Study on the Application of a Reflux Classifier in the Classification of Ultrafine Ilmenite

Abstract

Mineral classification is an important preparation operation in the process of beneficiation. The classification effect directly affects the production capacity of grinding machines, product quality, subsequent separation of the concentrate grade, and recovery. To improve mineral classification accuracy and provide technical ideas for enriching the separation of fine materials, this paper proposes the use of a trapezoidal inclined channel agitated reflux classifier (TARC) to classify ultra-fine ilmenite. The principle of this separating system is based on a hindered settling effect and fluidization theory. This study focuses on the factors influencing the particle separation through the optimization of different experimental conditions. A satisfactory 10 µm classification efficiency of 67.89% could be obtained when the ore pulp concentration was 15%, the agitation speed was 350 r/min, and the underflow flux was 16 cm3/min. The TARC realized a continuous feeding classification of fine particles within a narrow particle size range, with 10 µm as the limit size, and an effective reduction in the entrainment of fine particles in the underflow and coarse particles in the overflow phenomena, thus achieving improved classification efficiency.