Super-large SLon-5000 PHGMS separators for enhanced recovery of fine ilmenite from tailings in an innovative process

Abstract

Since 2006, the large scaling-up of SLon PHGMS separator has been a major development trend as it significantly improves the processing capacity at remarkable reduction in energizing cost, which is critical for processing low-grade ores and re-utilizing tailings. The key technological breakthroughs achieved in the first super-large SLon-5000 PHGMS separator, and its operation performance in comparison with the initial large-scale SLon-2500 PHGMS separator developed in 2006 were briefly introduced. The comparative results indicate the maximum solids processing capacity was remarkably improved from 150 t/h in SLon-2500 to 950 t/h in SLon-5000, with their energizing cost significantly reduced from 0.56 kWh to 0.27 kWh for processing a ton of material. The first application of three SLon-5000 PHGMS separators, forming an innovative process for recovery of fine ilmenite from tailings in the Panxi region of China, was also discussed. Its industrial operation indicates that the process achieved a significantly improved recovery for fine ilmenite, improving the TiO₂ grade from 4.31 % in tailings to 12.26 % in concentrate with TiO₂ recovery reaching 46.51 %, at 0.74 kWh energizing cost and 2.4 m³/h water consumption for processing a ton of the tailings.