What is Heavy Media Gravity Separation?

What is Heavy Media Gravity Separation? – DMS Powders

Gravity separation is a method used to separate two components (in industrial applications). The process involves either a suspension, or a dry granular mixture that will allow the separation of the components to take place. The components of the suspension or mixture require a different specific gravity in order for separation to take place. In essence, heavy media gravity separation is a process to separate products with different densities. The term sink-float separation is also widely used, as this basically explains how the process works. Components with a higher density than the slurry will sink to the bottom, while components with a lower density will rise to the top – ultimately separating the different components effectively.

Atomised FeSi: Coarse, Fine, Cyclone 60, Cyclone 40, DMS 70
Milled FeSi: 65D, 100D, 150D, 270D, 270F

The role of Ferrosilicon in heavy media gravity separation in mineral processing

The mineral processing industry widely makes use of heavy media gravity separation, as this offers an effective en economical method to process minerals, separating minerals from other material. In the case of heavy media separation of diamonds, Ferrosilicon powders are used in the heavy media separation process, also called dense media separation.

The Ferrosilicon powder is mixed with water to form the slurry in which the diamonds will be separated from the other components and material. There are a number of different Ferrosilicon products available featuring different specifications, in order for the correct density to be achieved for the process.  

In the process of heavy media gravity separation of diamonds, a powdered ferrosilicon is mixed with water to form a defined pulp / suspension with a specific density. This heavy liquid’s density is close to the density of diamonds (3.52 g/cm3). The diamond bearing material is then added to the fluid, which will start the separation process of the heavier minerals from the lighter material.

Ferrosilicon is an alloy of iron (FeSi), which is formed by melting silicon with quarts, and some scrap iron, usually in an arc furnace. DMS Powders is a leading supplier of Ferrosilicon products for use in the process of Dense Media Separation of diamonds.

DMS Powders will supply you with the right grade of Ferrosilicon powders. There are a number of different grades of Ferrosilicon available including:

• Atomised Ferrosilicon: Coarse, Fine, Cyclone 60, Cyclone 40 and DMS 70.
• Milled Ferrosilicon: 65D, 100D, 150D, 270D and 270F.

Packaging

Our packaging has been specifically designed for:

Ease of handling
Safety
Product integrity
Durability
Water resistance

125kg steel drums on pallets

250kg plastic drums on pallets

1mt & 2mt bags loose or on pallets

Contact DMS Powders for more information about our ferrosilicon products

DMS Powders will help you to select the best Dense Media Separation Powders (Ferrosilicon) to get the best products for your application needs. Talk to a consultant today about our atomised and milled ferrosilicon products for your heavy media gravity separation process. DMS Powders has gained extensive experience in the production and application of Ferrosilicon in heavy media separation processes. Our professional team will ensure you obtain the best ferrosilicon products and supply the technical support you need for a successful process.