Illustration

Consider separation of feed into underflow and overflow by a hydro cyclone. Feed is  and the underflow is 70% of the feed. Determine the circulating load ratio.

In the hydro cyclone underflow is re circulated

Re circulating load

Material balance gives mass of underflow =700 tons and that of overflow is 300 tons. Every time 300 tons is the fresh feed.

Re circulating load    

If the feed stream slurry contains 35% solids by volume and 40% of the water is recycled, calculate concentration of solids in hydro cyclone products. Density of .

Hydro cyclone products: underflow and overflow

Mass balance gives 700 tons underflow and 300 tons overflow

Volume of solid in feed = volume of solid in underflow+ volume of solid in overflow

 

 

Volume of water in .

Volume of water in

Solids concentration in  

Volume of water in .

Solids concentration in   

Conclusion
In this lecture material balance in mineral processing is discussed through some problems. The reader should also go through the references for the details.

References:

• Kelly and Spotiswood: introduction to mineral processing
• Gaudin: Elements of ore dressing.