Population balance based modelling of nickel laterite agglomeration behaviour

Agglomeration of fine mineral particles as a precursor to heap leaching is an important means of enhancing leaching rates and metal recoveries, particularly in processing low grade ores. In this paper, the modelling of a batch drum agglomeration process applied to nickel laterite using population balance model is explored. The coalescence kernels which are linked to feed material and agglomerator operating conditions are reviewed. The use of a physically based coalescence kernel which relates agglomerate layer thickness to binder content and agglomerate consolidation shows great promise for the modelling of the agglomerate size distribution of nickel laterite ore. The model parameters were then used to predict the effect of operating parameters such as binder content on agglomerate size distribution.

The use of a physically based coalescence kernel which relates agglomerate layer thickness to binder content and agglomerate consolidation shows great promise for the modeling of the agglomerate size distribution of nickel laterite ore. The following figure shows the comparisons of modelled agglomerate size distributions with experimental results .Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Modelling of agglomerate size distribution using physically based coalescence kernels.
► The coalescence kernel is related to binder content.
► The model shows great promise in modelling nickel laterite agglomeration process.
► The physically based model shows the predictive capability.