Study of the settling of tincal mineral particles in different fluid media

The aim of this study is to investigate the behavior and velocity ratio of tincal particles in different fluid media containing clay minerals, so that the diversion of tincal particles into slime product or not can be estimated. Tests were carried out using a settling unit and parameters such as clay content of the pulp and dissolved tincal concentration were investigated. Test results were evaluated by measuring the particle-size distribution in the settled product at the end of predefined durations. Average particle size of the settling product at the end of 8min was observed to be 35m at 5% solids ratio by weight in the pulp; however, it was 55m at 20% solids ratio by weight. On the other hand, the presence of clay in the fluid medium was observed to directly affect the settling rate of the particles. In the suspension containing 100g/l of clay and 5% of tincal, particle size of the settling fraction was 55m at the end of 8min, which well compared to 35 m in the clay-free suspension. The classification medium that contained considerable amounts of clay acted as a heavy and viscous medium and it was determined that fine tincal particles were lost into the tailings during the classification processes in Krka Tincal Concentrator.