ZIMBABWE SCHOOL OF MINES

MINERAL PROCESSING

2018 Module

Eng. A. RUNGANI
(Bsc HEN Metallurgical Eng- UZ & MIP-AU)
5.0 Classification
Learning outcomes

 have a knowledge and understanding of;

 factors influencing separation of particles

 hindered & free settling and how this influences

the separation of particles

 hydrocyclone as a classification device

 factors affecting cyclone performance

Classification

- Particles of various sizes, shapes and

specific gravities are separated by being
allowed to settle in a fluid.
factors influencing separation

 What factors influence the separation of the

particles

 Factors relating to the properties of the

particles
 Factors relating to the property of the
fluid (e.g. water, air or dense medium)
 External acceleration forces (gravity,
centrifugal forces)
 Flow regime (e.g. laminar or turbulent)
factors influencing separation

 Factors relating to the particle properties

 size (equivalent diameter)

 density
 shape of particle
 surface roughness
factors influencing separation

Factors relating to the property of the fluid

 viscosity

 % solids (relates to the viscosity of

fluid)
 stability of medium in fluid

 density of fluid
classification

 Classification - particles settling in a fluid

Two types of settling

 Free settling (no interference of flow patterns)

 Hindered settling (interference of flow patterns

flow of bodies through fluids

Laminar flow Turbulent flow

flow of bodies through fluids

 Terminal velocity (no acceleration)

 dv/dt = 0

 Equal-settling particles
- have the same terminal velocity in the
same fluid and force field
Classifiers

 Grouped as;
 Horizontal current &
 Vertical current
Settling cone
Mechanical classifier
Hydraulic classifier
Spiral classifier
Classification Cyclones
Hydroclones
hydrocyclone

 What is a classification cyclone?

 Static device (no moving parts)
 Purpose is to separate (classify) a feed
into a
 Coarse fraction
 Fine fraction
 On the basis of size
 Transport medium is water
hydrocyclone

 Terminology
 Hydrocyclone, classification cyclone and
cyclone used interchangeably
 Slurry – mixture of ore particles and water
 Feed – slurry being introduced into the
cyclone
 Overflow – contains the fine fraction
 Underflow – contains the coarse fraction
Cyclone components

1. Overflow elbow
2. Vortex finder
3. Inlet head
4. Barrel
5. Conical section
6. Spigot
factors affecting cyclone performance

 Cyclone diameter
 Feed pressure
 Vortex finder and spigot diameter
 Solids concentration in feed
factors affecting cyclone performance

Cyclone diameter

 Determines capacity
 Smaller cyclones
 High velocities and forces
 classify finer (other things being equal)
 d50c  Dcx
factors affecting cyclone performance

Feed pressure

 Flowrate of slurry determines feed

pressure
 Pressure  Flowrate
 Normal operating pressure = 85 kPa
factors affecting cyclone performance

Vortex finder and spigot diameter

 Sizes determine volumetric split of feed

fluid
 Water to underflow reduced by:
 spigot diameter 

 larger vortex finder

 higher pressures
factors affecting cyclone performance
Most important variable controlling its
performance
Optimum ~ 15% solids by
volume
practical aspects

 Underflow density
 high as possible - reduces amount of

bypassing
 affects cut-point

 Max 50% solids by volume

Compiled by: A. Rungani rungani@yahoo.co.uk +263778817943