Estimating the cut (d 50) size of classifiers without product particle-size measurement

Abstract

A technique is presented by which the cut size of a classifier can be estimated without size analyses of the coarse and fine products. Using the corrected solids recovery and the classifier feed size distribution, an indicated d 50 size can be determined which is usually within ± 10% of the actual cut size. By computer simulation of the classification process, actual/indicated cut size ratios were determined for a variety of operating conditions. Through the application of these ratios, it has been demonstrated that the d 50 of a classifier can be estimated with an accuracy comparable to that obtained through the use of classification curves. The main limitations of this technique are that accurate measurement of the solids content in the slurry streams is required and that no information is obtained concerning the sharpness of separation.