ABSTRACT
This paper presents a simple, non-toxic method of density analysis at relative densities above 3.0 g/cm3 developed at Billiton Process Research. As is known many heavy liquids give off toxic fumes and must be used only with adequate positive ventilation. Overbeek (1986) has used TBE with the addition of ferrosilicon in order to increase the density of TBE. This suspension has been used successfully in the laboratory float-and-sink tests at relative densities above 3.0 g/cm3. However, TBE is highly toxic and, therefore, Billiton Process Research carried out an extensive research to replace TBE with a non-toxic medium. A mixture of LST (lithium heteropolytungstates) heavy, liquid which is non-toxic, together with −25 μm atomized ferrosilicon was finally selected for laboratory testing at relative densities above 3.0 g/cm3. LST is non-toxic, environmentally safe, and easy to handle.
