ABSTRACT

Different alternatives to obtain finer flotation feed from the grinding circuit of Küre flotation plant were evaluated by simulation. Mathematical models for the rod and ball mills and the hydrocyclones were developed using plant data. After sampling survey, mass balancing studies were performed using the raw data obtained. Following calculation of model parameters for the mills and hydrocyclones, the effects of ball size, solid content of cyclone feed and cyclone geometry on flotation feed fineness were investigated. The results showed that using smaller diameter cyclones together with smaller balls would provide flotation feed having 68% −38μm which is substantially finer than the current flotation feed (56% −38μm).