Estimation of particle size in hydrocyclone underflow streams by use of Multivariate Image Analysis

• A hydrocyclone was used to classify platinum metal group slurries.
• Samples and images were collected from the underflow of the hydrocyclone.
• Features were extracted from the images by use of steerable pyramid methods.
• Image features were used to predict the mean particle size in the slurries.

Photographic images were collected of the underflow slurry stream of a laboratory-scale hydrocyclone classifying Merensky, UG2 and Platreef platinum group metal ores. Textural descriptors of the images derived by means of a steerable pyramid algorithm could be used to predict the mean particle size of the underflow slurry streams. The model consisted of a linear discriminant classifier that first identified the underflow as comprising coarse, intermediate or fine particle flow. Use of the centroids or mean particle sizes of these three classes could explain on average approximately 81% of the variance in the mean particle sizes of the underflow streams. These measurements can be performed online, and could form the basis for more advanced control of hydrocyclones and mineral processing circuits in general.

Discrimination between hydrocyclone underflows associated with coarse, intermediate and fine particle sizes based on the use of steerable pyramid image features. Respective mean particle sizes of the PGM slurries are 1125 μm, 356 μm and 99 μm.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide