Effect of hydrodynamic forces on mineral particles trajectories in gravimetric concentrator type JIG

Abstract

Hydrodynamic interaction is a sensitive process for gravity concentration equipment. Because of the nonlinearity and complexity of interaction dynamics due the solid particles and water, reliable mathematical models are needed to perform plant width design (PWD)-oriented tasks. To this end, in this paper we present a study of particle motion in a water oscillating flow subjected to a sinusoidal profile on a jig device, which is a high yield and high recovery gravimetric concentrator device widely used in minerals processing. A mathematical Eulerian-Lagrangian model (ELM) is used where fluid motion is calculated by solving the Navier-Stokes and continuity equations by a widely used numerical procedure call Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure Linked Equations algorithm (SIMPLE). The motion of individual particles is obtained by a forces balance applying the Newton’s second law of motion through the action of forces imposed by the water and gravity. Liquid-solid interactions forces are calculated by the mathematical Eulerian-Lagrangian model extended to a particle suspension having a wide size and density distribution. The calculation and comparison of Basset, pressure gradient and virtual mass forces with other forces (drag and buoyancy) acting on particle trajectories in water oscillating flows were carried out under turbulent regimen flow. It was found that Basset, pressure gradient and virtual mass forces have a significant effect on the particle’s trajectories affecting their subsequent stratification. Furthermore, the conditions under which these forces can be neglected in the jig’s hydrodynamic model were studied. The study demonstrates significant differences in the particle trajectories for various size and density distribution.