Development of a Mathematical Model for Fine Screening

Abstract

Usim Pac mineral processing plant simulation software is used by the University of Minnesota's Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory Concentrator Modeling Center to simulate taconite plant operations. Its ability to simulate fine screening is limited, since the present suitable models assume a constant partition curve for a given set of screens and do not account for changes in operating conditions. As it is well known that the fine screen unit operation is sensitive to operating conditions such as feed density, loading, and size, it becomes clear that for accurate simulations, the model will require modifications. Consequently, a series of tests was performed on a pilot scale unit where several of the operating conditions were varied. Partition curve parameters were then related to operating conditions for relevant mineral components.