Clean Chromite Production from Fine Chromite Tailings by Combination of Multi Gravity Separator and Hydrocyclone

Abstract

Chromite is an important mineral used in the metallurgy, chemistry, and refractory industries. For this reason, beneficiation of chromite tailings is very important. In this study, the possibility of beneficiation of chromite tailings in the Uckopru/Fethiye-Turkey region by Hydrocyclone and Multi Gravity Separator (MGS) combination was investigated. The two signification operational parameters of hydrocyclone, which were diameter of apex and diameter of vortex, and the three signification operational parameters of MGS, which were drum speed, tilt angle, and wash water, were varied and the results were evaluated with the Central Composite Rotatable Design. The results of beneficiation studies showed that commercial concentrate containing 48.18% Cr₂O₃ was obtainable with a 69.79% rate of recovery.

Keywords:

• hydrocyclone
• modelling
• Multi Gravity Separator (MGS)
• optimization
• waste processing

Notes

X_max and x_min = maximum and minimum values of x respectively; α = 2^(k−1)/4; k = number of variables (in this study; α = 2^4/4 = 2).