The development of a standalone computer simulation tool for the optimization of gypsum recovery at Afmine
Date
2005
Authors
Maree C.
Burger A.J.
Aldrich C.
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Abstract
This paper describes the development and use of a process simulator to optimize gypsum recovery at Afmine, a small plant near Yzerfontein on the South African West Coast The simulator consisted of models of the major plant equipment, viz. hydrocy-clones, surge bins, settling tanks, a primary sieve and a dewatering screen. Experimental data suggested that the equipment could be modelled satisfactorily from data published in the open literature. Simulation studies have indicated that gypsum losses on the plant could be reduced substantially by means of some relatively minor modifications to the plant layout Moreover, sensitivity analyses of the plant have indicated that optimization of the settling tanks should receive priority over the other process units. © The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2005.
Description
Keywords
Ammonium compounds, Computer simulation, Data reduction, Dewatering, Fire resistance, Industrial plants, Optimization, Settling tanks, Sulfuric acid, Afmine, Ammonium sulfate, Anhydrite, Comminution circuits, Gypsum
Citation
Journal of The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
105
3
105
3