Evaluation and Optimization of Operating Parameters Affecting the Davis Tube Magnetic Tester by Using 2nd Factorial Design

Abstract

Abstract The current practice of assessing the efficiency of recovery of magnetite is represented by Davis tube tests based on magnetic induction. 2nd factorial design is used for the parametric study of the magnetic separation, because the classical approach is a tedious method. Factorial design is the most efficient way to explore the combinations of variables, because it considers every observation and uses only the most necessary observations. The results of the factorial experiments were used to identify the variables having a significant effect on magnetic recovery. The main objective of this work is to upgrade the iron ore using the Davis tube magnetic tester. It is also intended to study the most important operating parameters affecting the separation process. Among these are the feed size (μm), current intensity (A), tube oscillation (rpm), tube inclination (degree) and wash water rate (l/min). Consequently, the best fit relation can be expressed mathematically as: Y = 58.99 + 7.25X + 4.56I — 1.49O — 2.19W — 1.84S.