Estudo da influência das variáveis operacionais na filtragem de concentrado de cobre em escala laboratorial

Abstract

Filtration is a solid-liquid separation widely used in mineral processing. This is an important and sometimes critical step in processing plants, since it can flow out the end product (concentrate for the sale). For the filter sizing, empirical methods are used with a test standardized by equipment’s manufacturers, called filter leaf test, from which one can perform the choice of the filter being used. Due his importance, was performed in this work a study with modification of feed solids concentration and particles size values of a copper pulp in order to optimize the process. The choice of these variables is due to the fact that they are important mechanisms that directly influence the filtration’s speed. Pulps were used with solid percentages of the values 40, 50, 60 and 70% and size distribution in two fractions: undersize and oversize on 400 # (37 µm). The results showed that for best results of copper concentrate filtration, you must use operation values between 60 and 70% solids and pulp thicker (over 400 #).