MODELING AND SIMULATING DENSE MEDIUM SEPARATION PROCESSES - A PROGRESS REPORT

There is an extensive literature on the performance of dense medium separation (DMS) processes in both coal (low density) and mineral (high density) applications. However, very few workers have grappled successfully with the problem of developing effective mathematical models of DMS processes for simulation, other than the trivial option of using partition curves with arbitrary parameter selection. This paper reviews the literature on the modelling of both DMS bath and cyclone separators, and identifies the strengths and weaknesses in the present simulation capabilities. Functions for partition curves are considered in the context of process modelling. Recent work at the JKMRC is summarised, including the development of models of DM drums and cyclones, and a new DMS computer simulation module, JKSimDM, is reported. It is concluded that effective simulation models are now available or within reach, and the paper concludes with a statement of objectives for future research in this area.