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Superabsorbent Polymer Kinetics Influence in
Screen Efficiency in High Moisture Content Ores
Grasiela Otto, Sébastien Munnier, Christophe Liny, Marion Pierre
Eramet S.A.
Mahé Auch-Roy
Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Géologie Nancy
ABSTRACT: In the processing of lateritic manganese ore deposits, managing moisture content is a significant
challenge due to fines in the run-of-mine, causing clogging and inefficiencies during screening. This study
explores the impact of Superabsorbent Polymer incorporation timing on ore processing. Pseudo second-order
kinetics models emerge as the most promising tools for reliable insights into correlation of optimal dosage,
incorporation time, and screen efficiency. Results indicate up to 66% enhancement in normalized screen
efficiency when SAP is introduced within an 18-minute window. This finding holds potential for optimizing
primary processing units and streamlining downstream processes, offering improvements in overall efficiency.
Keywords: Screen efficiency superabsorbent polymer kinetics high moisture
INTRODUCTION
The production process of manganese concentrated ore
involves several operational challenges, particularly during
the rainy season. These challenges manifest as unexpected
shutdowns, decreased production line availability, and
compromised processing due to clogging and jamming in
the crushing and screening plants, resulting in inefficiencies
in the screening process.
To address these challenges, tests were conducted
to incorporate superabsorbent polymers (SAP) into the
production process. These polymers have specific physi-
cal and chemical characteristics that allow them to trap
water molecules, reducing the apparent moisture of the
ore. Understanding the physicochemical characteristics of
the minerals-polymer interactions is important for deter-
mining the optimal dosage and incorporation time for the
industrialization process under ideal conditions of polymer
efficiency.
This paper aims to verify the absorption rate of the
superabsorbent polyacrylate polymer as a function of dif-
ferent dosages, with the effect of minimum contact time
and incorporation to maximize the efficiency of SAP dur-
ing industrial operations.
Manganese Ore
Manganese (Mn) deposits are sourced globally from sedi-
mentary or volcano-sedimentary processes, which occa-
sionally undergo metamorphism (yielding gondites or
queluzites) and further enrichment through weathering.
These stratigraphically varied deposits affirm mangano-gen-
esis, spanning the Lower to Middle Proterozoic eras (Weber
1997). The ore extracted from these deposits is recognized
for its superior quality in lateritic manganese composition.
The primary mineralization pattern observed in
this deposit manifests as stratified plaques horizons,
Superabsorbent Polymer Kinetics Influence in
Screen Efficiency in High Moisture Content Ores
Grasiela Otto, Sébastien Munnier, Christophe Liny, Marion Pierre
Eramet S.A.
Mahé Auch-Roy
Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Géologie Nancy
ABSTRACT: In the processing of lateritic manganese ore deposits, managing moisture content is a significant
challenge due to fines in the run-of-mine, causing clogging and inefficiencies during screening. This study
explores the impact of Superabsorbent Polymer incorporation timing on ore processing. Pseudo second-order
kinetics models emerge as the most promising tools for reliable insights into correlation of optimal dosage,
incorporation time, and screen efficiency. Results indicate up to 66% enhancement in normalized screen
efficiency when SAP is introduced within an 18-minute window. This finding holds potential for optimizing
primary processing units and streamlining downstream processes, offering improvements in overall efficiency.
Keywords: Screen efficiency superabsorbent polymer kinetics high moisture
INTRODUCTION
The production process of manganese concentrated ore
involves several operational challenges, particularly during
the rainy season. These challenges manifest as unexpected
shutdowns, decreased production line availability, and
compromised processing due to clogging and jamming in
the crushing and screening plants, resulting in inefficiencies
in the screening process.
To address these challenges, tests were conducted
to incorporate superabsorbent polymers (SAP) into the
production process. These polymers have specific physi-
cal and chemical characteristics that allow them to trap
water molecules, reducing the apparent moisture of the
ore. Understanding the physicochemical characteristics of
the minerals-polymer interactions is important for deter-
mining the optimal dosage and incorporation time for the
industrialization process under ideal conditions of polymer
efficiency.
This paper aims to verify the absorption rate of the
superabsorbent polyacrylate polymer as a function of dif-
ferent dosages, with the effect of minimum contact time
and incorporation to maximize the efficiency of SAP dur-
ing industrial operations.
Manganese Ore
Manganese (Mn) deposits are sourced globally from sedi-
mentary or volcano-sedimentary processes, which occa-
sionally undergo metamorphism (yielding gondites or
queluzites) and further enrichment through weathering.
These stratigraphically varied deposits affirm mangano-gen-
esis, spanning the Lower to Middle Proterozoic eras (Weber
1997). The ore extracted from these deposits is recognized
for its superior quality in lateritic manganese composition.
The primary mineralization pattern observed in
this deposit manifests as stratified plaques horizons,