported previously in Part I (Rodrigues et al, 2023). In this paper the error analysis is taken to a deeper level, based on the uncertainty in the Ep as described later.…”

Section: Run 13 -A Case Studymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Part I the feasibility of a vastly simpler method of beneficiation was investigated (Rodrigues et al, 2023). In principle, the Reflux Classifier offers the potential to achieve the required product grade in a single stage separation (Amariei, 2014), without the need for the desliming stage, reverse flotation stages, and product thickening (Rodrigues et al, 2023). The Reflux Classifier, shown schematically in Figure 1, consists of a series of inclined channels above an upward current fluidized bed (Galvin, 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gravity separation of fine itabirite iron ore using the Reflux Classifier – Part II – Establishing the underpinning partition surface

Rodrigues,

Delboni Jr,

Zhou

et al. 2023

Preprint

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This work assessed the potential of a single stage Reflux Classifier to upgrade itabirite iron ore to high grade at satisfactory recovery. Part I reported on the detailed findings of the experimental program and the physical transport of the particles through the system. A key purpose of the present paper was to deduce the underlying partition surface from relatively basic feed information on the Fe assays obtained as a function of the particle size. Conversion of the feed data into a simple binary description based on the density of hematite and density of silicates was used. This approach then provided a basis for applying the partition surface to a given feed to predict the separation performance. Data from the experiments were compared to values predicted from the partition surface. A least squares objective function was used to deduce the parameters governing the partition surface. Across 12 of the experiments, the key exponent, n, governing the partition surface was found to be 0.26+/-0.02. This result was in very good agreement with the value of 0.28 determined previously. The second key parameter, the Ep, was also determined for each of the experiments. The lowest Ep, found to be 365 kg/m3 for a low slimes viscosity, was also in good agreement with the result reported previously for a deslimed feed. This work provides confidence in the application of the partition surface to predict similar dense mineral separations, and stronger insights into the mechanisms responsible for the separation.

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“…The technology is being used increasingly for dense mineral beneficiation. The published literature covers iron ore [9][10][11], mineral sands [12], zircon [13], antimony oxide [14] and chromite ore [15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Beneficiation of High-Density Tantalum Ore in the REFLUX™ Concentrating Classifier Analysed Using Batch Fractionation Assay and Density Data

Iveson,

Boonzaier,

Galvin

2024

Minerals

Self Cite

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A laboratory-scale REFLUX™ Concentrating Classifier was operated in continuous mode to beneficiate a sub 0.100 mm tantalum ore with a head grade of 0.56 wt.% Ta. The unit incorporated a lower section with a reduced diameter to accommodate a low yield. At a yield to underflow product of 4.0 wt.%, a product grade of 13.3 wt.% was achieved (23.7 upgrade) at a recovery of 88.3%. Samples of the feed, product and reject were then fractionated in a batch REFLUX™ Classifier unit using dense lithium heteropolytungstate (LST) solution into 11 fractions. Each of these fractions was then screened into seven size intervals and analysed by pycnometry and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Most of the material was found to reside in four relatively narrow density bands. A new analysis based on the recovery of selected tracer elements showed that the partition curve had good closure at both ends and that the density cut point and Ep both increased with decreasing particle size. For the +0.045 mm material, the density cut point was estimated to be around 3952 kg/m3 with an Ep of 317 kg/m3, but it was expected that this new method could overestimate Ep. An alternative novel approach for estimating the partition performance was developed. This method estimated the cut point and Ep values to be 3764 kg/m3 and 107 kg/m3, respectively. However, sensitivity analysis found that due to the near total absence of material in the density range from 3400 kg/m3 to 4700 kg/m3, the Ep could likely lie anywhere in the range from 0 to 250 kg/m3. The methodology proved useful in establishing these limitations in the analysis.

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Gravity separation of fine itabirite iron ore using the Reflux Classifier – Part I – Investigation of continuous steady state separations across a wide range of parameters

Cited by 7 publications

References 21 publications

Gravity Concentration in Urban Mining Applications—A Review

Gravity Concentration in Urban Mining Applications—A Review

Gravity separation of fine itabirite iron ore using the Reflux Classifier – Part II – Establishing the underpinning partition surface

Beneficiation of High-Density Tantalum Ore in the REFLUX™ Concentrating Classifier Analysed Using Batch Fractionation Assay and Density Data

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