ESPIRAIS CONCENTRADORAS NO TRATAMENTO DE MINÉRIOS DE FERRO: UMA BREVE REVISÃO

Abstract

The application of spiral concentrators in the processing of iron ores started in the 1960’s for the concentration of a specular hematite ore in Canada. Since then, its acceptance has been ample among most iron ore producing companies. Spirals, although presenting very simple operating principles, have one of the most complexes separation mechanisms among all the gravity beneficiation methods. The main separation mechanisms described in literature are presented in this paper, as well as the design variables, that are of fundamental importance with respect to the achievement of a better efficiency for the processing of different types of ores or different stages in the process. The main operational problems occurring in spiral circuits are presented and some suggestions for improvements are made.