Prediction of dense medium cyclone performance from large size density tracer test

A modified Suspension-Partition Model has been developed to predict partiti on curves of the smaller particle size fractions from experimental data of density tracer rest at large particle sizes in dense medium cyclones. In th is model, the sedimentation pur caused by a centrifugal farce is balanced b y the turbulent diffusion flux. In addition, medium segregation and the dep endence of particle diffusivity on particle size are also taken into accoun t in the model. Three model parameters are estimated by fitting experimenta l data for a large particle size fraction to the model, and the model can b e then used to calculate partition curves of the smaller particle size frac tions. The capacity to predict the partition coefficients of finer particle sizes is demonstrated in a number of examples. The benefit of using this i mproved mathematical model is a cost reduction in the experimental determin ation of the performance of a given dense medium cyclone. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.