title: An investigation of wide-angle dense-medium cycloning for the recovery of metal and aggregate from fine slag.
abstract: An investigation was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of using wide-angle dense-medium cycloning to process a fine (-600 microm) stainless-steel slag. The slag was characterized by size and density using a combination of sieving and pycnometer measurements. Separation testing was carried out using a laboratory dense-medium cyclone to concentrate the stainless-steel fraction and produce a low-metal aggregate material. The effects of cyclone geometry (cone angle, underflow diameter, overflow diameter, cylinder length, and vortex finder length) and medium density on cyclone performance were evaluated. A Plackett-Burman statistical design was used to determine the significant variables as related to recovery and purity of the metal and aggregate products. Based on these results, full-factorial designs were performed at two different medium densities. Regression models relating the significant variables to product recovery and purity were developed for both the metal and aggregate fractions.
authors.affiliation: Energy and Geo-Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Eric R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Wolfe
authors.forename: Mark S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Klima
mesh_terms: D005591:Chemical Fractionation; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010316:Particle Size; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013193:Stainless Steel / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification
chemical_list: D007220:Industrial Waste; D008670:Metals; D013193:Stainless Steel