Selection of equipment and design and optimisation of process circuits is covered in this module. The process involves the application of empirical models and of specialist software packages such as JKSimMet. The module will be assessed using a series of design exercises.

1 To provide a comprehensive understanding of the techniques involved in the selection and sizing of a range of mineral processing equipment including parameter selection;

2 To be able to undertake circuit optimization using specialist software programmes.

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Critically analyse data and use it make sound judgements on equipment and flowsheet selection;

2 Accurately apply specific empirical models;

3 Demonstrate a critical understanding of techniques used for data analysis;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

4 Analyse performance data and determine process efficiency;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

5 Utilise a wide range of IT skills in specific design exercises;

6 Concisely present written data to a tight deadline.

- Introduction: The design of testwork programs. Mineralogical data and its importance to process selection;

- Comminution circuits: Overall design of comminution circuits, including methods for selection and standard ore testing procedures;

- Screening: Design and selection of screening circuits;

- Hydrocyclone selection;

- Design and selection of grinding equipment (autogenous, rod and ball mills);

- Flotation: Design of testwork programs. Sizing of flotation cells from plant data;

- Introduction to the JKSimMet software package;

- JKSimMet supported exercises including optimization of a grinding and classification circuit.

If a module is normally assessed by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.

Basic Reading:

ELE - http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Reading list for this module: