Iron Ore Beneficiation with Packed Column Jig

D.C. Yang, P. Bozzato, G. Ferrara

DICAMP, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
Mineral Technologies International, Inc., Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/jmmce.2003.21004                

Abstract

This paper presents several iron ore applications of the Packed Column Jig, a revolutionary and economical gravity separator of fine particulate materials, which can also be used for classification or desliming. The paper also describes the influence of important operational variables as well as a new control system to automatically monitor the process. Circular flow develops in any virtual cell bordered by the packing plates. Repeated separation takes place in a series of parallel vertical countercurrent circuits composed of a myriad of jigging cells that allows formation of a desired density bed without channeling problems. This leads to highly efficient separation with high throughput capacity and also permits linear scale -up by jig volume. Since no chemicals are used, the process is environmentally friendly. Due to the simplicity of the equipment and the circuit, per ton costs are substantially lower than conventional treatments. A typical product is a superconcentrate of 71.4% Fe and 1.5% SiO₂ at over 93% iron recovery from a preconcentrate of 67.7% Fe and 5.6% SiO₂.

Keywords

iron ore, gravity separation, fine particles, packed column jig

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Dai, Q., 1999. Simulation of Packed Column Jigging. Master’s Thesis, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia.
[2]	Sandvik, K. and Rein, A., 1997. Gravity separation of bulk products in centrifugal fields. XX International Mineral Processing Congress. GMDB, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, pp. 599-610.
[3]	Nicol, S., 1998. A case study in the implementation of novel technology: teetered bed separators. The Australian Coal Review, http://www.syd.dcet.csiro.au/acr6b.html.
[4]	Yang, D.C., 1996. Device and process for gravitational separation of solid particles. US Patent No. 5,507,393, April 16.
[5]	Yang, D.C., 1991. Technical advantages of packed flotation columns. Proceedings of Column ’91. Denison’s Quick Print & Copy House, Kitchener, Ontario, pp. 631-643.
[6]	Yang, D.C. and Meloy, T.P., 1997. Gravity Separation of Minus 500 Mesh Particles. Presented at SME Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado.