Abstract
AbstractThe aim of this study was to optimize the recovery of chromite from the chrome plant tailings of the South African Middle Group chromite seams using a Wilfley shaking table. The optimization process employed the response surface methodology in conjunction with the central composite design. The independent variables considered in the investigation included the tilt angle (°), sample feed rate (g/min), table vibration (Hz), water flow rate (L/H), and particle size range (µm). On the other hand, the recovery (%), grade (% Cr2O3), Cr/Fe ratio, and separation efficiency (SE) (%) were determined as the response variables. Based on the characterization results, the sample was identified as a low-grade chromite containing 19.86% Cr2O3 and 18.12% Fe2O3 with a Cr/Fe ratio of 1.07. The bulk gangue material was well-liberated and rich in MgO (10.45%), Al2O3 (12.10%), and SiO2 (33.70%). The particle size distribution of the sample was 80% passing 106 µm. The optimal values for recovery, grade, Cr/Fe ratio and SE were found to be 71.59%, 36.97% Cr2O3, 1.52 and 30% respectively. The corresponding operating conditions were a tilt angle of 5.88°, a sample feed rate of 175 g/min, a table vibration of 44.5 Hz, a water flow rate of 366.16 L/H, and a particle size range of − 106 + 53 µm.
Graphical Abstract
Funder
National Research Foundation
University of Johannesburg
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC