NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

TCE 3203 – MINERALS ENGINEERING 1B
TUTORIAL 03 – 25/04/2016

Qn.1

a) Justify the need for concentration in mineral processing. [5]

b) The graph (Fig. A1) below shows results obtained from tests conducted on two types
of spiral concentrators i.e. the HC and MG4, used for the recovery of zircon.

Fig. A1 Graph of % Zircon recovery vs % slimes in feed

Based on your analysis of the results;

(i) Identify the more efficient spiral concentrator and explain your selection. [2]
(ii) Explain the relationship between the percentage zirconium recovery and the
percentage slimes in feed for both concentrators. [4]

c) Collectors are types of reagents used in froth flotation to render mineral

surfaces hydrophobic. Illustrate how collectors achieve this effect. [5]
d) What is the purpose of dewatering in mineral processing and what
methods are used to achieve this? [4]

Qn. 2
a) A copper ore initially contains 2.09% copper. After carrying out a froth flotation
separation, the products are as shown in the table (Table A2) below;

Product % Weight % Cu Assay

Feed 100 2.09

Concentrate 10 20

Tailings 90 0.1

Table A2 Froth flotation test results

Calculate;

(i) Ratio of concentration [2]

(ii) % Metals recovery [2]

(iii) % Metal loss [1]

(iv) % Yield [2]

(v) Enrichment ratio [1]

b) The heavy mineral beach sand sample from Pulmoddai deposit in Sri Lanka was analysed
using the flow sheet Fig. A2. The sample was made up of the following minerals; quartz
(SiO2), magnetite (Fe3O4), ilmenite (FeTiO3), pseudorutile (Fe2Ti3O9), rutile (TiO2) and
zircon (ZrSiO4). Identify which minerals would report to the following streams;

(i) Light fraction, Concentrate 1, Concentrate 2, Concentrate 3, Concentrate 4,

Tailing [6]

(ii) With the aid of a diagram describe equipment that can be used to achieve a
magnetic field strength of 0.5 T. [6]
Fig. A2 Flow sheet of beach sand separation

Qn.3

a) Heavy medium separators are classified into gravitational type (bath) and centrifugal
type separators. Identify one separator in each class and with the aid of a diagram give a
detailed description of the separator.
(i) Gravitational type [5]
(ii) Centrifugal type [5]

b) According to Klimpel, 1995 the froth flotation system includes many interrelated
components, and changes in one area will produce effects in others.
(i) With the aid of a diagram show the different components that make up the
froth flotation system. [5]
(ii) Describe and explain the conditions of operation in a scavenger flotation cell. [5]
(iii) With the aid of a diagram describe the operation of a flotation column. [7]
(iv) What are the benefits of using flotation columns over conventional cells? [3]
Qn.4

a) (i) What are the principles of electrostatic separation? [2]

(ii) Identify one electrostatic separator and give a detailed description of its
operation. [6]

b) Compare and contrast coagulation and flocculation. [5]

c) Discuss possible solutions to the negative effects of mineral processing

on the environment [7]