262 XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3
throughputs required by the mining industry. Recent
advancements at the JKMRC have introduced a patented
HVP electrode-grizzly system designed to be scalable,
addressing the high-throughput requirements of mining
applications. This innovation represents a significant step
forward in leveraging HVP technology to overcome the
challenges faced by the mining industry.
HIGH VOLTAGE PULSE IN MINERALS
PROCESSING
High Voltage Pulse Processing involves the discharge of
stored electrical energy into a load, either in a single short
pulse or as short pulses with a controllable repetition rate
(Bluhm 2006). In mineral processing, HVP is utilized to
selectively fracture ores without the need for traditional
grinding techniques. It involves applying short-duration,
high-voltage electrical pulses to the ore material, creating
stress waves that induce micro-fractures within the par-
ticles. These rapid pulses of electrical energy are typically
delivered through electrodes placed in contact with the
ore material. Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of the process
showing its three fundamental components: a power sup-
ply, a high-voltage pulse generator, and a processing vessel
with electrodes immersed in water.
The principles underlying HVP technology have
been extensively discussed in existing literature (Andres
et al. 2001 Bluhm 2006 Chanturiya et al. 2011 Usov
and Tsukerman 2000 Shi et al. 2012). During the HVP
process, the high-voltage pulses generate intense electri-
cal fields within the ore particles, causing localized stresses
that exceed the material’s strength threshold. This results
in the formation of micro-cracks and fractures along grain
boundaries, facilitating the liberation of valuable minerals
from the host rock. Unlike conventional grinding meth-
ods, which indiscriminately reduce particle size through
mechanical forces, HVP selectively targets mineralization,
minimizing energy consumption and reducing the genera-
tion of fine particles and waste.
HVP offers several advantages over traditional mineral
processing techniques, including lower energy consump-
tion, reduced environmental impact, and improved min-
eral recovery rates. Additionally, HVP can be applied to a
wide range of ore types, including sulfide ores, base met-
als, precious metals, and industrial minerals. By enhanc-
ing the efficiency of mineral liberation and reducing the
energy-intensive processes associated with grinding, HVP
processing represents a promising innovation in the field
of mineral processing, offering potential cost savings and
environmental benefits for the mining industry.
The development of HVP has been characterized by
a gradual progression from fundamental research to com-
mercial applications. Early studies in the mid-20th century
laid the groundwork for understanding the effects of high-
voltage electrical pulses on mineral particles. Throughout
the 1980s and 1990s, significant advancements were made
in HVP technology, driven by a growing demand for
more efficient and sustainable mineral processing meth-
ods. Researchers and engineers experimented with differ-
ent pulse parameters, electrode configurations, and process
conditions to optimize the performance of HVP systems.
Commercialization of HVP technology gained momentum
in the early 2000s, with the introduction of commercial-
scale HVP systems (SELFRAG AG) capable of process-
ing large volumes of ore efficiently and cost-effectively.
However, the throughputs of these units were still several
orders of magnitude smaller than what is required for many
base ore operations (Huang and Chen 2021). Despite its
potential advantages, there are challenges that impede the
widespread adoption of High Voltage Pulse technology in
the minerals industry. These include:
1. Scalability: While HVP technology has been
successfully demonstrated at laboratory and pilot
scales, scaling up to commercial-scale operations
presents challenges. Achieving high throughput
rates necessary for large-scale mineral process-
ing applications remains a significant barrier. The
development of scalable HVP systems capable
of processing the high volumes of ore typically
encountered in mining operations is essential for
widespread adoption.
2. Process Integration: Integrating HVP technol-
ogy into existing mineral processing circuits can
be complex. HVP systems need to be compatible
Figure 1. Schematic representation of an HV unit (Shi et al.
2012)
throughputs required by the mining industry. Recent
advancements at the JKMRC have introduced a patented
HVP electrode-grizzly system designed to be scalable,
addressing the high-throughput requirements of mining
applications. This innovation represents a significant step
forward in leveraging HVP technology to overcome the
challenges faced by the mining industry.
HIGH VOLTAGE PULSE IN MINERALS
PROCESSING
High Voltage Pulse Processing involves the discharge of
stored electrical energy into a load, either in a single short
pulse or as short pulses with a controllable repetition rate
(Bluhm 2006). In mineral processing, HVP is utilized to
selectively fracture ores without the need for traditional
grinding techniques. It involves applying short-duration,
high-voltage electrical pulses to the ore material, creating
stress waves that induce micro-fractures within the par-
ticles. These rapid pulses of electrical energy are typically
delivered through electrodes placed in contact with the
ore material. Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of the process
showing its three fundamental components: a power sup-
ply, a high-voltage pulse generator, and a processing vessel
with electrodes immersed in water.
The principles underlying HVP technology have
been extensively discussed in existing literature (Andres
et al. 2001 Bluhm 2006 Chanturiya et al. 2011 Usov
and Tsukerman 2000 Shi et al. 2012). During the HVP
process, the high-voltage pulses generate intense electri-
cal fields within the ore particles, causing localized stresses
that exceed the material’s strength threshold. This results
in the formation of micro-cracks and fractures along grain
boundaries, facilitating the liberation of valuable minerals
from the host rock. Unlike conventional grinding meth-
ods, which indiscriminately reduce particle size through
mechanical forces, HVP selectively targets mineralization,
minimizing energy consumption and reducing the genera-
tion of fine particles and waste.
HVP offers several advantages over traditional mineral
processing techniques, including lower energy consump-
tion, reduced environmental impact, and improved min-
eral recovery rates. Additionally, HVP can be applied to a
wide range of ore types, including sulfide ores, base met-
als, precious metals, and industrial minerals. By enhanc-
ing the efficiency of mineral liberation and reducing the
energy-intensive processes associated with grinding, HVP
processing represents a promising innovation in the field
of mineral processing, offering potential cost savings and
environmental benefits for the mining industry.
The development of HVP has been characterized by
a gradual progression from fundamental research to com-
mercial applications. Early studies in the mid-20th century
laid the groundwork for understanding the effects of high-
voltage electrical pulses on mineral particles. Throughout
the 1980s and 1990s, significant advancements were made
in HVP technology, driven by a growing demand for
more efficient and sustainable mineral processing meth-
ods. Researchers and engineers experimented with differ-
ent pulse parameters, electrode configurations, and process
conditions to optimize the performance of HVP systems.
Commercialization of HVP technology gained momentum
in the early 2000s, with the introduction of commercial-
scale HVP systems (SELFRAG AG) capable of process-
ing large volumes of ore efficiently and cost-effectively.
However, the throughputs of these units were still several
orders of magnitude smaller than what is required for many
base ore operations (Huang and Chen 2021). Despite its
potential advantages, there are challenges that impede the
widespread adoption of High Voltage Pulse technology in
the minerals industry. These include:
1. Scalability: While HVP technology has been
successfully demonstrated at laboratory and pilot
scales, scaling up to commercial-scale operations
presents challenges. Achieving high throughput
rates necessary for large-scale mineral process-
ing applications remains a significant barrier. The
development of scalable HVP systems capable
of processing the high volumes of ore typically
encountered in mining operations is essential for
widespread adoption.
2. Process Integration: Integrating HVP technol-
ogy into existing mineral processing circuits can
be complex. HVP systems need to be compatible
Figure 1. Schematic representation of an HV unit (Shi et al.
2012)