A vessel and method for the separation of fine particles of ore

Abstract

The application discloses a container and method for separating ore fine particles, and belongs to the field of mineral processing technology, and has the technical scheme as follows: S1, screening ore powder to obtain two parts of ore powder with particle sizes of +0.074mm and -0.074mm; S2, measuring the specific gravity of the ore powder with a particle size of -0.074mm; S3, calculating the settling time t of the ore powder in S2 with different particle sizes by using the Stokes settling formula; S4, setting a container containing a surface activator and forming air bubbles at the bottom of the container to establish a model for the settling of -0.074mm particles in water, thereby determining the diameter d of the air bubbles and the amount a of the surface activator; and separating the ore powder with a particle size of -0.074mm; the application provides a container and method for separating ore fine particles, and the stirring device is arranged at the bottom of the container to make the solution in the container generate air bubbles, the ore fine particles in the container are adhered, and the separation of the ore fine particles with different particle sizes is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of mineral processing technology, and specifically relates to a container and method for separating fine ore particles. Background Technology

[0002] Lead and zinc metals needed in machinery, chemical, military, and pharmaceutical fields mainly come from sulfide lead-zinc ores. These ores not only contain close symbiotic relationships between lead and zinc, but also often exhibit irregular intergrowth with elements such as copper, silver, sulfur, and iron. Given the increasingly scarce, fine, and complex nature of mineral resources, a rational and effective beneficiation process is crucial for recovering natural resources. Copper, lead, and zinc ores are often intergrowthed, with various gangue minerals also present in complex symbiotic relationships. After thorough liberation through grinding, a rational beneficiation system can recover various valuable minerals separately, yielding products with the highest possible grade and recovery rate. This effectively protects natural resources and reduces metal loss, making effective beneficiation systems a key research focus in the industry. Existing processes are lengthy, use complex reagents, and are cumbersome, potentially involving the addition of highly toxic reagents, leading to difficulties in the later stages of tailings disposal and recovery.

[0003] In current industrial applications, fine particle size is defined as solid particles with a size less than 200 mesh (0.074 mm). Classification is an indispensable part of the pulverizing process, aimed at obtaining powder materials of different particle sizes or measuring the size of a particular powder material.

[0004] The basic methods for particle size testing used in the chemical industry include sieving, microscopy (image analysis), and sedimentation. Sedimentation includes gravity sedimentation and centrifugal sedimentation. However, fine particles in the -0.074mm range are difficult to separate using sieves with smaller apertures, and are easily mechanically entrained, resulting in incomplete powder separation. To solve this problem, a container and method for separating fine particles from ores have been invented. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first objective of this invention is to provide a container for separating fine ore particles. By setting a stirring device at the bottom of the container, bubbles are generated in the solution in the container, which adhere to the fine ore particles in the container, thereby achieving the separation of fine ore particles of different sizes. The second objective is to provide a method for separating fine ore particles, which achieves the separation of fine particles in the -0.074mm range and improves the separation effect of fine ore particles.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved by providing a method for separating fine particles of ore, comprising the following steps: S1. The crushed ore powder is sieved using a sieve with a mesh size of 0.074 mm to obtain two portions of ore powder with particle sizes of +0.074 mm and -0.074 mm. S2. Determination of the specific gravity of fine particles in ore powder with a particle size of -0.074 mm; S3. The settling time t of the ore powder in S2 with different particle sizes was calculated using Stokes' settling formula. S4. Set up a container with a stirring impeller at the bottom. The container contains a surfactant and bubbles are formed at the bottom of the container. Pour the ore powder from S2 into the container. Use discrete element software to build a model of -0.074mm particles settling in water in the computer. Determine the bubble diameter d and the amount of surfactant a. S5. Using the sedimentation model established in S4, by determining the sedimentation time t, bubble diameter d, and surfactant dosage a, particles smaller than 0.01 mm just come into contact with the bubbles and float, while particles larger than 0.01 mm sink, thus separating ore powder with a particle size of -0.074 mm.

[0007] Furthermore, the Stokes settlement formula is as follows: , where V is the settling velocity of the particle; The density of spherical particles; η is the density of the medium; D is the radius of the particle; η is the viscosity of the medium; and g is the gravitational acceleration.

[0008] Furthermore, the surfactant is a sulfate solution corresponding to the ore powder.

[0009] Furthermore, the specific gravity of the ore powder with a particle size of -0.074 mm is determined by using a specific gravity bottle.

[0010] Furthermore, the settling time t is the time it takes for ore powder with a particle size of -0.074 mm to settle in the container, t=H / V, where H is the height of the solution in the container and V is the settling velocity of the particles.

[0011] Furthermore, when the amount of ore powder in the container is 10-50g, the amount of surface activator a is 1-10ml.

[0012] Furthermore, the bubble diameter d is 5–70 μm.

[0013] A container for separating fine ore particles includes a body with an opening at the top, a stirring device disposed at the bottom of the body, and a diversion pipe disposed at the top of the body. The diversion pipe is connected to the interior of the body, and the position where the diversion pipe connects to the body is higher than the liquid level in the body.

[0014] Furthermore, the stirring device includes a stirring motor disposed outside the main body, and the main shaft of the stirring motor passes through the end of the main body and is provided with stirring blades. The main shaft is rotatably connected to the bottom plate of the main body through a waterproof sealed bearing.

[0015] Furthermore, the diversion pipe is inclined downwards.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are reflected in: 1. In this invention, the initial screening and separation of the crushed ore improves the efficiency of particle screening by mechanically crushing and screening the larger particles. Furthermore, the smaller particles are screened using a sedimentation process, achieving fine separation of different particle sizes and thorough separation of ore particles at different particle sizes. This targeted separation process enhances the effectiveness of completely separating the crushed ore particles.

[0017] 2. In this invention, since particles smaller than 200 mesh are defined as fine particles in current industrial standards, and the size of particles smaller than 200 mesh is 0.074 mm, a sieve with an aperture of 0.074 mm is used to separate the crushed ore particles into two parts: +0.074 mm and -0.074 mm. Since the -0.074 mm portion of fine particles is difficult to separate using a sieve with smaller apertures, this boundary is set to allow fine ore particles that cannot be effectively separated by sieve meshing to be separated by sedimentation in a suitable container, thus reasonably and effectively improving the screening of different grades, especially fine particles.

[0018] 3. In this invention, during the sedimentation separation of fine-grained ore particles, the specific gravity of the -0.074mm particles is first measured to obtain the known parameters in the Stokes sedimentation formula. Combined with the viscosity and density of the medium during sedimentation, and the radius of the particles to be screened, the sedimentation velocity of particles of that radius is derived. The sedimentation height in the medium solution is then used to calculate the sedimentation time of the fine particles of that size. By using the calculated sedimentation time and known conditions such as the density of spherical particles, the density of the medium, and the viscosity of the medium, the fine particles of the corresponding radius are screened. This preliminary establishment of a model for the predetermined fine particles allows for the screening of fine particles that meet the required screening size.

[0019] 4. In this invention, during the establishment of the sedimentation model, in order to achieve reasonable, effective and accurate sieving, it is necessary to separate the sieved fine particles. At this time, it is necessary to add a surfactant to the solvent, so that the surfactant generates bubbles in the solvent and floats to the surface. This adsorbs the particles on the upper part of the fine particles being separated into the bubbles, thereby achieving thorough separation between particles of other sizes. The particles of different sizes after stratification can be discharged from different positions in the container, thereby achieving high-precision separation.

[0020] 5. In this invention, by adding a surfactant to the solvent, the separated particles in the upper layer undergo better stratification after adsorption, thus improving the separation of particles of different sizes. Simultaneously, the different bubble sizes of the surfactant have different adsorption effects on fine particles of different sizes, thus requiring control of the bubble size to ensure that different bubble sizes adsorb particles of corresponding sizes. Therefore, during the establishment of the sedimentation model, the particle size of the separated fine particles under these conditions needs to be derived by controlling the surfactant content and bubble size. Furthermore, during the establishment of the sedimentation model, the surfactant dosage needs to be adjusted to better achieve the model-established separation of fine particles of corresponding sizes.

[0021] 6. In this invention, the surfactant is set as CuSO4 solution for adsorption. After foam of the corresponding size is formed, CuSO4 solution can adsorb fine particles of the corresponding size more stably and effectively, thereby improving the sedimentation separation effect of fine particles of different particle sizes.

[0022] 7. In this invention, by setting a stirring device at the bottom of the container body, bubbles are stably generated in the solution containing surfactant in the container, and by controlling the rotation speed, bubbles of different sizes are generated, thereby achieving controllable bubble size; furthermore, since a diversion pipe is set at the upper end of the container body, the generated bubbles adsorb the corresponding particles and are diverted and discharged in the container.

[0023] 8. In this invention, since the diversion pipe is set at a position higher than the liquid surface in the main body, the separated bubbles carrying the adsorbed particles are continuously discharged from the container, thereby improving the effect and efficiency of separating the corresponding particles. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the fine particle separation process of ore according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the container structure of the present invention.

[0026] In the attached diagram, 1-body, 2-stirring device, 3-diverter pipe, 4-stirring motor, 5-rotating main shaft, 6-stirring blade, 7-waterproof sealed bearing, 8-base plate. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of the technical solution of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solution of the present invention and are therefore intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application should have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0029] See attached document Figure 1 A method for separating fine particles of ore, comprising the following steps: S1. The crushed ore powder is sieved using a sieve with a mesh size of 0.074 mm to obtain two parts of ore powder with particle sizes of +0.074 mm and -0.074 mm. Since particles with a particle size of less than 200 mesh are defined as fine particles in the current industrial standard, and the size of particles with a particle size of less than 200 mesh is 0.074 mm, a sieve with a mesh size of 0.074 mm is set to sieve the crushed ore particles into two parts of +0.074 mm and -0.074 mm.

[0030] Since fine particles in the -0.074mm range are difficult to separate using sieves with smaller apertures, this boundary is set to allow fine-grained ore particles that cannot be effectively screened through sieves to undergo sedimentation separation in appropriate containers. This effectively improves the screening of different grades, especially fine-grained particles.

[0031] S2. The specific gravity of fine particles of ore powder with a particle size of -0.074 mm is determined; the specific gravity of fine particles is the density of fine particles.

[0032] S3. The settling time t of the ore powder in S2 for different particle sizes is calculated using Stokes's sedimentation formula. The basic methods for particle size testing used in the chemical industry include sieving, microscopy, and sedimentation. Sedimentation includes gravity sedimentation and centrifugal sedimentation. Sedimentation is a method to measure particle size distribution based on the different settling velocities of particles of different sizes in a liquid. Its basic process is to put the sample into a certain liquid to make a suspension of a certain concentration. The particles in the suspension undergo free sedimentation under the action of gravity or centrifugal force. Larger particles settle faster and smaller particles settle slower. The relationship between sedimentation velocity and particle size is described by Stokes's law, i.e., the Stokes sedimentation formula.

[0033] S4. Set up a container with a stirring impeller at the bottom. The container contains a surfactant and bubbles are formed at the bottom of the container. Pour the ore powder from S2 into the container. Use discrete element method software to build a model of -0.074mm particles settling in water in a computer to determine the bubble diameter d and the amount of surfactant a.

[0034] S5. Using the sedimentation model established in S4, by determining the sedimentation time t, bubble diameter d, and surfactant dosage a, particles smaller than 0.01 mm just come into contact with the bubbles and float, while particles larger than 0.01 mm sink, thus separating ore powder with a particle size of -0.074 mm.

[0035] Preferably, the Stokes settlement formula is: , where V is the settling velocity of the particle; The density of spherical particles; Let be the density of the medium; D be the radius of the particle; η be the viscosity of the medium; and g be the acceleration due to gravity. In the sedimentation separation of fine-grained ore particles, the specific gravity of the -0.074mm fraction is first measured to obtain the known parameters in the Stokes sedimentation formula. Combined with the viscosity and density of the medium during sedimentation, and the predetermined radius of the particles to be separated, the sedimentation velocity of particles of that radius is derived. Then, combined with the sedimentation height in the medium solution, the sedimentation time of the fine particles of that size is calculated.

[0036] Therefore, by calculating the settling time and using known conditions such as the density of spherical particles, the density of the medium, and the viscosity of the medium, fine particles of corresponding radius size can be sieved. By establishing a preliminary model of the fine particles, and then sieving them in this way, fine particles that meet the sieve size can be obtained.

[0037] Preferably, the surfactant is a sulfate solution corresponding to the ore powder. For example, when separating copper ore powder, the sulfate solution is a CuSO4 solution. During the establishment of the sedimentation model, in order to achieve reasonable, effective, and accurate sieving, it is necessary to separate the sieved fine particles. At this time, it is necessary to add a surfactant to the solvent, so that the surfactant generates bubbles in the solvent and floats to the surface. This adsorbs the particles on the upper part of the fine particles being separated into bubbles, thereby achieving thorough separation between particles of other sizes. The particles of different sizes after stratification can be discharged from different positions in the container, thereby achieving high-precision separation.

[0038] Understandably, in the process of separating copper ore powder, using CuSO4 solution as the surfactant for adsorption, the CuSO4 solution can more stably and effectively adsorb fine particles of the corresponding size after foam of the corresponding size is formed, thereby improving the sedimentation separation effect of fine particles of different particle sizes.

[0039] Preferably, the ore powder with a particle size of -0.074 mm is subjected to specific gravity determination using a specific gravity bottle.

[0040] The principle behind the determination of specific gravity is as follows: For liquids, powders, dispersants, and other fluid substances, a simple method is to place the sample in a container of known volume and weigh it. Density can be easily calculated using ρ=m / V.

[0041] In practice, specific gravity bottles come in different shapes and standards for different applications. During measurements, it is best to perform all weighing operations at a constant temperature. The most important condition for using specific gravity bottles is that no air is allowed between the liquid or particulate samples.

[0042] Preferably, the settling time t is the time it takes for ore powder with a particle size of -0.074 mm to settle in the container, t = H / V; where H is the height of the solution in the container, and V is the settling velocity of the particles. The settling time can be calculated by using the Stokes settling formula to calculate the velocity and combining it with the height of the solution.

[0043] Preferably, when the amount of ore powder in the container is 10-50g, the amount of surface activator a is 1-10ml.

[0044] Preferably, the bubble diameter d is 5-70 μm.

[0045] A container for separating fine ore particles includes a body 1 with an opening at the top, a stirring device 2 disposed at the bottom of the body 1, and a diversion pipe 3 disposed at the top of the body 1. The diversion pipe 3 is connected to the interior of the body 1, and the position where the diversion pipe 3 connects to the body 1 is higher than the liquid level in the body 1.

[0046] See attached document Figure 2 By installing a stirring device at the bottom of the container body, bubbles are stably generated in the solution containing surfactants in the container. By controlling the rotation speed, bubbles of different sizes can be generated, thus achieving controllable bubble size. At the same time, because a diversion pipe is installed at the top of the container body, the generated bubbles adsorb the corresponding particles, accumulate at the top of the container, and are then diverted and discharged.

[0047] Preferably, the stirring device 2 includes a stirring motor 4 disposed outside the main body 1. The main shaft 5 of the stirring motor 4 passes through the end of the main body 1 and is provided with stirring blades 6. The main shaft 5 is rotatably connected to the bottom plate 8 of the main body 1 through a waterproof sealed bearing 7.

[0048] Understandably, by placing the stirring device 2 below the base plate 8, the bottom of the body 1 is made flat, which facilitates the collection of the particles accumulated in the body 1 and avoids the situation where the particles are difficult to collect due to accumulation in uneven grooves. Moreover, by rotating the main shaft 5 to the base plate 8 of the body 1 through the waterproof sealed bearing 7, the problem of liquid in the body 1 seeping into the area where the stirring motor 4 is installed and damaging the stirring motor 4 is effectively solved.

[0049] Preferably, the diversion pipe 3 is inclined downwards. Because the diversion pipe is positioned above the liquid level in the main body, the separated bubbles, carrying the adsorbed particles, are continuously discharged from the container, improving the effect and efficiency of particle separation.

[0050] Example 1 The specific gravity of -0.074 mm copper ore particles was measured to be 2.872 g / cm³ using a hydrometer. 3With a settling height of 0.1m, and based on Stokes' settling formula, the settling time for 0.010mm ore particles is calculated to be t=980s. A discrete element method (DEM) model of 10g of -0.074mm particles settling in water was established on a computer. The diameter d of the bubbles released from the bottom of the separation device was set to 8-10µm, and the amount of CuSO4 surfactant a=2ml was adjusted. The bottom impeller was activated to begin settling. The bottom agitator kept the particles in a loose state, allowing them to contact the bubbles. At the calculated separation time, particles larger than 0.010mm sank, while particles smaller than 0.010mm floated with the bubbles and were discharged from the upper separation port. Particles larger than 0.010mm and smaller than 0.010mm were completely separated. The bubble diameter of 8-10µm and the CuSO4 dosage of 2ml were determined. The separation process was completed in the actual equipment by adjusting the parameters according to the model settings.

[0051] Example 2 The specific gravity of -0.074 mm copper ore particles was measured to be 2.872 g / cm³ using a hydrometer. 3 With a settling height of 0.1m, and based on Stokes' settling formula, the settling time for 0.015mm ore particles is calculated to be t=560s. A discrete element method (DEM) model of 10g of -0.074mm particles settling in water was created on a computer. The diameter d of the bubbles released from the bottom of the separation device was set to 14-16µm, and the amount of CuSO4 surfactant a=3ml was adjusted. The bottom impeller was activated to begin settling. The bottom agitator kept the particles in a loose state, allowing them to contact the bubbles. At the calculated separation time, particles larger than 0.015mm sank, while particles smaller than 0.015mm floated with the bubbles and were discharged from the upper separation port. Particles larger than and smaller than 0.015mm were completely separated. The bubble diameter of 14-16µm and the CuSO4 dosage of 3ml were determined. The separation process was completed in the actual equipment by adjusting the parameters according to the model settings.

[0052] Example 3 The specific gravity of -0.074 mm copper ore particles was measured to be 2.872 g / cm³ using a hydrometer. 3With a settling height of 0.1m, and using Stokes' sedimentation formula, the settling time for 0.019mm ore particles was calculated to be t=272s. A discrete element method (DEM) model was created in the computer to simulate the settling of 10g of -0.074mm particles in water. The diameter d of the bubbles released from the bottom of the separation device was set to 18-20µm, and the amount of CuSO4 surfactant a=4ml was adjusted. A stirring device at the bottom kept the particles loose and in contact with the bubbles. When the calculated separation time was reached, some particles smaller than 0.019mm settled to the bottom, indicating that the parameters needed adjustment. The CuSO4 surfactant amount a=6ml was changed, and the simulation was restarted. Finally, particles larger than and smaller than 0.019mm were completely separated, confirming the optimal bubble diameter of 18-20µm and the CuSO4 dosage of 6ml. The separation was then successfully completed in the actual equipment by adjusting the parameters according to the model settings.

[0053] The results from the above embodiments show that by initially screening and separating the crushed ore, the ore is preliminarily screened, allowing larger particles to be mechanically crushed and screened, thus improving the efficiency of ore particle screening. Furthermore, the smaller particles are screened using a sedimentation principle, achieving fine separation of different particle sizes and thorough separation of ore particles at different particle sizes. This targeted separation process improves the effectiveness of completely separating the crushed ore particles.

[0054] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for separating fine particles of ore, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. The crushed ore powder is sieved using a sieve with a mesh size of 0.074 mm to obtain two portions of ore powder with particle sizes of +0.074 mm and -0.074 mm. S2. Determination of the specific gravity of fine particles in ore powder with a particle size of -0.074 mm; S3. The settling time t of the ore powder in S2 with different particle sizes was calculated using Stokes' settling formula. S4. Set up a container with a stirring impeller at the bottom. The container contains a surfactant and bubbles are formed at the bottom of the container. Pour the ore powder from S2 into the container. Use discrete element software to build a model of -0.074mm particles settling in water in the computer. Determine the bubble diameter d and the amount of surfactant a. S5. Using the sedimentation model established in S4, by determining the sedimentation time t, bubble diameter d, and surfactant dosage a, particles smaller than 0.01 mm just come into contact with the bubbles and float, while particles larger than 0.01 mm sink, thus separating ore powder with a particle size of -0.074 mm. The method for separating fine particles of ore is characterized in that the Stokes sedimentation formula is: , where V is the settling velocity of the particle; The density of spherical particles; η is the density of the medium; D is the radius of the particle; η is the viscosity of the medium; and g is the gravitational acceleration. The surface activator is a sulfate solution corresponding to the ore powder; The ore powder with a particle size of -0.074 mm was subjected to specific gravity measurement using a specific gravity bottle; The settling time t is the time for ore powder with a particle size of -0.074 mm to settle in the container, t=H / V, where H is the height of the solution in the container and V is the settling velocity of the particles. In the method for separating fine ore particles, when the amount of ore powder in the container is 10-50g, the amount of surface activator a is 1-10ml; The diameter d of the bubble is 5 to 70 μm.

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