Photoelectric beneficiation is a technology for mineral sorting based on the difference in optical properties of mineral surfaces. This technology is mainly based on the differences in color, gloss, transparency, etc. between different minerals, and uses photoelectric equipment to identify and separate different mineral particles. Photoelectric beneficiation technology is applicable to the sorting process of various metal and non-metallic minerals, and has a significant effect on improving the grade and recovery rate of concentrates.

1. Basic principles and processes of photoelectric beneficiation equipment

1). Basic principles

Optical properties: Each mineral has its own unique optical properties, such as reflectivity, absorptivity and transmittance. These properties are closely related to the chemical composition and physical structure of the mineral.

Sensor technology: Photoelectric beneficiation equipment is usually equipped with highly sensitive photoelectric sensors or cameras that can capture subtle changes in color and gloss.

Image processing: The collected image data will be processed by complex algorithms to distinguish different mineral particles.

Actuator: According to the processing results, the system will control the airflow or mechanical device to achieve accurate separation of minerals.

2). Process flow

Feeding: The ore to be processed is evenly fed into the photoelectric beneficiation equipment.

Pretreatment: may include crushing, screening and other steps to ensure that the material size meets the requirements.

Detection: Each particle is quickly scanned by a high-speed camera or other type of sensor.

Analysis and decision-making: The computer system analyzes the data instantly and decides whether the particle needs to be removed.

Separation: Unwanted particles are removed from useful minerals by jetting air.

Collection: The separated minerals are collected separately for subsequent processing or sold directly as products.

2. The significance of choosing photoelectric mineral processing equipment:

Improve sorting accuracy: Photoelectric mineral processing technology can accurately identify the target minerals based on their optical properties such as color and gloss, thereby achieving efficient separation of target minerals. This is more accurate than traditional manual or mechanical sorting methods and helps to improve the purity of the final product.

Increase recovery rate: Since photoelectric mineral processing technology can select useful minerals more finely, it can effectively improve the recovery rate of valuable minerals and reduce resource waste when processing complex and diverse ores.

Reduce operating costs: Although the initial investment in photoelectric mineral processing equipment is relatively high, in the long run, its high degree of automation and easy operation mean lower labor costs and maintenance costs. In addition, by improving the sorting efficiency, energy consumption can be indirectly saved.

Environmentally friendly: Compared with traditional hydrometallurgical methods, photoelectric beneficiation produces almost no pollutants such as wastewater and waste slag, which is a more environmentally friendly beneficiation method. This is of great significance for protecting the natural environment and meeting the requirements of sustainable development.

Strong adaptability: Photoelectric beneficiation is suitable for various types of ores, including non-ferrous metals, precious metals and some non-metallic ores. For those minerals with similar physical properties but different optical characteristics, photoelectric beneficiation provides an effective solution.

Good flexibility: With the advancement of technology, modern photoelectric beneficiation systems are usually equipped with advanced software support, which can quickly adjust parameter settings according to different raw material characteristics and production needs, enhancing the flexibility of the entire process.

3. Ore types suitable for photoelectric beneficiation technology include but are not limited to:

Non-ferrous metal ores: such as copper ore, lead-zinc ore, etc. These ores often contain multiple metal elements, and there are obvious color or density differences between them.

Precious metal ores: gold ore, silver ore, etc. Under certain conditions, there may be sufficient optical property differences between precious metals and associated minerals for sorting.

Non-metallic ores: such as quartz, feldspar, phosphate, wollastonite, talc, fluorite, calcite, calcium carbonate, brucite, etc. When there are obvious differences in color, texture, texture, shape, gloss, texture, etc. between these minerals and other impurities, corresponding photoelectric beneficiation equipment can also be used for impurity separation.

Photoelectric beneficiation technology, with its high efficiency and precision, improves the grade and recovery rate of concentrate while reducing the impact on the environment. It is an important technological innovation in modern mining.