MSf x Tkf x 10 = MSc x Tkc x 10 + MSt x Tkt x 10 (15)

Froth flotation metallurgical performances are given by the following mathematical expression:

 Mass pull (%) is the ratio of concentrate solid mass on feed solid mass.

McS (Tf −Tt )

Mass pull = x 100 = (Tkc −Tkt ) x 100 (16)
MfS k k

 Metal recovery (%) is the ratio of element mass in the concentrate on element mass in the feed.

Mck Tck (Tfk −Ttk )

Metal recovery = x 100 = x x 100 (17)
Mfk Tfk (Tck −Ttk )

2.2.2. Hydrocyclone

2.2.2.1. Description

A hydrocyclone is a separator mechanism that uses centrifugal force to separate solids from liquids.

2.2.2.2. Material balance equations

Figure 2 gives flow diagram of a hydrocyclone. In the mineral processing, a hydrocyclone receives a
feed flow and produces underflow and overflow. Pulp specific gravity of underflow is greater than that of
overflow. Exponent f, u ant o will designate respectively feed, underflow and overflow.

In a continuous system at steady state, the principle of conservation of matter gives the following
mathematical expression:

Mpf = Mpu + Mpo (18)

Vpf = Vpu + Vpo (19)

MSf = MSu + MSo (20)

VSf = VSu + VSo (21)

MLf = MLu + MLo (22)

VLf = VLu + VLo (23)

MSf x Tkf x 10 = MSu x Tku x 10 + MSo x Tko x 10 (24)

Joseph Kafumbila
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