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FAQs of Mineral Processing

Mineral processing solutions are talking specialised, made-to-measure tools of the trade. When creating your customised mineral processing solution, we take every aspect of your work into account. In other words, we create a mineral processing solution that is perfectly suited to the minerals you’re processing. No two solutions are alike—they require experience, knowledge and innovation because they’re engineered specifically to meet your beneficiation needs.

Whether you’re working with gold, iron, nickel, copper, coal or any other specialised beneficiation, cutting-edge technology is critical for optimal results. Similarly, using the proper specialised equipment is the key to maximum productivity. From cyclones, samplers and wedge wires to slurry pumps, valves and wear parts, all components must be perfectly adapted to your mineral and the way they’ll be used.

Here are some common questions about mineral processing:

1. What are mineral processing and extractive metallurgy?

Extractive metallurgy is an area of metallurgical engineering. It covers the processes and methods used to extract metals from their natural mineral deposits. Mineral processing is one of four main categories of extractive metallurgy, alongside hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy and electrometallurgy.

2. How is the mineral separated from the ore?

Four broad processing operations are involved in mineral processing. In order, they are: comminution (mainly crushing and grinding), sizing (using screening and hydrocyclones), concentration (namely gravity concentration, flotation and centrifuges) and dewatering. Every type of mineral is extracted from its ore this way, though each one has a specific beneficiation process.

3. What exactly does dewatering involve in mineral processing?

Ore is most efficiently handled and transported in slurry form. Additionally, certain types of ores need to be watered for further processing. However, farther down the line, these slurries must be dewatered, meaning the ore/mineral is isolated from the water. The main processes used in dewatering are screening, sedimentation, filtering and thermal drying.

4. Can a classification cyclone be made to specific requirements?

Yes! In fact, every Multotec cyclone is sized for duty, so you can choose your hydrocyclone diameter. We even have special-application hydrocyclones, providing you with optimal classification and superior operating flexibility.

5. What does a DMS cyclone do?

A DMS (Dense Medium Separation) cyclone is a special cyclone that can sort two types of solids based on their different densities.

6. How can a DMS cyclone be an asset to my operations?

Dense media separation has been gaining interest over the past years. It’s a cost-effective solution for pre-concentration and mineral recovery when coarsely liberated particles are of different specific gravities. The efficiency and performance of Multotec’s DMS cyclones are particularly appreciated in the diamond industry, because they consistently meet expectations and achieve optimal processing efficiency.

7. Are DMS cyclones used for other minerals?

DMS cyclones have been designed and used for other applications, such as coal and heavy minerals, over the past 40 years. They can be used to enrich the ore early in the process, thus increasing production.

8. What characteristics make Multotec’s DMS cyclones different?

Many features make our DMS cyclones so efficient. For instance, they come with scrolled evolute inlet heads and a unique inlet for optimal performance. What’s more, they feature a water-resistant lining material and come with a mono cone option for reduced turbulence. Finally, these cyclones are highly efficient with low EP values.

Contact us for more information.

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