E-Book Overview
Mineral Processing Design and Operations is expected to be of use to the design engineers engaged in the design and operation of mineral processing plants and including those process engineers who are engaged in flow-sheets development.Provides an orthodox statistical approach that helps in the understanding of the designing of unit processes. The subject of mineral processing has been treated on the basis of unit processes that are subsequently developed and integrated to form a complete strategy for mineral beneficiation. Unit processes of crushing, grinding, solid-liquid separation, flotation are therefore described in some detail so that a student at graduate level and operators at plants will find this book useful. Mineral Processing Design and Operations describes the strategy of mathematical modeling as a tool for more effective controlling of operations, looking at both steady state and dynamic state models. * Containing 18 chapters that have several worked out examples to clarify process operations* Filling a gap in the market by providing up-to-date research on mineral processing* Describes alternative approaches to design calculation, using example calculations and problem exercises
E-Book Content
Introduction to Mineral Processing Design and Operation PREFACE In nature minerals of interest exist physically and chemically combined with the host rock. Removal of the unwanted gangue to increase the concentration of mineral in an economically viable manner is the basis of mineral processing operations. This book treats the strategy of beneficiation as a combination of unit operations. Each unit process and its operation is therefore treated separately. Integration of these units leading to the development of viable flow sheets that meets the final objective, is then indicated. The greatest challenge to a mineral processor is to produce high grade concentrates consistently at maximum recovery from the ore body. To quantify recovery a reasonable idea of the initial concentration of mineral in a lode is required. Proper sampling representing the ore body is therefore essential. The book therefore commences with the techniques of sampling of ore followed by the design and operation of unit processes of comminution that help to release the mineral from the associated rocks. Separation and concentration processes using techniques involving screening, classification, solid-liquid separations, gravity separation and flotation then follow. In the book some early methods of operation have been included and the modern methods highlighted. The design and operation of each unit process is a study by itself. Over the years, improvements in the understanding of the complexities of these processes have resulted in increased efficiency, sustained higher productivity and grades. Mathematical modeling has helped in this direction and hence its use is emphasized. However, the models at best serve as guides to most processes operations that invariably involve complex interdependent variables which are not always easily assessed or manipulated. To solve the dilemma, plants are increasingly being equipped with instruments and gadgets that respond to changes much faster than humans can detect. Dynamic mathematical models are the basis of operations of these gadgets which are usually well developed, sophisticated, electronic equipment. In this book therefore, the basics of instrumental process control is introduced the details of which belong to the province of instrument engineers. This book is written after several years on plant operation and teaching. The book is biased towards practical aspects of mineral processing. It is expected to be of use to plant metallurgist, mineral processors, chemical engineers and electronics engineers who are engaged in the beneficiation of minerals. It is pitched at a level that serves as an introduction to the