Non-magnetic Ore Extraction via Magnetic Particle Agglomeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting non-magnetic ores, such as flotation cells and magnetic separation, face inefficiencies due to high viscosity of pulp leading to ore particle loss and high logistical and environmental costs associated with large magnetic particle usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing magnetic or magnetizable particles to form agglomerates with non-magnetic ore particles, which are then separated using magnetic fields, allowing for reutilization of magnetic particles and reducing the need for continuous supply, thereby enhancing extraction efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flotation cells are used to extract ores from pulp, then ore particles can be separated from bulk material, but the high viscosity of pulp causes ore particles to be lost and reduces output
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic particles are introduced as an intermediary substance that selectively adheres to ore particles through magnetic attraction. This mediator enables reliable ore particle retention by forming magnetic aggregates that can be easily separated from the high-viscosity pulp without particle loss, while maintaining high extraction output through efficient magnetic field-based separation.
2Productivity
If magnetic separation is used to extract non-magnetic ores, then extraction efficiency is improved, but large quantities of magnetic particles are required leading to high logistical and environmental costs
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic particles are recovered from the separated ore concentrate through magnetic separation and reused in subsequent extraction cycles. This recovery process dramatically reduces the quantity of magnetic particles that need to be continuously supplied, lowering logistical costs and environmental impacts while maintaining high extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback loop is established where magnetic particles are continuously recovered from the tailings and concentrate streams and fed back into the extraction process. This closed-loop system ensures that magnetic particles are reused multiple times, reducing consumption and associated costs while sustaining high productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves high ore extraction output with reduced logistical and environmental impacts by reutilizing magnetic particles, lowering transport and purchase costs, and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic or magnetizable magnetic particles are used, which with the non-magnetic ore particles form ore/magnetic-particle agglomerates
Implementation Method 2
the ore/magnetic-particle agglomerates being moved by means of a magnetic field into an accumulation region of the reactor
Data Source
AI summary
In a device and a method for extracting non-magnetic ores from a pulp comprising non-magnetic ore particles and having a solid fraction of at least 30 mass percent, the pulp flows continuously through a reactor in the direction of flow and magnetic or magnetizable magnet particles that form ore magnetic particle agglomerations with the non-magnetic ore particles are added to said pulp. The ore magnetic particle agglomerations are moved by a magnetic field into an accumulation range of the reactor, and are then discharged out of reactor range and separated into ore and magnetic particles. In a device and a method, the separated magnetic particles are treated, in particular hydrophobized, such that during a new interaction with non-magnetic ore particles, new ore magnetic particle agglomerations are formed. Accordingly, a high yield of ores can be obtained and the mine can be operated in an economical and environmentally friendly manner.