Abstract

USLU, T.; CELEP, O.  and  SAVAș, M.. Enrichment of low-grade colemanite concentrate by Knelson Concentrator. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2015, vol.115, n.3, pp.229-233. ISSN 2411-9717.

This study investigates the enrichment of a low-grade colemanite concentrate (-3 mm) using a Knelson centrifugal gravity concentrator. Due to its low boron content, the concentrate is unsaleable and has to be stored under appropriate conditions to avoid potential environmental problems. The low-grade colemanite concentrate was comminuted to size fractions of -1 mm, -0.5 mm, and -0.15 mm before treatment in the Knelson Concentrator. The effects of particle size, fluidizing water velocity, and bowl speed on the enrichment process were examined. The B₂O₃ content of the concentrate was increased from 33.96% to a maximum of 45.52%. B₂O₃ recovery increased with increasing bowl speed and particle size, and decreased with increasing fluidizing water velocity. The enrichment process also rejected arsenic and iron to some extent, with a maximum reduction of arsenic from 1360 g/t to 765 g/t and iron from 0.88% to 0.33%.

Keywords : boron; colemanite; gravity concentration; centrifugal concentration; Knelson Concentrator.

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