By

Dr Y C Naidu

Types of classsification
Basis of Volume ie geometric dimension-

screening
Basis of Mass ie materila properties
Cyclone Separators
Air Separators

Principles of Separation
A particle is subjected to three sets of

forces
Fd-Force exerted by air
Fc- Centrifugal force
Fg- Force of gravity
If Fd> Fc and Fg, particle air borne
Fg prevails particle sink
Fc prevails particle flung outward of
separator

Particle Size Distribution

Cumulative distribution curve
On different sieves/micron sizes, the cumulative
passing % is plotted.
Independent particle size distribution curve

Size Distribution Curve

Particle Size Distribution

Classification
A= F+G
A- Classifier feed rate, tph
F-Fines output, tph
G- Tailing output
a,f,g- proportion of undersize in A,F,and G in

%
a, f, g Proportion of particular size
fraction of A,F, G in %

Equations- Separators
A.a = F.f+G.g
A. a = F. f+G. g
Vf- % of output fines
Vg- % of output tailings
P- Precipitation efficiency
- recycle ratio

Fines Output
Vf =F/Ax100
Vg=G/Ax100
Vf+Vg =100

Calculated from particle size

Vf= a-g x 100
f-g
Vg = f-a x 100
f-g
Recycle ratio = A/F = (f-g)/(a-g)
Precipitation Efficiency = (Fxf)/(Axa)x100
= Vfxf/ax100

Selectivity
It is characterized by what % of given particle

size in classifier feed is discharged in tailings

T (Gxdg)/(A.da) x100 = Vg x dg/da

Cut Size
Particle size dt of which half the particles are

discharged in fines and half in tailings.

If sharpness of separation poor, more than
50% of even finest particles may end up in
tailings, so no definite cut size exists