Optimizing Liberation of Phosphate Ore Through High Voltage Pulse Fragmentation

This study investigates the selective high voltage pulse (HVP) fragmentation and its role in enhancing the metallurgical performance in phosphate ore processing. We have adapted the use of HVP fragmentation to enable the complete comminution of the considered ore, without the need for additional grinding steps. The efficiency of the HVP process strongly depends upon two parameters - the discharge ratio and the electric field, which, combined, allow for an improved liberation. Furthermore, for the same feed, the high voltage pulse fragmentation provides a coarser product with fewer fines. This study also emphasizes an improved liberation of the target mineral, carbonate fluorapatite, in the 100-315 mu m fraction, while concentrating gangue minerals in the <100 mu m size fraction. These findings are supported by X-ray tomography, validating the principle of pre-weakening induced by high voltage pulses on phosphate ore and further confirming the significance of our research.