Effect of fine slime on the choice of columbium ore pretreatment flowsheets

Abstract

The article presents studies of slime formation in processing of Vishnevogorsk columbium ore. The slime formation criterion is assumed as the presence of size grades less than 50 and 5 µm estimated from modern laser granulometer data. The optimal methods and equipment for grinding are chosen depending on rate of slime formation in final products. The studies use centrifugal and rod mills. The rod mill assures the lowest rate of slime formation. Based on the experimental results, the columbium ore pretreatment flowsheet and special ore disintegration methods have been selected. The flowsheet uses crushing machines ensuring the highest rate selectivity—inertia cone crusher and the lowest rate slime formation during milling—rod mill.