Performance parameters of jig and dense media cyclone

The present study aims for assessing the performance parameters of Jig and Dense Media Cyclone. Samples from two washeries are collected and performance tests are carried out based on standard methodology. The only reasonable way of assessing or evaluating the efficiency of a coal cleaning system which utilizes gravity as the means of separation is to determine the sharpness of separation achieved. As the density of fragments approaches the density of separation, however the separator is more severely tested and its inherent ability to provide sharpness becomes more and more significant. The various performance parameters to be calculated are Separation density expressed as
o Partition density o Equal errors density Total of correctly placed material at the separation density. Ecart probable Moyen(e.p.m) imperfection Ash error or organic efficiency. Partition density is calculated using Tromp curve, the %recoveries at each density is plotted against mean value of each of these densities. In an ideal separation, the curve runs parallel to the abscissa at the density of separation. In any separation, misplacement occurs, thus producing washing errors, the value of these errors being related directly to the amount of NGM.

Dense medium separation is a highly accurate method for the separation of coal and discard. Significant increase in yield and greater efficiency than any other form of gravity concentration can be achieved and losses of good quality coal in discard avoided. The efficiency of dense medium separation is reflected in the range of probable error, which is between 0.025 and 0.075, depending on coal size and density of separation. Dense medium is particularly effective where there is a significant quantity of near-gravity material. Dense medium is able to operate effectively between 1.30 and 1.80, at the low end of this range instability of the medium may take place and often small changes in the medium density can result in larger losses in yield. At the higher end, the medium becomes too viscous and difficult to control and recover from the product. But where a relatively high separation density is required, or if the washability indicates that a fairly clear-cut separation is possible between coal and rock, then dense medium may be inappropriate and a Jig, concentrating table or water cyclone may be adequate for the operation. Dense medium vessel or baths are only effective down to approximately 5mm, below this size dense media cyclone separators must be used, which greatly enhance the gravity force on the particles.

Why dense media cyclone Sharpness of cut and ability to separate oxidised or weathered fine coal. Increasing amount of fines resulting from greater mechanization in mining and handling. Need to eliminate maximum amount of pyritic sulphur. More favourable selling price of coal encouraging optimization in recovery. Improved performance of mechanical coal-dewatering equipment.

The only way of evaluating the efficiency of a coal cleaning system which utilizes gravity separation is to determine the sharpness of separation achieved. But method must not be influenced by various physical characteristics of coal:

Washabilty Size distribution Density As for current international (ISO) standards following four formulae are adopted for the standard expression of efficiency. Separation density expressed as o Partition density o Equal errors density Total of correctly placed material at the separation density expressed as a percentage of the reconstituted feed and where required the misplaced material in each product. Ecart probable moyen (e.p.m) and imperfection (I). Ash error or organic efficiency.

Organic efficiency (E0) = (actual yield of clean coal)/ (float sink test yield) x100

Ash error = (% of clean coal ash) (% float coal ash at the corresponding yield)