Dynamic Analysis of Dense Medium Circuits

Dense Medium Cyclone (DMC) geometry and DMC performance have been widely explored in the past. Some investigations have been made into the dynamic changes that take place over a DMC circuit while the plant is running, however this has been limited by the lack of on-line plant data. Understanding of the dynamics of the whole DMC circuit requires further enquiry. This includes, following changes in medium density, medium to coal ratio, %non-magnetics, velocities and pressures, classification and sizing of the magnetite, the effects of bleeds and wing tank dynamics.Plant operators typically run coal preparation plants to a set of conditions stipulated based on mine yield/ash predictions, steady-state measurements and design parameters without a full knowledge of how dynamic changes affect the DMC circuit. Essentially, they operate the plant on a macro level, controlling tonnage, volume, and density cut point to align with variations in plant feed. Furthermore, technology has limited operators’ ability to see the subtle changes that occur in the dense medium, for example, when the circuit is unstable. This project addresses those issues and should therefore be able to advance knowledge in the area of dynamic analysis of dense medium cyclone circuits.