Current Techniques

• WHIMS
• Floatation

Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separation (WHIMS)

• WHIMS plants are used for the separation or concentration of materials of low magnetism.
• Commercial models, ranging in capacity from 1 to 120 t/h, are available.
• The high gradient high intensity magnetic fields needed to separate or concentrate materials of low magnetism are generated by oil-cooled coils; each with an expansion tank and relief valve. The coils are completely enclosed to protect them from moisture, chemicals or other elements.
• A background field from 7000 to 10,000 gauss in the air gap is produced by these coils. This saturates the matrix and results in the fields of two Tesla or more in the separation zone.
• The matrix in the magnetic field is a select type of magnetic soft iron that fills the moving part and produces the gradient to hold particles of low magnetism, while allowing non-magnetic particles to pass through.

Short comings of WHIMS

• Marginal beneficiation of iron ore
• High Wastage
• Expensive in comparison to Quantum Application's process

The Flotation Process

Flotation is a gravity separation process in which air or gas bubbles are attached to solid particles. The bubble-particle agglomerates have a density lower than the liquid and rise to the surface where they accumulate as a float. The success of the process depends on two separate factors, one the formation of ample supply of suitable small bubbles and the other the attachment of bubbles to solid particles.

The flotation process is employed where separation of particles having specific gravity is close to that of water is desired. The flotation process will provide faster separation and higher ultimate solids concentration.