1534 XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3
a certain threshold (as shown in Figure 3, left side). The data
presented is artificial data due to the availability of appro-
priate data sets of sufficient quality for a detailed show case
(Buchmann 2020). The separation applies Roger’s classifi-
cation function (Rodgers 1982) for both parameters size
and aspect ratio.
It is important to note that most separation devices,
especially in physical separation (sorting), do not address
particles based solely on a single property. There is in most
cases an overly of size effects on further physical separa-
tion e.g., entrainment in flotation, size effects in density
separation (spirals, shaking table). Thus, in most mineral
processing installations a true two-dimensional separa-
tion takes place when the outcome, the separation prin-
ciple respectively, is determined by a combination of two
or more initial particle properties. The separation function,
in this case, can manifest in any form within the two- or
multi-dimensional graphical representation (as depicted
in Figure 3, right side). In a two-dimensional scenario, the
concentrate is characterized by larger particles with a higher
aspect ratio. However, the presence of particles with a lower
aspect ratio in the concentrate tends to increase as the par-
ticle size becomes larger.
CONCLUSIONS
Summarizing, with the multi-dimensional description
of particle systems and their processes, a new possibility
arises to describe particle systems and particle processes.
Especially in mineral processing this toolbox, including the
multi-dimensional separation function, is able to generate
a new insight in particle behavior and will help to better
define specifications and to explain effects more thoroughly.
Furthermore, it becomes imperative to reevaluate our exist-
ing separation machinery with a new perspective. This fresh
examination will enable us to fully utilize the potential of
multi-dimensional separation techniques.
REFERENCES
Buchmann, M., Schach, E., Leißner, T., Kern, M.,
Mütze, T., Rudolph, M., Peuker, U.A. and Tolosana-
Delgado, R. 2020. Multidimensional characterization
of separation processes—Part 2: Comparability of sep-
aration efficiency. Minerals Engineering 150:106284.
Buchwald, T., Ditscherlein, R., &Peuker, U.A. 2022.
Description of Separation Processes Involving
Multidimensional Particle Property Distributions.
Chemie Ingenieur Technik 199–209.
Buchwald, T., Schach, E. and Peuker, U.A. 2024. A frame-
work for the description of multidimensional particle
separation processes. Powder Technology 433:119165.
Damm, C, Long, D, Walter, J. and Peukert, W. 2024 Size
and Shape Selective Classification of Nanoparticles,
Powders 3(2), 255–279.
Figure 3. Separation function of a two-step separation consisting of a first separation according to size and a second separation
step according to shape, i.e., aspect ratio (left). Separation function for a single step two-dimensional separation, with both
particle shape and particle size having an effect on the separation process (right). The brighter the color (yellow) the smaller
the probability to be extracted to the concentrate
a certain threshold (as shown in Figure 3, left side). The data
presented is artificial data due to the availability of appro-
priate data sets of sufficient quality for a detailed show case
(Buchmann 2020). The separation applies Roger’s classifi-
cation function (Rodgers 1982) for both parameters size
and aspect ratio.
It is important to note that most separation devices,
especially in physical separation (sorting), do not address
particles based solely on a single property. There is in most
cases an overly of size effects on further physical separa-
tion e.g., entrainment in flotation, size effects in density
separation (spirals, shaking table). Thus, in most mineral
processing installations a true two-dimensional separa-
tion takes place when the outcome, the separation prin-
ciple respectively, is determined by a combination of two
or more initial particle properties. The separation function,
in this case, can manifest in any form within the two- or
multi-dimensional graphical representation (as depicted
in Figure 3, right side). In a two-dimensional scenario, the
concentrate is characterized by larger particles with a higher
aspect ratio. However, the presence of particles with a lower
aspect ratio in the concentrate tends to increase as the par-
ticle size becomes larger.
CONCLUSIONS
Summarizing, with the multi-dimensional description
of particle systems and their processes, a new possibility
arises to describe particle systems and particle processes.
Especially in mineral processing this toolbox, including the
multi-dimensional separation function, is able to generate
a new insight in particle behavior and will help to better
define specifications and to explain effects more thoroughly.
Furthermore, it becomes imperative to reevaluate our exist-
ing separation machinery with a new perspective. This fresh
examination will enable us to fully utilize the potential of
multi-dimensional separation techniques.
REFERENCES
Buchmann, M., Schach, E., Leißner, T., Kern, M.,
Mütze, T., Rudolph, M., Peuker, U.A. and Tolosana-
Delgado, R. 2020. Multidimensional characterization
of separation processes—Part 2: Comparability of sep-
aration efficiency. Minerals Engineering 150:106284.
Buchwald, T., Ditscherlein, R., &Peuker, U.A. 2022.
Description of Separation Processes Involving
Multidimensional Particle Property Distributions.
Chemie Ingenieur Technik 199–209.
Buchwald, T., Schach, E. and Peuker, U.A. 2024. A frame-
work for the description of multidimensional particle
separation processes. Powder Technology 433:119165.
Damm, C, Long, D, Walter, J. and Peukert, W. 2024 Size
and Shape Selective Classification of Nanoparticles,
Powders 3(2), 255–279.
Figure 3. Separation function of a two-step separation consisting of a first separation according to size and a second separation
step according to shape, i.e., aspect ratio (left). Separation function for a single step two-dimensional separation, with both
particle shape and particle size having an effect on the separation process (right). The brighter the color (yellow) the smaller
the probability to be extracted to the concentrate