Analysis of the Aggregate Production Process with Different Geometric Properties in the Light Fraction Separator

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of separation results in a specially designed and activated light fraction separator used to remove impurities from mineral aggregates. Laboratory tests conducted on a quarter-technical scale involved performing experiments to ascertain the scope for adjusting the variable settings of the separator operating parameters. These include the frequency and amplitude of pulsation, the height of the heavy-product reception threshold, the size of water flow and variations in the grain size and shape of the feed. During the experiments, the degrees of chalcedonite and dolomite grain purification were studied within the range of grain size for the feed: (2.0–4.0 mm for small grains, 8.0–16.0 for coarse grains and 2.0–16.0 mm for a wide range of grain sizes). The effects of the separator were assessed based on the amount of organic impurities in each heavy product. In all experiments, very good results were obtained, because the percentage of impurities in the product after separation was below 1% in accordance with the assumed technological standard assumption. Regarding the obtained content of light impurities with the separator set to optimal operating parameters, the percentage of light impurities in the product content was reduced to below 0.1%, which meets the guidelines described according to applicable standards. Multi-variant analysis allowed the optimal operating ranges of the separator to be determined, producing refined aggregate in terms of grain size and shape. The final results were also linked to the performance of the device, and its model dependencies were also determined.