The concentration of barite (barium sulfate, BaSO₄) using a jigging machine relies on the difference in specific gravity (SG) between barite (SG ~4.2–4.5) and gangue minerals (typically silicates, carbonates, or sulfides with SG < 3.0). Jigging is an effective gravity separation method for coarse to medium-sized particles.
Key Factors for Barite Jigging Concentration:
1. Particle Size:
– Optimal feed size range: 0.5–10 mm (adjustable based on jig type).
– Too fine particles (<0.1 mm) may report to tailings due to poor stratification.
2. Jig Type Selection:
– Diaphragm jigs (e.g., Denver, Pan American) are commonly used for barite.
– Piston jigs or inline pressure jigs may also be effective for finer feeds.
3. Pulsation & Stroke Settings:
– Adjust water pulsation frequency (50–200 strokes/min) and amplitude (5–30 mm) to optimize separation.
– Higher pulsation helps stratify denser barite at the bottom.
4. Bed & Rake Control:
– Maintain a proper bed thickness (~50–100 mm) of ragging material (e.g., steel shots or hematite).
– Adjust ragging size (~2–6 mm) to prevent barite loss.
5. Water Flow Rate:
– Sufficient water flow ensures proper particle mobility without excessive turbulence.
6. Feed Grade & Liberation:
– Pre-crushing/grinding to liberate barite from gangue improves recovery.
– If silica/quartz is the main impurity, simple jigging suffices; if sulfides (e.g., pyrite) are present, flotation may be needed post-jigging.
Expected Performance:
– Recovery: 70–90% barite concentrate, depending on liberation and feed grade.
– Concentrate Grade: 90–96% BaSO₄ after jigging (may require further upgrading via magnetic separation or flotation).
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Typical Jigging Circuit for Barite:
1. Crushing → Screening → Jigging → Dewatering → Final Concentrate.
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