The BigFLUX Magnetic Matrix Technology

Abstract

The Magnetic separation of ultra-fine ore particles has always posed a challenge to the JONES/WHIMS process. Despite many advances in this technology, no effective improvement has been made to its core component: The Magnetic Matrix. The current approach to separate ultra-fine particles teaches that the gap of the matrix and its teeth size must be smaller than usual in order to accommodate the small size of the particles. However, practice proved this approach to be far from ideal. The closing of the gap between grooved plates, whose teeth are smaller, drastically reduces the flow area, reduces the feed capacity, and makes the matrices prone to clogging. In addition, smaller teeth reduce the magnetic field and its gradient, leading to poor results with ultra-fine ore particles. This research proves that bigger teeth are better suited for high intensity magnetic separation of ultra-fines because they avoid matrix clogging thanks to the larger slurry flow area. Additionally, bigger teeth amplify the magnetic field “Bmax” and increases the magnetic gradient “Grad (∆B /∆X)”. The positive results of this new “BigFLUX Matrix” technology, are being displayed in several mining operations worldwide, increasing metallurgical recovery and producing high quality concentrates and low iron content sand from iron ore tailings.

Keywords:
WHIMS; matrix; field; gradient; BigFLUX; pitch; gap; ultra-fine; magnetic; tailings; slurry