PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR ATTRITION CARRIED OUT IN A HUMID MEDIUM

摘要

This invention provides a process and apparatus for the wet attrition of ore. The process comprises grinding the ore to a pulp having a particle size distribution such that about 80 % by weight of the particles have a diameter of from about 30 to about 0.4 mm ; and agitating the pulp in a slightly turbulent medium. The apparatus comprises a vat having top and bottom covers with central openings and a gutter disposed along the exterior circumference of the top of the vat ; a cylindrical shaft extending through the opening in the top cover ; and a pair of impellers mounted at a distance apart on the shaft, the blades of the impellers being so arranged that the pulp is pumped towards the space defined between the two impellers.