Short-pulse microwave treatment of disseminated sulfide ores

摘要: Abstract Theoretical and experimental analyses are used to study the feasibility of using short-pulse microwave energy as a pretreatment step in comminution. Ores interest contain microwave-absorbing mineral low-absorbing gangue. A finite element numerical model is predict thermomechanical response single pyrite particle calcite host rock during heating. The effects power density size presented. Using densities within those expected currently available equipment, significant temperature differences predicted between matrix. Resulting stress exceeds typical strengths these minerals. Laboratory tests verify rapid, selective heating crushed sulfide Tests with mixtures pure minerals show rates directly proportional mass high-loss mineral; thus, shielding grains by other does not appear be significant. cursory energy-use analysis suggests that short pulse treatment can accomplished relatively small input compared current consumption Although improved comminution has yet experimentally demonstrated, initial results promising from both technical an economic standpoint.