OPTIMAL METHOD OF DISAGGREGATION OF FROZEN AND THAWED SANDY-CLAYEY ROCKS

Abstract

The existing methods for the disaggregation of sandy-clayey rocks (SCR) in a frozen or thawed state, which are used in the preparation of rock mass for mining, are based on the action of two mutually exclusive forces which is the reason for the low degree of liberation of grains of the useful components and high expenditure of energy. Based on the theoretical premises stated in this article, the authors developed special equipment in which the disaggregation of SCR occurs in an active water-air medium. Its air-lift character creates optimal conditions for the disaggregation of conglomerations without the influence of mechanical forces. In this equipment the energy of the water flow is used to separate the mineral particles, sort them hydraulically according to size and transfer the different fractions to the appropriate technological system for subsequent treatment.