Magnetite Heavy Media: Standards and Testing Procedures

Abstract

Magnetite heavy media processes are accurate, efficient and easy to control separators, capable of producing high quality clean coal. Magnetite recovery circuit operation and magnetite consumption are the main reasons for high capital and operating costs. Over the last two decades, several countries have been actively involved in establishing magnetite specifications for coal heavy media circuits and in developing working standards for test magnetite.

This paper reviews media recovery circuits, operating parameters for magnetic separators, magnetite consumption and specifications for heavy medium magnetite. It discusses methods and instruments used in the determination of those physical and chemical properties of magnetite, and rheological properties of magnetite suspensions which are relevant to the application of heavy media separators. The paper also outlines the development of the international standards for magnetite and magnetite suspensions testing.

Keywords:

• Magnetite
• heavy medium
• heavy medium control
• heavy medium recovery
• international standards