Applications of microwave heating in mineral processing
Date
1999
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academy of Science of South Africa
Abstract
Many minerals are effective absorbers of microwave energy, whereas in general gangue materials are not. This suggests applying microwave heating to mineral processing to effect selective heating of mineral phases. Many mineral processing applications have been tested only on a laboratory scale; the engineering realities of large-scale operations have largely been overlooked. Of particular concern are the modest power outputs of industrial magnetrons relative to the power requirements in mineral processing operations, the high capital cost of microwave equipment and the poor penetration depth of microwaves. Review of these applications, and comparison with guidelines developed for successful microwave technology transfer, suggests that niche areas for microwave heating are in the processing of low-throughput concentrates, especially where volumetric heating leads to enhanced rates of energy transfer. The use of combined heating sources should be investigated.
Description
CITATION: Bradshaw, S. M. 1999. Applications of microwave heating in mineral processing. South African Journal of Science, 95(9):394-396.
The original publication is available at https://journals.co.za/
The original publication is available at https://journals.co.za/
Keywords
Mineral processing, Minerals, Microwave heating
Citation
Bradshaw, S. M. 1999. Applications of microwave heating in mineral processing. South African Journal of Science, 95(9):394-396