Dewatering and drying in mineral processing industry: Potential for innovation

Wet beneficiation of minerals necessarily requires removal of large amounts of water-typically contaminated-before further processing of the concentrated ores can be carried out. Often such concentrates are transported over large instances by ground or sea transport. For economic reasons dewatering/drying are essential unit operations. Often the capacity requirements of the mining operations are very large, the product processed has low unit value, and the material is abrasive. The selection of dryers is often arbitrary. No clear guidelines can be found by noting current practices in different countries. This article provides a global view of the types of dewatering equipment and dryers currently used in the mineral processing industries, provides guidelines for selection of drying systems, and recommends emerging innovative technologies, such as superheated steam and pulse combustion drying for future applications in this industry. A few case studies are examined. © 2010 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.