The commonly used beneficiation processes for tin ore dressing are gravity separation and flotation. This article introduces the typical processes of these two processes to provide technical reference for mining companies, hoping to help mining companies improve their beneficiation efficiency and economic benefits.
The working principle of gravity separation is to use the difference in sedimentation velocity between cassiterite and gangue minerals to achieve mineral separation. Common gravity separation methods include jig gravity separation, shaking table gravity separation and chute gravity separation.
(1) Jigging gravity separation
The main equipment is a jig, and its working principle is to use periodically changing water flow to achieve mineral stratification and separation. The jig has a large processing capacity, simple principle and convenient operation. It is usually used to process coarse ores, and the particle size range can be roughly set between 0.5 and 500 mm.
(2) Shaking table mineral separation
The main equipment is a 6s shaking table, and its working principle is to achieve mineral separation through reciprocating motion. The beneficiation accuracy of the shaking table is higher than that of the jig, and it is more suitable for processing complex ores. The particle size of the ore that can be processed is between 0.074 and 2 mm.
(3) Chute mineral separation
The main equipment is a spiral chute, and its working principle is to use the combined action of centrifugal force and gravity to achieve mineral separation. The spiral chute occupies a small area and has a large processing capacity. It is more suitable for processing fine-grained ores. The strength of the ores that are suitable for processing is between 0.074 and 0.5 mm.
(1) Preparation before flotation
Before flotation, the ore needs to be crushed, ground and graded to ensure that the minerals are fully dissociated. At the same time, the slurry needs to be chemically adjusted, including adjusting the pH value, adding collectors, depressants and frothers, to create more suitable conditions for flotation.
(2) Selection of flotation reagents
Flotation reagents are the core of the flotation process. Commonly used collectors include fatty acids, amines and hydroxamic acids; depressants include water glass, phosphates, etc.; frothers are mainly pine oil. The selection of reagents needs to be optimized according to the properties of the ore and the flotation target.
(3) Flotation process design
The flotation process includes roughing, middling treatment, concentration and scavenging. The roughing stage usually adopts one or two stages of roughing, and the middling treatment is selected according to the mineral properties. The order of return or separate treatment. The optimization of concentration and scavenging can improve the concentrate grade and recovery rate.
(4) Flotation process control
The key control parameters of the flotation process include pulp concentration, pH value, temperature, flotation time and bubble size. Reasonable parameter control can significantly improve the flotation effect and reduce reagent consumption.
(1) Advantages of combined process
The combined process of gravity separation and flotation can give full play to the advantages of both processes and improve the recovery rate and grade of tin ore. Gravity separation is suitable for processing coarse-grained ores, while flotation is suitable for processing fine-grained ores. The combined process can effectively reduce the cost of mineral processing and reduce the consumption of reagents.
(2) Typical combined process flow
The combined process usually includes two modes: gravity separation-flotation combination (gravity separation first and then flotation) and flotation-gravity separation combination (flotation first and then gravity separation). The specific process to be selected needs to be optimized according to the properties of the ore and the needs of the enterprise.
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