Comparison of the performance of different comminution technologies in terms of energy efficiency and mineral liberation
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2020
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Baawuah, E.
Kelsey, C.
Addai-Mensah, J.
Skinner, W.
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Minerals Engineering, 2020; 156(106454)
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Abstract
In this study, a magnetite-rich ore was comminuted using laboratory-scale SFC and HPGR in open-circuit operations. Both comminution devices were operated at an identical net specific energy input, and their respective particle reduction ratios, size-specific energies (SSEs), and Bond operating work indices were used to evaluate and compare their grinding efficiencies. Also, the liberation characteristics of selected size fractions (−106+75 µm, −75+45 µm, and <45 µm) of the products obtained from both the SFC and the HPGR were investigated and compared using QEMSCAN™ and magnetic separation (on the <106 µm size fractions). The results showed that the SFC generated finer product particles and subsequently achieved a higher particle reduction ratio compared with the HPGR. Additionally, the SFC operated at a lower Bond operating work index and SSE (for <75 µm) than HPGR, which was interpreted as partially due to the edge effect of the open-circuit HPGR operation. The size-by-size liberation studies showed that the magnetite in both the HPGR and the SFC products were sparsely liberated with <2% being liberated in the <45 µm size fractions. The results from the magnetic separation studies showed that both the HPGR and the SFC products yielded statistically identical separation efficiency, although the HPGR's product generated slightly higher mass and iron recoveries. Finally, whilst the HPGR's product yielded higher gangue rejection compared with that of the SFC, the SFC's product showed a slightly higher Fe upgrade compared with that of the HPGR.
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Copyright 2020 Elsevier
Access Condition Notes: Accepted manuscript available on open access