1

Density Classification
Principles:
1) Free and hindered settling ratios.
Prefer hindered settling conditions since HSR > FSR
2) Initial, differential particle acceleration.
Consider force balance on a single particle in a liquid.

Fe o 5180kg / m3 , size 40 m;
3 4

Fe Si 6800kg / m3 , size 20 m;
At t = 0, FD = 0
f
1
dt p

dv p

i.e., the initial acceleration of particle is only a function of f p and not dp and hence can be used as a
basis of density (gravity) classification.
For e.g., consider particles of quartz and galena

dv p

dt t 0, galena
3
dv p

dt t 0,quartz

Q 2650kg / m3
where,

G 7500kg / m3
f 2000kg / m3

3) Float - Sink separation

Use liquid proportion of intermediate density to separate that will float or sink
Important Issue: stability of suspension, which requires:

small particle size

irregular particle size
high percentage solid
prevent agglomeration

Operation
1) Hindered settling classifier for both sorting and sizing
Sorting --> separation based on density
e.g., large capacity (up to several hundred tph)

Numerous jets of water issue from perforated pipes to fluidize particles

Separation can take place on the basis of size and density, for e.g., eliminate Fe - containing
particles and clay from glass sand.
2) JIGGING:
Alternatively fluidizing and collapsing a bed of particles to concentrate the denser mineral on the bottom
and lighter mineral on the top. That is we need:
High cycle frequency
Short duration of fall (Collapsing)
Principle of separation --> Initial, differential acceleration.

Harz Jig:

Jig will run at a speed of 60 - 400 strokes/min to ensure conditions promote "Initial acceleration based
separation".

A = heavy particle
B = larger size, lighter particle with same v as
A
C = smaller, heavy particle.

For small times, t x, the heavier particles A and C, of the same density, will separate from B.
Please note:
About half the coal cleaned in US is treated by Jigs
Can handle coal up to 130mm, but not very efficient in concentrating particles below 6mm.
About half the coal cleaned in US is treated by jigs
Capacity: 270 - 700 tph (40t/m2/hr).
60 - 80 strokes/min to ensure conditions promote initial acceleration based separation.
Not as efficient as HMS, but have lower capital and operating costs.
3) Heavy media separation:
Predominant method for cleaning coal.
Medium : suspension of fine magnetite and/or Fe-Si particles in water.

Fe o 5180kg / m3 , size 40 m;
3 4

Fe Si 6800kg / m3 , size 20 m;
Particles
Fe3O4
Fe3O4 + Fe - Si
Fe - Si

Density range (kg/m3)

1200 - 2200
2200 - 2900
2900 - 3400

For coal cleaning Fe3O4 suspension is used.

The effect of pulp density on its viscosity is shown in the figure below.

FFT: What is the effect of viscosity of suspension in separation efficiency by Heavy Media Separation?
Given below is a drum type Heavy Media Separator.