A 15 tonnes per hour (tph) zircon sand plant would be designed to process zircon sand at a rate of 15 tonnes per hour. This type of facility is typically used in the mining and mineral processing industry to extract and refine zirconium and other valuable minerals from zircon-rich sands.
Key Components and Considerations:
Feed System: This includes storage hoppers, conveyors, and chutes to deliver the raw zircon sand to the processing plant.
Screening and Classification: This step involves separating the sand into different size fractions, often using vibrating screens or cyclones.
Gravity Separation: Utilizing gravity separators such as spirals, shaking tables, or jigs to separate denser zircon particles from the lighter gangue materials.
Magnetic and Electrostatic Separation: These methods help to further refine the sand by removing non-zirconium minerals. High-intensity magnetic separators can remove magnetic particles, while electrostatic separators can target conductive particles.
Flotation: Chemical flotation may be used to enhance the separation process, especially if the zircon is associated with other minerals in a complex matrix.
Drying and Packaging: After processing, the zircon sand is typically dried and then packaged for storage or transport.
Tailings Management: Efficient management of waste material or tailings is crucial for environmental compliance and operational efficiency.
Quality Control: Regular testing and quality assurance measures ensure that the final zircon product meets the required industrial standards.
Operational Requirements:
Potential Applications of Processed Zircon:
Designing and setting up a 15tph zircon sand plant is a complex task that requires careful planning and the involvement of experienced engineers and project managers to ensure efficiency and sustainability.