A preliminary investigation of dry gravity separation with low specific gravity ores using a laboratory Knelson Concentrator

It has become an active research area for treating low specific gravity (SG) deposits by centrifugal separation due to its high efficiency, cost and minor environmental impact. Laboratory Knelson Concentrator shown potential processing density ores on a dry basis. This study investigated the feasibility optimum operating conditions when SG feed with modified Concentrator. A synthetic mixture of magnetite quartz grade 1% was used mimic low-density ratio ore. Bowl speed (G), air fluidizing pressure (psi) solids rate (g/min) were chosen as variables. Box-Behnken design experiments response surface method optimization. The effects each individual factors their interactions concentrate recovery evaluated. process achieved up 60 % upgrade 5. optimized values concentration highest bowl speed, are 27 G, 200 g/min 12 psi, respectively.