Modeling and Simulation of Mineral Processing Systems (eBook)

Cover 1
Copyright Page 5
Contents 8
Preface 6
Chapter 1. Introduction 12
Bibliography 15
References 15
Chapter 2. Particle populations and distribution functions 16
2.1 Introduction 16
2.2 Distribution functions 17
2.3 The distribution density function 24
2.4 The distribution by number, the representative size and population averages 24
2.5 Distributions based on particle composition 27
2.6 Joint distribution functions 28
2.7 Conditional distribution functions 30
2.8 Independence 42
2.9 Distributions by number 43
2.10 Internal and external particle coordinates and distribution densities 45
2.11 Particle properties derived from internal coordinates 46
2.12 The population balance modeling method 46
2.13 The fundamental population balance equation 47
2.14 The general population balance equation for comminution machines 51
Bibliography 53
References 54
Chapter 3. Mineral liberation 56
3.1 The beta distribution for mineral liberation 57
3.2 Graphical representation of the liberation distribution 60
3.3 Quantitative prediction of mineral liberation 62
3.4 Simulating mineral liberation during comminution 69
3.5 Non-random fracture 80
3.6 Discretized Andrews-Mika diagram 83
3.7 Symbols used in this chapter 90
Bibliography 90
References 91
Chapter 4. Size classification 92
4.1 Classification based on sieving–vibrating screens 92
4.2 The classification function 97
4.3 A simple kinetic model for screening 102
4.4 Classification based on differential settling – the hydrocyclone 109
4.5 Terminal settling velocity 113
4.6 Capacity limitations of the hydrocyclone 135
4.7 Symbols used in this chapter 135
References 136
Chapter 5. Comminution operations 138
5.1 Fracture of brittle materials 138
5.2 Patterns of fracture when a single particle breaks 140
5.3 Breakage probability and particle fracture energy 143
5.4 Progeny size distribution when a single particle breaks – the breakage function 147
5.5 Energy requirements for comminution 161
5.6 Crushing machines 163
5.7 Grinding 171
5.8 The continuous mill 185
5.9 Mixing characteristics of operating mills 190
5.10 Models for rod mills 191
5.11 The population balance model for autogenous mills 192
5.12 Models for the specific rate of breakage in ball mills 198
5.13 Models for the specific rate of breakage in autogenous and semi-autogenous mills 208
5.14 Models for the breakage function in autogenous and semi-autogenous mills 212
5.15 Mill power and mill selection 213
5.16 The batch mill 216
Bibliography 220
References 221
Chapter 6. Solid–liquid separation 224
6.1 Thickening 224
6.2 Useful models for the sedimentation velocity 230
6.3 Simulation of continuous thickener operation 231
6.4 Mechanical dewatering of slurries 234
6.5 Filtration 238
Bibliography 241
References 242
Chapter 7. Gravity separation 244
7.1 Manufactured-medium gravity separation 244
7.2 Quantitative models for dense-media separators 245
7.3 Autogenous media separators 254
7.4 Generalized partition function models for gravity separation units 274
Bibliography 277
References 277
Chapter 8. Magnetic separation 280
8.1 Behavior of particles in magnetic fields 280
8.2 Forces experienced by a particle in a magnetic field 283
8.3 Magnetic properties of minerals 288
8.4 Magnetic separating machines 289
8.5 Dry magnetic separation 294
8.6 Wet high intensity magnetic separation 298
Bibliography 299
References 299
Chapter 9. Flotation 300
9.1 A kinetic approach to flotation modeling 301
9.2 A kinetic model for flotation 304
9.3 Distributed rate constant kinetic model for flotation 318
9.4 Bubble loading during flotation 320
9.5 Rise times of loaded bubbles 323
9.6 Particle detachment 332
9.7 The froth phase 334
9.8 Simplified kinetic models for flotation 348
9.9 Symbols used in this chapter 357
Bibliography 358
References 359
Chapter 10. Simulation of ore dressing plants 362
10.1 The nature of simulation 362
10.2 Use of the simulator 365
10.3 The flowsheet structure 366
10.4 Simulation of single unit operations and simple flowsheets 374
10.5 Integrated flowsheets 382
10.6 Symbols used in this chapter 404
References 404
Appendix: Composition and specific gravities of some common minerals 406
Index 410