Gormasheksport LLC, Novosibirsk, Russia:

A. V. Bauman, Deputy Director, Candidate of Engineering Sciences
A. I. Stepanenko, Director
A. A. Stepanenko, Head of Laboratory, goraexport@mail.ru

The near-term (up to 2020) top-priority research areas are determined for comprehensive and advanced processing of natural and industrial mineral raw materials in the Russian Federation, including the development of dry beneficiation/concentration technologies. This paper discusses completely new SEPAIR technology and pneumatic concentration complexes, and presents analysis of distinctive features and efficiency of this new technology as compared with FGX dry concentration units (China). Initially SEPAIR complex was designed for dry coal concentration; however later it showed stable performance and easy adjustment for varying input conditions (including initial moisture content in the material) for other ores and nonmetallic materials. The paper presents technical details and results of industrial implementation and operation of SEPAIR pneumatic complexes for concentration of coal, vermiculite, kimberlite ores, and bauxites. Moreover prospects of use and limits to applicability of the technology are reviewed. It is noted that currently the main issue is to develop a correct mathematical model of the process. The technology requires development and aligning of two models of particle motion in the suspension bed in both the vertical channel and the vortex chamber. So presently the reliable design data for industrial complexes can be obtained only qualitatively and based on the test results. The paper provides the description and data of SEPAIR-1-0.5 pilot laboratory plant used to assess the availability of the use of this technology for specific material and to determine the key process parameters. The prospects are demonstrated for more extensive use of SEPAIR dry concentration technologies in the industrial production in Russia.

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