The use of a Reflux Classifier for iron ores: Assessment of fine particles recovery at pilot scale

In the iron ore industry, the recovery of fine particles is an important concern in terms of process performance and production costs and perennial efforts are devoted to increase the efficiency in handling these fines. The Reflux Classifier (RC) is a relatively new technology that is mainly used in the coal and minerals industries. The operating principle of this system is based on three mechanisms: hindered settling, autogenous dense medium and lamella settling.This paper summarizes the experimental work undertaken to assess the RC for the beneficiation of iron ore fines. Tests performed with a spiral tailings and a screened spiral feed showed that products meeting commercial iron oxide concentrate specifications with very high recovery could be obtained in only one step with the RC at the pilot scale. An attempt has also been made at benchmarking the RC tests (pilot scale) against sink-float tests (laboratory scale).