Efficacy of multi-gravity separator in recovery of values from waste using experimental design

Abstract

The recovery of values from mineral waste and their utilisation, for the conservation of mineral wealth and protection of environment, is gaining increasing importance. Multi-Gravity Separator (MGS) is the latest inclusion to various gravity separation machines developed for the treatment of very fine particles (less than 75 microns). The separation process inside MGS is extremely complicated and its operation is generally controlled by different design and operating variables. In the present paper, a mathematical modelling technique, using experiments and statistics, has been presented. It has been observed that it is possible to optimise design parameters of MGS to achieve best possible assay value from the wastes, composite material from flue ash and sludge, using 'design of experiments' technique which involves the selection of a strategy to obtain an adequate model with a minimum of experimentation.