Pitchblende: Mineral Processing Challenges and Difficulties

Within the diverse family of non-ferrous minerals, wolframite holds a pivotal position as the primary ore for tungsten extraction.

However, the inherent characteristics of wolframite present significant complications for mineral processing. Its brittle nature predisposes it to excessive crushing during mining and processing. Over-crushing not only complicates subsequent beneficiation but may also result in resource wastage. Most wolframite exhibits an extremely fine grain size distribution, predominantly occurring in the ore as self-formed, semi-self-formed platy, or granular forms. This minute grain size distribution makes it exceedingly difficult to precisely separate wolframite from other minerals during beneficiation. Furthermore, wolframite is closely intertwined with gangue minerals, further complicating the beneficiation process. In conventional black tungsten ore processing, gravity separation remains a widely employed method.

Emergence of Novel Gravity Separation Equipment

Confronted with the challenge of recovering fine-grained black tungsten ore, researchers and engineers in the mineral processing field have pursued continuous innovation, leading to the development of a series of novel gravity separation devices. These units, characterised by unique design concepts and advanced technological principles, have demonstrated exceptional performance in recovering fine-grained black tungsten ore, offering renewed prospects for enhancing the utilisation rate of black tungsten ore resources.

SL Centrifuge: Specialist in Ultra-Fine Heavy Mineral Recovery

As a standout among new gravity separation equipment, the SL centrifuge features an exceptionally sophisticated structural design. It comprises multiple components including a centrifugal drum, frame, feed mechanism, concentrate washing and rinsing water system, and mineral separation apparatus. Each element is meticulously engineered for seamless integration, ensuring highly efficient operation.

Compared to conventional centrifuges, the SL Centrifuge offers unparalleled advantages in its lower recovery particle size limit. For black tungsten ore in the 19–37μm particle size range, its recovery rate reaches approximately 90%, meaning the vast majority of black tungsten ore within this size range can be precisely recovered. For black tungsten ore in the -10μm ultrafine particle size range, the recovery rate is even higher, exceeding 60%.

Suspended Vibrating Cone Mineral Separator: A New Paradigm in Film Separation

The development of the suspended vibrating cone mineral separator is rooted in the Bagnard shear loosening theory and inclined-plane film separation principles. It represents a crystallisation of innovation in mineral processing technology and constitutes a novel micro-fine particle film suspension cone gravity separation apparatus. Its operational sequence resembles a meticulously choreographed ‘dance’, imbued with scientific rhythm.

The slurry first undergoes agitation to thoroughly disperse its mineral particles, akin to scrambling mixed items to prepare for subsequent separation. The agitated slurry enters uniformly through the feed hopper at the centre of the conical disc. As the disc rotates, the slurry is guided by an invisible hand, spreading fan-shaped across the disc surface to gradually form a thin slurry film. During this process, leveraging density differences between particles, minerals undergo ‘self-sorting’ under the influence of a composite force field. Heavy minerals descend like disciplined soldiers towards the lower regions of the disc, while lighter minerals remain suspended like floating feathers in the upper zone.

Compared to conventional gravity separation equipment, the suspended vibrating cone disc concentrator offers numerous advantages. It possesses a low minimum recoverable particle size, capable of capturing extremely fine mineral grains; achieves high enrichment ratios for heavy minerals, elevating low-grade ores to higher concentrations; operates with low energy consumption, balancing efficient recovery with reduced power usage; ensures stable operation, minimising production interruptions from equipment failures; experiences minimal material wear, extending service life; and incurs low maintenance costs, thereby reducing operational expenditure.

Suspension Vibrating Belt Concentrator: Pioneer in Vibratory Suspension Separation

The separation mechanism of the suspension vibrating belt concentrator is based on the principles of vibration and suspension, setting it apart from other gravity separation equipment.

Upon entering the conveyor belt through the feed inlet, materials embark upon a remarkable ‘journey of separation’. Under vibrational force, the material becomes activated, rapidly dispersing and distributing uniformly across the belt. As the belt continuously moves, the combined effects of suspension and vibration magically stratify the material according to density, particle size, and shape. Heavier minerals, possessing greater density, sink like heavy stones to the belt's base during this ‘stratification process,’ while lighter minerals remain on the upper surface like airy foam. During conveyance, distinct mineral types are precisely directed to separate outlets, thereby completing the sorting process smoothly.