The art and science of dense medium selection
J Bosman
Medium suspensions play an integral part in the successful application of
dense medium separation for both static and dynamic separators. Although
models exist to predict particle movement as a function of medium density
and viscosity, these models have been derived on the assumption of
Newtonian rheology. Viscosity measurements of medium suspensions have
shown that they are non-Newtonian, with a yield stress, and as such
cannot be used in the existing models. As a result, medium selection
remains an art based upon practical experience and indirect measurements
of viscosity such as stability and cyclone differentials.
Keywords
DMS medium, rheology, dense medium drum, dense medium cyclone.