THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE CLASSIFIERS TO COMMINUTION AND SEPARATION
PROCESSES IN MINERAL PROCESSING
A. N. MAINZA
Centre for Minerals Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town,
Rondebosch, 7701, Cape Town, South Africa
ABSTRACT
Classification is an important aspect of the comminution circuit and if not operated efficiently can
compromise both throughput and product quality in the circuit. In most mineral processing circuits
classification is carried out using either hydrocyclones or screens. This paper discusses the benefits that can
be obtained by operating the classification section efficiently. Case studies were hydrocyclones are
operated efficiently and lead to increased throughput, product quality, and recovery from the separation
process will be discussed. Similarly, a case study for a circuit employing screens and how changes to the
performance of the screen lead to improved plant throughput and recovery will be given. The discussion
will also include a guide to design and operating variables for both hydrocyclones and screen that could
make the classification circuit more efficient and have a good influence on the overall plant. Studies were
the classification circuit had a detrimental effect on the overall plant performance will be included to show
that the plant can’t thrive when this area is neglected.
KEYWORDS
Classifiers, Hydrocyclones, Screens, Comminution, Throughput, Separation processes, Recovery