Particles separation using fluidization techniques

The mechanism of separation of mineral particles using fluidization techniq ue is described in this paper. When a mixture of binary particles with suff iciently different physical properties is particulately fluidized, under so me operating conditions the mixture separates and displays a behaviour call ed layer inversion. A theory already established for this layer inversion p henomenon in liquid fluidized beds is used for mechanistic explanation of s eparation processes. Experimental observations are presented to support the theory. This study supports: (1) a comprehensive criterion for binary part icles of any type (both size and density variant, only size variant or only density variant) to separate/mix and invert; and (2) mixing/separation reg ime map in terms of size ratio and density ratio of the particles for a giv en fluidizing medium. Therefore, knowing the physical properties of mineral particles, appropriate fluidization conditions can be chosen in order to s eparate them. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.