Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
Field of technology
The method refers to the sphere of mining industry, namely extracting of
valuable
and rare earth metals and other solid minerals (diamonds).
Level of technics
Presently mining industry broadly uses methods and devices based on gravity
and
centrifugal force usage, separately or in combination with each other and
other
forces under effect of industrial hydro-washing machines on the pulp. Remote
analogues are methods used in Keelson concentrator (Canada), Ivankovsky
separator (Russia), devices of Alaska series (USA), in spiral separators of
Einley,
Falcon concentrators. Prototypes and close analogues were not found by the
author.
z
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
The deficiencies of methods being used in the work of gravitational sluice
boxes are following:
1. A gravitational sedimentary sluice box receives the pulp containing solid
particles with linear dimensions from 40mm to parts of millimeter.
max 40 4 1 O1
min 10 3 - 1 10 3 -'-' 4 10'
2. A wide scale of linear dimensions is a reason of operation losses.
3. The possibility of the stored -program control is absent.
Table 1 of essential signs.
I. Method, which is used in a sluice box equipped by intra-sluice segmentation
device.
II. Method, which is suggested as a variant of the method I.
III. Method, which is used in the centrifugal Keelson's apparatus and "Hydro-
cyclones".
N~ Title of the sign I II III
1 Rectilinear pulp motion + - -
2 Circular (rotary) motion - + +
3 Dividing of solid particles into flows by linear+ + -
dimensions
into n groups
4 Extraction of the concentrate of valuable components- - +
from the pulp.
Using of constructive elements for dividing + + -
solid particles
(perforated plates, screens and grids).
6 Dividing the aggregate pulp flow into n flows + + -
where n>3
Conclusion.
According to 2 signs from 6 the suggested method has a coincidence with the
method III, which accounts 33%. The suggested method has a coincidence with
the
method I according to 4 signs, which accounts 66%.
3
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
Table 2 of essential signs.
N~ Title of the sign I II III
1 Precipitation as a goal of methods. - - +
2 Dividing of solid particles into flows by linear+ + -
dimensions
as a goal of methods.
3 Isolation of groups of solid particles with given+ + -
linear
dimensions as a goal of methods.
4 Rectilinear pulp motion. + - -
Circular (rotary) pulp motion. - + +
6 Using of constructive elements for dividing solid+ + -
particles
(perforated plates, screens and grids).
7 Dividing of the aggregate pulp flow into n flows+ + -
where
n>3
8 Using of gravitational force G + - -
9 ~ Using of centrifugal force Fc - + +
Conclusion.
According to 2 signs from 9 the suggested method has a coincidence with the
method III, which accounts 22,2%. The suggested method has a coincidence with
the method I according to 4 signs, which accounts 44,4%. The closer analog of
the
suggested method is the method being used in sluice boxes equipped by intra-
sluice segmentation device.
y
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
Prototype
1. Gravitational sedimentary sluice box
2. Gravitational sedimentary sluice box, equipped by infra-sluice segmentation
device
3. Gravitational sedimentary sluice box equipped by infra-sluice segmentation
device, which is topped with plate welded to boards of the sluice box. Instead
of
boards in the head part and in the end part there is correspondingly an inlet
and
an outlet.
4. Gravitational sluice box topped with the plate is placed on the one of
boards.
5. The sluice top with all sluice box equipped by segmentation device is wound
in
spiral round the axle O. It is the internal wall of the spiral. The bottom of
the
sluice box transforms into the external wall of the spiral.
After comparing the device of the variant N5 with the "CMDC" the conclusion
about the constructive identity can be done.
Comparing the method being used in the work of the sluice box equipped by the
segmentation device with the method working in the "CMDC" two differences are
found:
1. The space dispositions are different.
2. The principal acting forces are different. Gravitational force acts in one
method
and centrifugal force in the other.
The other essential signs of the methods being compared coincide.
Table N3. Signs of the methods in which the centrifugal force is used.
I. Method,which is used in cyclone work
II. Method,which is used in spiral separators.
III. Method,which is used in I~nelson's concentrators.
IV. Suggested method.
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
Ns Title of the sign Methods
I II III IV
1 Circular motion of the pulp - + + _
2 Spiral motion of the pulp + - - +
3 Availability of gravitational + - -
sluice
boxes for the precipitation of
the
valuable component
4 Continuous cycle of operating + - - + -
Gathering of the concentrate from- + + -
centrifugal apparatus
6 Speed V m/sec min max max min
7 Centrifugal force Fc min max max min
2g 200g 300g 2-4g
8 Processing of the pulp containing- + + -
solid
particles less than S mm
9 Processing of the pulp containing+ - - +
solid
particles less 40 mm
Dividing of pulp solid part - - - +
11 Classification of solid particles- - - +
of the
pulp
12 Grouping (herding) of solid particles- - - +
with given linear dimensions
13 Segregation of the aggregate pulp- - - +
flow
into n isolated flows
14 Availability of the complete set - - - +
of
sluice boxes of shallow filling
Losses of valuable component consideconside conside min
rable rable rable
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
Tasks of the suggested method
1. To confers the rectilinear pulp motion into the rotary one.
2. To cluster solid particles with the greatest overall dimension a <_ 4mm
into n
groups with interval of dimensions from 4 0,8 mm to A 0,1 mm.
3. To dispose groups of clustered solid particles in order of diminution of
linear
dimensions from the axle of rotation to the external walls.
4. To disintegl-ate unstable complex "clay + sand" by numerous strikes n where
n>103.
5. To isolate pulp flows containing solid particles with given dimensions.
6. To escape isolated pulp flows out from the "CMDC" and to drive them in the
corresponding sluice boxes of the set.
7. To make optimum conditions for the precipitation:
a) by using of sluice boxes of shallow filling,
b) by adjusting an angle a for everyone of sluice boxes.
8. To reduce of water using, i. e. 1/5 < S/L < 1/10; S/L = 1/5...1/7
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
Essence of the method.
The method accomplishes several tasks:
1. It offers means for the conversion of rectilinear motion of the pulp
escaping a
hydro-washing machine into rotary motion. It is achieved due to upper and
down spiral bands, internal and external walls of the "Centrifugal mixer-
disintegrator- classifier"
2. Breaking up of complexes from clay and sand.
3. Dividing of pulp solid particles according to given linear dimensions.
4. Clustering of solid particles according to given parameters into groups.
5. Keeping clustered groups of classified solid particles in the given layers
(on the
definite height) of the pulp stratum.
6. Separation of the aggregate pulp flow into numerous n flows with isolation
of
everyone of them. Everyone of separated flows contains solid particles with
the
greatest linear dimensions being in given parameters "from...to...". This task
is
resolved with the help of separative plates, which are perforated at the most
part
of their distance and without perforation to the end part of "CMDC". The
internal and external walls, up and down spiral bands are never perforated.
All
these separative elements transform into branch pipes having a cross section
as
a) a circle, b) a square, c) a rectangle.
7. Precipitation of valuable components from separated flows is accomplished
in
the considering body of the complete set of sluice boxes. L a as a tilting
angle
to the horizontal level is individual for every sluice box. This angle
fluctuates in
the space 0,1 < sin a <0,05 and depends from the diameter of meshes
(openings) perforating separative plates.
sin a ~X = 0,1 sin a ~n = 0,05
sin a maX > sin a2 > sin a3 ...> sin a ~n
8
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
Conditions for the realization of the method.
I. Availability of the pulp escaping a hydro-washing machine.
II. Availability of centrifugal apparatus having got the following
constructive
elements:
1. Pulp line connecting hydro-washing machine with the "CMDC".
2. The inlet to the "CMDC" apparatus.
3. Plates enclosing the pulp from top to bottom, from inside to outside.
4. Perforated plates.
5. Elements for breaking up disposed on perforated plates.
6. Separative plate without perforation in the end of "CMDC".
7. The outlet of the "CMDC".
8. The complete set of branch pipes connecting "CMDC" with the corresponding
sluice boxes.
9. The complete set of sedimentary sluice boxes positioned at different angle
a
regarding the horizontal line.
III. Speed of the pulp motion in the inlet of the "CMDC": V > 2m/sec.
IV. Correlation between solid and liquid parts in the pulp: S : L > 1 : 5.
9
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
Scheme of the method
Aggregate pulp flow containing solid and liquid parts escapes a hydro-washing
machine with the speed Vi. The pulp consists from water L and solid particles
S of
different linear dimensions. There are more than 3 pulp flows escaping "CMDC".
n > 3. Paggr = n ~ Pdiv; Paggr SQL; where S= k ' n;
L - water; S - solid particles; k - overall dimensions of solid particles; n -
number
of pulp flows. Sb - sluice box
S k n m nz n3 nn
Paggr= =P --+--i---i-...-
L L L L L L
V=Vl=V2=V3=... Vn
Paggr --'~ n ' Pdiv
Pdiv 1 '-~ Sbl~ Pdiv 2 -i-Sb2, Pdiv n --~' Sb n.
I. Classic scheme
Hwm (hydro-washing machine) -~' Paggr -~- Sb
II. Scheme of the suggested method
Hwm (hydro-washing machine) ---~- Paggr ...~,"CMDC» --a~ Pdiv n --~Sb n.
I Hwm = II Hwm; I Paggr = II Pindiv; I Sb ~ II Sb n
II - I = «CMDC» + n sluice boxes
io
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
Table 4 of linear dimensions for dividing of solid particles in the pulp.
N~ Overall linear dimensions Difference
9 >4,0 mm
8 4,0 mm - 3,2 mm 0 0,8 mm
7 3,2 mm - 2,5 mm 0 0,7 mm
6 2,5 mm - 1,9 mm 0 0,6 mm
1,9 mm - 1,4 mm 0 0,5 mm
4 1,4 mm - 1,0 mm 0 0,4 mm
3 1,0 mm - 0,7 mm ~ 0,3 mm
2 0,7 mm - 0,5 mm ~ 0,2 mm
1 0,5 mm - 0,4 mm 0 0,1 mm
0 0,4 mm and less
Table 5of linear dimensions for dividing of solid particles in the pulp.
OD - overall linear dimension
No Overall linear dimensions Difference N
9 K>OD 9
- .
8 I>OD>H ~ 8
0'8~~
7 H>OD>G 00,7 mm--~ 7
6 G>OD>F 00,6 mm--~ 6
5 F>OD>E ~O,Smm---~- 5
4 E>OD>D 00,4mm--~- 4
3 D>OD>C 00,3 mm ~- 3
2 C>OD>B ~0,2mm--~- 2
1 B>OD>A X0,1 mm--~ I
0 A 0
11
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Signs being used for the characteristic of the method
Presence of cumulative action
1. Pulp movement. Pulp escaping the scrubber has rectilinear uniformly
translational motion. Application of the given method provides that the pulp
moving to spire of "CMDC" acquires rotary uniformly translational motion.
Leaving the "CMDC" and getting into the set of valuable component
sedimentation the pulp acquires rectilinear uniformly translational motion
again. This movement can be divided into three stages:
Stage I. The pulp leaving washing device moves rectilinearly and uniformly.
Stage II. In the "CMDC" the pulp moves spirally around the axle of rotation
placed a) vertically, b) horizontally, c) in intermediate position.
Stage III. Leaving the "CMDC" the pulp moves rectilinearly and uniformly.
2. Quantity of pulp flows. The pulp leaves the scrubber in single aggregate
flow
Paggr and enters "CMDC". The pulp leaves the "CMDC" divided into several N
separated flows. Scheme N4.
P aggr = n P au, rRe P aggr - aggregate pulp flow, n - number of pulp flows
P aggr ~ P aivl =~ P div2 ~= ...P a«n where n ~ 3
V P aggr - volume of aggregate pulp flow
V P aim - volume of the first divided pulp flow
It follows from this that V P aggr = V P aim + V P au2 +... V P au n
Mass of the pulp M in being fed in the "CMDC" is the same that mass of pulp
leaving the device, i.e. M in = M out.
3.Isolation of pulp flows. Aggregate pulp flow in pulp line is isolated. All
output
pulp flows in branch pipes are isolated.
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
4.Qualitative contents of pulp.
a) according to solid and liquid parts ratio:
Pulp Pair has in its content solid part (phase) S and liquid part L. Ratio S:L
=
1:10 according to classic principle.
b) according to specific weight:
Liquid part of pulp is water that remains unchanged in the method, i.e. L-
const.
Solid part of pulp consists from solid particles with dimensions less than
40mm
and of different specific weight.
Specific weight Sw = n[(Vi ~ Sm) + (VZ ~ Sw2) + ...(Vn ~ Swn)]
Conclusion.
Pulp contains different solid particles with high variation in volume, linear
dimensions and specific weight. These factors are used in the work of the
method:
1. Hydro-washing machine forms pulp of water and rock containing valuable
component.
2. In the "CMDC" solid particles of pulp are exposed to centrifugal force and
group according to maximum overall dimension with the use of perforated
plates.
3. Escaping the "CMDC" pulp are divided into separate isolated flows.
4. Isolated flows are directed to the set of gravitational sluice boxes each
positioned at individual angle a. Heavier valuable components are precipitated
in these sluice boxes.
13
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Action - screening
Solid part S of aggregate pulp flow Paggr has non-persistent substances of
different
dimensions such as sand and clay. These complexes should be disintegrated into
compounds. This is achieved by numerous falling from height H and strikes of
the
complexes onto unmovable surface. In aggregate pulp flow Paggr complexes of
sand and clay are carried to the top of the screen Scr, fall from height H
strike onto
unmoving plate. After a certain period of time (t sec) complexes are
disintegrated.
This action takes place in spiral rotation of pulp in the "CMDC". This process
involves: a) liquid and solid parts of pulp, b) screen (plate) Scr with
perforation, c)
centrifugal force Fc, d) strike force F for a period of time t sec pulp being
in the
"CMDC" when sand and clay component passing way S. Work of disintegration of
complex F = Fc ~ S.
Action - classification of solid particles of pulp
Usage of such action as classification in this method refers to the largest
linear
dimensions of solid particles namely meshes in perforated plates and order of
decrease in the square of meshes according to the distance from the axle of
pulp
rotation (4,Omm; 3,2mm; 2,Smm; l,9mm; l,4mm; l,Omm; 0,7mm; O,Smm;
0,4mm). A mesh can be square - shaped with the side equal to the diameter of a
round mesh.
This action is carried out when solid particles of pulp exposed to centrifugal
force
are pressed out through meshes of perforated plates and are located in
corresponding layer of pulp. Distribution into layers takes place in
accordance with
the largest overall dimension of solid particles. So particles with relatively
larger
size are located in tay~rs closer to the center of rotation, and relatively
small
particles are located farther from the center of rotation. This action of the
"CMDC"
can be considered as given or programmed. 'This process involves:
a) pulp moving spirally and acquiring even rotary motion with speed V,
4N
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
b) plates limiting pulp: higher spiral bands and lower ones, internal (closer
to the
center of rotation) and external (the farthest from center of rotation) ones,
c) perforated plates, which limit and redistribute movement of solid particles
under effect of centrifugal force.
Action - disintegration
Escaping hydro-washing device pulp moves rectilinear. The majority of solid
particles is located in lower layers of pulp, solid particles are almost
absent in
higher layers. It programs action that forms solid particles in accordance
with
linear dimensions and solid particles are distributed in given points of pulp.
Effect
of centrifugal force in the "CMDC" and perforated plates starts the process of
disintegration, i.e. distribution of solid part of pulp in given layers of
pulp. There
are several isolated flows of pulp with grouped solid particles of given
linear
dimensions leaving the "CMDC".
P aggr -~- Il ' Pdiv 1. aggr ~' n ' Ldiv S aggr -~' n ' Sdiv
Where P aggr - aggregate pulp flow leaving a hydro-washing machine and
entering
the "CMDC".
P aiv - divided and separated pulp flow escaping the "CMDC" and containing
solid particles grouped according to given linear dimensions
L aggr- overall flow of liquid leaving a hydro-washing machine and entering
the
"CMDC".
L div - divided and separated flow of liquid escaping the "CMDC" and
containing
solid particles grouped according to given linear dimensions
S aggr - overall flow of solid particles leaving a hydro-washing machine and
entering the "CMDC".
S aiv- solid particles with given linear dimensions grouped in a separated
flow just
before leaving the "CMDC".
n - quantity of pulp flow leaving the "CMDC".
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
Action - gravitational precipitation of valuable component on the set of
sluice
boxes of shallow filling.
The set of gravitational sluice boxes of shallow filling connected with branch
pipes
to the «CMDC» is used for precipitation of valuable component.
Everyone sluice box of the set processes one isolated pulp flow containing
solid
particles of linear dimensions given by the program. The angle of its
inclination
depends from linear dimensions of solid particles being processed: sluice it
is
flattening with the diminution of solid particles linear dimensions.
0,1 > sin ai > sin a2 > ...sin an > 0,036.
The quantity of sluice boxes in the set is equal to the quantityr if isolated
pulp
flows leaving the "CMDC" for interrupted work of the device. The quantity of
sluice boxes in the set is 2 times that of the pulp flows quantity for
continuous
work.
f6
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
Order of actions in the method
1. Output of aggregate pulp flow from hydro-washing machine is implemented via
pulp pipeline.
2. The pulp acquires rotary motion when it is fed into the "CMDC" and moves
spirally.
3. The "CMDC" includes the following processing:
a) screening of solid particles,
b) disintegration of solid particles,
c) classification according to the largest linear dimension,
d) placing of solid particles of pulp at certain height and in given relative
layers of
pulp,
e) isolation of pulp into separate flows,
fj directing of each separate pulp flow to the corresponding body of the set
of
mufti-body sedimentary sluice boxes,
g) removal on the ground of separate isolated pulp flow after its processing
at
gravitational sluice box.
Conditions for bringing to effect of actions
1. Mode of operation
Due to the method pulp moves through the «CMDC» continuously. Pulp motion
through the set of gravitational sluice boxes is also continuous due to
transfernng
of pulp flows from one line or row of sluice bodies to another. Processing of
divided and separated pulp flows on the set of gravitational sluice boxes is
also
continuous due to alternate work of one line (row) of the sluice bodies to
another.
It gives the possibility to gather the concentrate of valuable component from
non-
working sluice boxes.
2. The row material for the method work is aggregate pulp being fed from a
hydro-washing machine.
3. Equipment for bringing to effect of the method are:
a) device "CMDC",
b) set of gravitational sluice boxes.
1~
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
Graphic scheme of transformation of the rectilinear gravitational segmentation
sluice box into centrifugal mixer-desintegrator-classifier.
Scheme N~ 1.
View of the sluice box from the inlet side: AB and CD - boards of sluice box,
BC -
bottom of sluice box.
Scheme N~2.
View of the sluice box from the inlet side: Gr - grids of the segmentation
device.
Scheme Ns3.
View of the sluice box, topped by the cover AD, from the inlet side and on the
long
vertical section: P - pulp, Pl - pulp line.
Scheme Ns4.
View of the sluice box from the inlet side: 001- axle of rotation, R - radius
of
rotation.
Scheme
Outlet of the sluice box equipped by the segmentation device and wound in
spiral
round the axle of rotation: ABCD - inlet of the sluice box, AiBiCIDi - outlet
of the
sluice box.
~8
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
r
Method of producing of separate /isolated/ pulp flows containing solid
particles with
given linear dimensions from pulp of industrial hydro-washing machines with
succeeding sedimentation of valuable heavy component from isolated pulp flows
on
the set of gravitational sluice boxes.
Schame N.,~ Sa~er~e ~-°~
A
Gr
~ ~
8 a ~ c
$e~ern~ l~'- 3
19
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
b
1
i
A.
Se~te~e N-~
C
A
Method of producing of separate /isolated/ pulp flows containing solid
particles with
given linear dimensions from pulp of industrial hydro-washing machines with
succeeding sedimentation of valuable heavy component from isolated pulp flows
on
the set of gravitational sluice bores.
Sel~e~e N' ~
0 ~ t~
zo
_...~,~. ~- ,
CA 02497642 2005-02-O1
Field ~f t
The method refers to the sphere of mining industry, namely extracting of
valuable
and rare earth metals and other solid minerals {diamonds).
Level of tech~i~
Presently mining industry broadly uses methods and devices based on gravity
and
centrifugal force usage, separately or in combination with each other and
other
forces under effect of industrial hydra-washing machines on the pulp. Remote
analogues are methods used in Keelson concentrator (Canada), Ivankavsky
separator (Russia), devices of Alaska series (USA), in spiral separators of
Einley,
Falcon concentrators. Prototypes and close analogues were not found by the
author.
Prot~type.
The prototy~ of this r~tetl~od is the n~etl~ad of gravitational precipitation
of . . .
from the pulp of industrial hyd-wa;~hing machines, earlier suggested by the
same
author. The new method reserves the main es ential signs of the previous one,
but
as a principal acting force for processing solid particles the centrifugal
force was
chosen. This centrifugal force can be adjusted and increased dozens and
hundreds
times, which ensures more productive work. In this method, the author provided
for the possibility of continuous technological cycle.
The suggested method is very elective and according to theoretical
perspective, it
will decrease operating losses of gold by more than 6D%.
In addition, use of the method in extraction of platinum, minerals of platinum
and
rare earth groups is ensured a high economic benefit. It is highly efF~cient
in
extraction of fine diamonds. The method with other ones can be used in
treatment
of processed products from atomic electric power stations.
The further strategic development of the direction shown by the suggested
method
will help to get more efficient "know- how" in other spheres of industry.
.~~,~ ~ ~.~~.~
~u~khcrr ~'~ ~' ~~~ ,~ /AQ~ttaliy Kuzoet~wvl
,~o aa~~~
,Z~ ~=,_ i
