Simulation Algorithm for Water Elutriators: Model Calibration with Plant Data and Operational Simulations

Jonathan Roy,Faïçal Larachi,Claude Bazin

doi:10.3390/min12030316

Abstract

A dynamic simulation algorithm based on 1-D transient convection/diffusion transport per particle size class is proposed to simulate a hydraulic classifier operated to selectively remove quartz from an iron oxide concentrate produced by processing the ore from an iron ore mine in northeastern Canada. The calibrated model is used to simulate the operation of dense bed hydraulic classifiers of different sizes and/or under different operating conditions. The simulator predicts the behavior and characteristics of the pulp at different depths within the classifier as a function of time. The simulator is validated by confronting the simulation results to experimental data obtained from sampling industrial and laboratory classifiers. The simulator is then used to assess the role of the fluidization or teeter water and of bed density on the quality of the produced separation of quartz from the valuable iron oxide of the processed ore. The knowledge acquired in the noise-free environment of simulation provides clues on the way to manipulate the hydraulic classifier operating variables in a process control strategy for an industrial scale unit.

Highlights

Mineral concentration processes refer to the operations used to separate the valuable minerals from the non-valuable minerals in mined ores or rocks
The present study focuses on a type of gravity separation equipment named hydraulic classifier (Hc) or water elutriator
The objective of this paper is to propose an Hc mathematical model that can serve the two indicated purposes, namely, design and optimization

Summary

Introduction

Mineral concentration processes refer to the operations used to separate the valuable minerals from the non-valuable minerals (gangue) in mined ores or rocks. Mineral concentration equipment either use the physical (specific gravity, magnetic susceptibility, electrical conductivity, etc.) or chemical (surface composition) properties of the minerals to achieve their separation [1]. Reliance on the differences in the specific gravities between valuable and non-valuable minerals is certainly the oldest and most traditional way to carry out such separations. Gravity separation devices are inexpensive to operate and do not require the addition of chemical reagents to carry out the separation of valuable minerals from the gangue and are often considered as environmentally friendly (Burt, 1999 [2]). The present study focuses on a type of gravity separation equipment named hydraulic classifier (Hc) or water elutriator

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion