Influence of quality of ferrosilicon on rheology of dense medium and ability to reach higher densities

Abstract

The beneficiation of heavy metal oxides, such as iron ore, is usually performed with heavy medium separation in cyclones, static baths and lately with Larcodems. Atomised ferrosilicon is most suitable as a heavy medium at densities above 3600 kg m^-3, whereas a mixture of milled and atomised ferrosilicon is suitable at densities below 3600 kg m^-3. When operating a beneficiation plant at densities higher than 3600 kg m^-3 the quality of the ferrosilicon particles is an important factor that influences the control of the beneficiation process. The present paper considers how the rheology is affected by ferrosilicon quality, since this also influences the control of the process at these elevated densities.