Density based separations in the Reflux Classifier with an air–sand dense–medium and vibration

The Reflux Classifier is a device consisting of parallel inclined channels above a fluidized bed. Water-based versions of the system have been successfully employed in industry for gravity separation of −2 + 0.25 mm coal and mineral matter. In this study an air-fluidized system was investigated using a single 2 m long inclined channel with 100 mm wide channels and 20 mm perpendicular spacing. Sand (−355 + 125 micron) was used as a dense–medium and vibration at two distinct levels was used to improve fluidization stability. Tracer particles of −6.35 + 1.00 mm nominal diameter and 1300 to 2400 kg/m3 density were used to study the effects of the vibration energy and vibration direction on the separation efficiency. The device was able to separate coal particles from a maximum of 8 mm down to 1 mm on the basis of density; hence this method has potential for industrial application. Results were analysed using a simple 2-parameter dispersion–convection model. Dense particles had negative slip velocities, low-density particles had positive slip velocities and the slip velocities were proportional to particle diameter.