Patent ID: 6793166
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: B02C,C22B

Abstract:
An installation for processing heterogeneous value bearing material by pressure comminution comprising:at least a first crusher arranged to subject the value bearing material to one or more compression cycles in a bed of particles; a controller for adjusting the operation of the crusher so that the value bearing material is subjected to a compressive bed pressure of less than 50 MPa, in order to produce desired proportions of a value-enriched fine fraction and a value-depleted coarse fraction, thereby to liberate said value preferentially while minimizing size reduction of the material beyond the degree necessary for value liberation; and at least a first separator for separating the fine fraction from the coarse fraction of the crushed material; wherein the first separator is arranged to maintain a desired material bed voidage value so that the bulk density of the bed of particles is at least 20% lower than the density of the material making up the bed of particles.