Abstract
As part of a joint project on fine particles processing sponsored by the Consortium de Recherche Minerale (COREM), Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) and Hydro-Quebec, three flotation plant circuits were sampled to identify and quantify the causes of mineral losses within several particle size ranges. Size distributions, size-by-size assays and global chemical assays (Cu, Zn,Fe, S) were determined for the major streams. Size distributions were measured in 13 classes by sieving and cyclosizing (-45 μan). A few size fractions were further characterized by image analysis and laser beam diffraction analysis. BILMAT, a material balance computation software package, was used to optimize the sampling, to estimate the unmeasured variables, and to assess and improve the quality of the sampled data. The B1LMA T methodology has been extended to assess the quality of size-by-size assays and to correct biased measurements introduced in size distribution by the gravity separation in the cyclosizer. This paper describes the extended methodology and demonstrates how it can improve the evaluation offline particles distribution in an industrial flotation process. The problem offline particles entrapment in the larger size fractions is addressed. Decantation of the fines before cyclosizer separation is proposed to avoid their entrapment in the first cone. This entrapment is significant (about 10%), stream dependant and must, therefore, be eliminated to obtain a coherent material balance of the fine particles.
Published Version
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