Grinding and flotation processes are often studied independently, despite the well-established grinding influence on flotation performance, which affects not only particle size and thus liberation but also shape and l...Grinding and flotation processes are often studied independently, despite the well-established grinding influence on flotation performance, which affects not only particle size and thus liberation but also shape and leads to complex changes in pulp chemistry affecting the particle surface properties relevant for selective bubble attachment. Yet, no study jointly investigated these possible causes and many are limited to single mineral flotation. We relate grinding conditions to changes in pulp chemistry and particle surface properties and assess their impact on upgrading. We studied three non-sulfide ores with different feed grades and valuables: scheelite, apatite, and fluorite. These were dry-, wet-, and wet conditionedground before flotation in a laboratory mechanical cell. Results were evaluated with bulk-and particle-specific methodologies. The selectivity of the process is higher after dry grinding for the fluorite and apatite ores and irrelevant for the scheelite ore. Variations in flotation kinetics of individual particles associated to their size and shape are not sufficient to explain these results. The higher concentration of Ca2+and Mg2+observed in the pulp after wet grinding, altering particle surface properties, better explains the phenomenon. Additionally, we demonstrate how particle shape impacts are system specific and related to both entrainment and true flotation.展开更多
Physical separation processes are best understood in terms of the behaviour of individual ore particles.Yet,while different empirical particle-based separation modelling approaches have been developed,their predictive...Physical separation processes are best understood in terms of the behaviour of individual ore particles.Yet,while different empirical particle-based separation modelling approaches have been developed,their predictive performance has never been tested under variable process conditions.Here,we investigated the predictive performance of a state-of-the-art particle-based separation model under variable feed composition for a laboratory-scale magnetic separation of a skarn ore.Two scenarios were investigated:one in which the mass flow of the different processing streams could be measured and one in which it had to be estimated from data.In both scenarios,the predictive models were sufficiently general to predict the process outcomes of new samples of variable composition.Nevertheless,the scenario in which mass flow could be measured was4%more precise in predicting mass balances.The process behaviour of minerals present at concentrations above 0.1%by weight could be accurately predicted.Our findings indicate the potential use of this method to minimize the costs of metallurgical testwork while providing in-depth understanding of the recovery behaviour of individual ore particles.Moreover,the method may be used to establish powerful tools to forecast mineral recoveries for partly new ore types at a running mining operation.展开更多
基金The Zeitenwende project, financed by the Helmholtz Association, is responsible for funding the work of some of the authors in this study。
文摘Grinding and flotation processes are often studied independently, despite the well-established grinding influence on flotation performance, which affects not only particle size and thus liberation but also shape and leads to complex changes in pulp chemistry affecting the particle surface properties relevant for selective bubble attachment. Yet, no study jointly investigated these possible causes and many are limited to single mineral flotation. We relate grinding conditions to changes in pulp chemistry and particle surface properties and assess their impact on upgrading. We studied three non-sulfide ores with different feed grades and valuables: scheelite, apatite, and fluorite. These were dry-, wet-, and wet conditionedground before flotation in a laboratory mechanical cell. Results were evaluated with bulk-and particle-specific methodologies. The selectivity of the process is higher after dry grinding for the fluorite and apatite ores and irrelevant for the scheelite ore. Variations in flotation kinetics of individual particles associated to their size and shape are not sufficient to explain these results. The higher concentration of Ca2+and Mg2+observed in the pulp after wet grinding, altering particle surface properties, better explains the phenomenon. Additionally, we demonstrate how particle shape impacts are system specific and related to both entrainment and true flotation.
基金the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) for funding the projects MoCa (grant number 033R189B) and AFK (grant number 033R128), which were essential to this studythe Saxore Bergbau GmbH for providing the samples for this studySabine Gilbricht (TU Bergakademie Freiberg) for support during SEM-MLA data acquisition
文摘Physical separation processes are best understood in terms of the behaviour of individual ore particles.Yet,while different empirical particle-based separation modelling approaches have been developed,their predictive performance has never been tested under variable process conditions.Here,we investigated the predictive performance of a state-of-the-art particle-based separation model under variable feed composition for a laboratory-scale magnetic separation of a skarn ore.Two scenarios were investigated:one in which the mass flow of the different processing streams could be measured and one in which it had to be estimated from data.In both scenarios,the predictive models were sufficiently general to predict the process outcomes of new samples of variable composition.Nevertheless,the scenario in which mass flow could be measured was4%more precise in predicting mass balances.The process behaviour of minerals present at concentrations above 0.1%by weight could be accurately predicted.Our findings indicate the potential use of this method to minimize the costs of metallurgical testwork while providing in-depth understanding of the recovery behaviour of individual ore particles.Moreover,the method may be used to establish powerful tools to forecast mineral recoveries for partly new ore types at a running mining operation.
