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Continuous Particle Size Analyzer For Metallurgical Slurries
Continuous Particle Size Analyzer For Metallurgical Slurries
Continuous Particle Size Analyzer For Metallurgical Slurries
Slurries
911metallurgist.com/particle-size-analyzer-metallurgical-slurries/
The slurry flow channel comprises two parts – a density measuring section, and a
particle size measuring section. The density measuring section consists of a length of
rectangular pipe of large aspect ratio (15.0 x 2.8mm) through which the slurry first
flows. In the centre of this pipe is the measuring cell, equipped with “windows”, and
collimation slits top and bottom. After passing through this section, the slurry flows
through a single turn helix of the same dimensions. The centrifugal forces generated
within the helix cause the particles to separate according to size, resulting in an
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increased solids concentration near the outer wall, and a decreased solids concentration
near the inner wall. (it is appreciated that drag forces and secondary flow forces also
influence the motion of the particles.
The yoke carrying the detector and source is designed to traverse across the cell, such
that it can be positioned above and below any one of the four measuring positions. The
solids concentration at the selected measuring station is sensed by means of beta ray
attenuation. This technique is analogous to that used in the measurement of solids
concentration in a pipeline by means of a gamma gauge. The signals from the four
measuring positions are in the form of pulse counts.
Typical Results
The system has been evaluated on a number of materials, ranging from nepheline
syenite (S.G. 2.6) to iron ore (S.G. 5.2). The evaluation procedure consists of calibrating
the analyzer, and then passing a number of slurries of unknown particle size through
the sensor at the correct flowrate and solids content. Samples taken at the sensor exit
are screened; these analyses being compared with the readings displayed on the
analyzer. Some typical measurements are below,
65 mesh- (210 microns), 28 observations, particle size range 76-91% passing, standard
deviation of errors = 1.3% passing.
150 mesh- (105 microns), 17 observations, particle size range 34-89 passing, standard
deviation of errors = 1.5% passing.
270 Mesh- (53 microns), 67 observations, particle size range 73-92% passing, standard
deviation of errors = 1.2% passing.
325 Mesh- (44 microns), 62 observations, particle size range 31-85% passing, standard
deviation of errors = 1-5% passing.
20 microns- 53 observations, particle size range 47-71% passing, standard deviation of
errors = 1.2% passing.
The above results indicate that it is possible to measure the proportion of material
smaller than a chosen size with a high degree of accuracy. This holds even when the
material is 100% minus 325 mesh and measurement is being made at 20 microns.
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A series of tests were performed to determine the magnitude of this effect. Samples of
quartz (S.G. 2.7) and magnetite (S.G. 5.1) were screened into closely sized fractions.
From these several samples having identical distributions, with varying proportions of
magnetite from 0 to 100%, were prepared. These were passed through the size sensor at
a constant solids content, and readings of ΔS, proportional to particle size, were noted.
The material, as used, had 47$ passing 150 mesh.
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