Following years of detailed test work in the ferrochrome sector, a new spiral concentrator that eliminates beaching and enhances recoveries in the 1 mm to 3 mm fractions of high density material, has been successfully developed.
In addition, the new spiral has shown significantly higher metal recoveries even for minus 1 mm fractions in ferrochrome slag, according to process engineering specialists Multotec.
The company explains that its SC25 spiral concentrator features steeper angles which facilitate the flow of material and increase separation efficiency. It also widens the particle size range that can be treated by the spiral.
Multotec says that the innovation has provided the minerals processing sector with an alternative to jigs in the minus 3 mm to plus 1 mm size range, which have been one of the conventional methods of separating larger particles. The spiral has also achieved higher separation efficiencies for the minus 1 mm size range on chromite ore. The solution is also seen to be cost effective as spirals use no electricity and are easy to maintain.
Ferrochrome is not the only commodity that has been successfully tested, enthuses the company, adding that it has seen improved recovery in heavy minerals below 1 mm size, alluvial chrome, manganese slag as well as a potential application in industrial recycling.
The recycling application opens up options for so-called ‘urban mining’, which encompasses the recovery of metal particles from associated waste. Multotec has received a number of requests and conducted tests to recover metals from recycled electronic goods and from customers who intend to recover metal from industrial scrap.
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
