combined microwave-assisted comminution and sorting
TRANSCRIPT
Combined Microwave-Assisted Comminution and Sorting:
Project Update
Erin R. Bobicki, PhD, P.Eng
June 9, 2020
ü Multi-mode scalability to >1000 tph
ü Seamless technology integration with bolt-on option
ü Up to 70% energy reduction for various ores
ü Compelling value proposition, impact on downstream processing & tailings
Project Overview
https://www.cementkilns.co.uk/grinding.html; http://www.rfcafe.com/references/popular-electronics/radarange-march-1955-popular-electronics.htm;
https://ferriteinc.com/industrial-microwave-systems/industries-applications/energy/; https://thewest.com.au/business/public-companies/ore-sorting-looking-lucrative-for-middle-island-ng-b88912375z
19th Century 20th Century Today Future
combined
microwave-assisted
comminution +
sorting
Benefits:
3
Mining Microwave
Treatment
Crushing Microwave Sorting
SENSOR
ACTUATOR
REJECT ACCEPT
Conventional Grinding CircuitF80 = 150mm
Result:
ü Weakened ore particles
ü > 20% mass rejection
ü Better liberated
and higher grade mill feed
ü Coarser product
ü Significantly
grinding energy
ü Downstream benefits
Heating of value mineralsCracking
(F80 = 150mm)
CanMicro Process
CanMicro Team
4
E. Bobicki
G. Holcroft
A. Gillis
D. Fragomeni
Ste
eri
ng
Co
mm
itte
eM
em
bers
5
Phase 1
Bench Scale Assessment
of Ores
Equipment Engineering
Phase 2
High Power Microwave
Testing
Sorter Fabrication
Phase 3
Process Integration
Sorting Grinding
Phase 4
Downstream Effects
Flotation Leaching
TRL 2 TRL 3 TRL 4-5 TRL 6
Months 0-4 Months 4-8 Months 8-14 Months 12-18
• Rapid development towards TRL 6 – Prototype Demonstration
Project Timeline
Phase 1: Bench-Scale Assessment
6
Fundamental Characterization
Microwave Heating Tests
Comminution Tests
Evaluation of Ore Sortability
• 50 kg minimum sample:
Phase 1: Bench-Scale Assessment
6
Fundamental Characterization
Microwave Heating Tests
Comminution Tests
Evaluation of Ore Sortability
• 50 kg minimum sample:
Phase 1: Bench-Scale Assessment
6
Fundamental Characterization
Microwave Heating Tests
Comminution Tests
Evaluation of Ore Sortability
• 50 kg minimum sample:
Phase 1: Bench-Scale Assessment
6
Fundamental Characterization
Microwave Heating Tests
Comminution Tests
Evaluation of Ore Sortability
• 50 kg minimum sample:
Phase 1: Permittivity & Heating Tests
• Over 30 ores tested at the bench-scale to date
• Sample permittivity and heating curves (3 kW system) shown
7
Phase 1: Grindability Tests
9
• A number of ores show significant potential for grinding energy reduction
PO
S
MIN MAX
PO
SN
EG
MIN MAX
MA
XM
IN
POSNEG
NE
GP
OS
Phase 1: Sorting Tests
• Sorting algorithms developed for each ore based on heating patterns
• Significant mass rejection obtained based on mid-IR sorting alone
9
POSNEG
MIN
MA
X
Phase 2: Microwave Testing
10
Future Work
11
Phase 3: Sorter Integration
Phase 4: Downstream Testing
Flotation
Leaching
Gravity Separation
Tailings
Automated sorting
Multi-sensor
Highlights
ü CanMicro is the ONLY technology to combine microwave-assisted comminution & sorting à Potential energy savings of up to 70%:1. Reduced ore competency
2. Increased product size
3. Removal of waste before grinding
ü Phase 1: Ore Screening à Complete!
ü Phase 2: High-power microwave testing à Underway
ü Promising results in improved grindability & sortability
ü Crush It! Challenge deadline: November 30Th
12
CanMicro
intends to
Crush it!
Thank-you!
14