Classifying Best Access Points for Return of External Flows into Flowsheets

ABSTRACT

External flows are process streams that come from auxiliary processes or events. They are re-routed into the ordinary flowsheet since they are thought to be too valuable to be sent to any tailings pond. External flows come from multiple sources, e.g. drainage sumps, spillage thickeners, depleted products etc. Therefore, external flows may fit or not fit into an existing flowsheet depending on several factors like, flow rate frequency, dilution ratio variation, chemical and mineralogical composition, particle size or particle morphology.

By using Particle Texture Analysis to investigate external flows and compare them with existing ordinary flows it is possible to pinpoint from a process mineralogy via point to what extent the external flow fits into the ordinary processing flowsheet. Results from this information category helps to reach a higher quality of process knowledge and control for every step in the concentrator.

Results show that some recycled flows reconnected to the main flow are not connected to the best point. A side effectof the analysis is that some flows may be sent to later grinding stages. Thus, decreasing the load on the primary mill, and increasing the retention time.