A new energy dissipation theory of jig bed stratification. Part 2: a key energy parameter determining bed stratification

Abstract

Based on a detailed dynamic energy dissipation analysis for a large experimental data base developed in a highly instrumented and controlled pilot Baum jig, the effects of operating parameters on some important energies in the jigging process have been analyzed. Changes in the frequency of pulsation and air pressure in the accumulator result in a large change of these energies. According to regression analyses of the energy dissipation data, a new energy hypothesis is proposed, which indicates that the total energy dissipated in the jig bed within a cycle is the vital parameter determining the bed stratification. This energy is the difference between the energy input to the jig bed and the energy recovery on bed collapse. It is a combined product of the operating parameters, bed material characteristics, and jig structure. It can be suggested that for each type of bed material, a certain level of energy input is required to efficiently stratify the bed. This energy hypothesis remedies the defects of the previous jig theories, because the functions of the operating parameters and the air-water phase behaviour parameters are fully considered and analyzed.