A STUDY OF THE FALCON CONCENTRATOR

A B6 Falcon Concentrator was tested on several systems: a synthetic ma gnetite-silica ore, a massive sulphide gold-copper ore, a finite gold- pyrite-silica flotation tail, and a high-grade gold ore in a low sulph ide gangue (cyclone overflow). The Falcon demonstrated its ability to achieve separation in all cases, but with varying degrees of success. For the magnetite-silica system, separation proceeded until the concen trate bed overloaded, at a mass of 300-400 g of magnetite. Recovery in creased with decreasing particle size, down to 25-37 mum, and in some cases even below 25 mum. Bowl geometry (angle) and gangue size distrib ution were the most significant operating variables. Results with the massive sulphide ore were the poorest, with gold recoveries typically around 10-20% at very low upgrading ratios, 1:1-5:1. Gold recovery fro m the fine flotation tail ranged from 30 to 70% at upgrading ratios of 5-15. The high-grade gold cyclone overflow yielded a wide range of go ld recoveries, with a very consistent relationship between recovery an d mass processed. With a high-grade feed, a concentrate of 0.5% Au cou ld be produced at a recovery of 50%.