Effect of particle shape produced from wet ball milling on magnetic separation concentrate by fractal dimension

Abstract

The particle shape in mineral processing is a function of the comminution mechanism. In this study, the effect of the concentrate particle shape, obtained from the wet ball milling and the low-intensity magnetic separator on magnetite ore is investigated by the fractal geometry approach. The particle shape is described by the fractal dimension, calculated by the divider method. The variable parameters of grinding time, loading ratio, and solid weight percentage were studied here. The fractal dimensions of the particles are obtained between 1.12 and 1.42. When the grinding time is increased from 45 to 65 minutes, the fractal dimension and product grades are increased from 1.19 to 1.42 and from 65.61 to 67.70%, respectively. By increasing the loading ratio from 14% to 22%, the fractal dimension and the product’s grades are increased from 1.17 to 1.38 and from 64.80 to 66.68%, respectively. By increasing the solid weight percentage from 35 to 55%, the fractal dimension and product grades are decreased from 1.32 to 1.12 and from 65.51 to 64.65%, respectively. The results show that the particle shape has a significant effect on the performance of the magnetic separator. It is the findings indicate a direct relationship between the particle fractal dimension and the grade of magnetic separation products.