Electrostatic separation Mineral processing

there 2 main types of electrostatic separators. these work in similar ways, forces applied particles different , these forces gravity , electrostatic attraction. 2 types electrodynamic separators (or high tension rollers) or electrostatic separators. in high tension rollers, particles charged corona discharge. charges particles subsequently travel on drum. conducting particles lose charge drum , removed drum centripetal acceleration. electrostatic plate separators work passing stream of particles past charged anode. conductors lose electrons plate , pulled away other particles due induced attraction anode. these separators used particles between 75 , 250 micron , efficient separation occur, particles need dry, have close size distribution , uniform in shape. of these considerations, 1 of important water content of particles. important layer of moisture on particles render non-conductors conductors layer of water conductive.

electrostatic plate separators used streams have small conductors , coarse non-conductors. high tension rollers used streams have coarse conductors , fine non-conductors.

these separators commonly used separating mineral sands, example of 1 of these mineral processing plants crl processing plant @ pinkenba in brisbane queensland. in plant, zircon, rutile , ilmenite separated silica gangue. in plant, separation performed in number of stages roughers, cleaners, scavengers , recleaners.