Tungsten Ore Beneficiation Production Line

Tungsten Ore Beneficiation Production Line

Tungsten ore beneficiation production is not a single piece of equipment, but a complete, customized mineral processing system based on the specific type of tungsten ore (such as wolframite or scheelite) and its mineral characteristics. This system involves the coordinated operation of specialized equipment across multiple stages. The goal is to upgrade the raw ore grade from 0.1%–1.5% to an industrial-grade concentrate of 65%–75%.

The complete production line is typically divided into three major stages: Pre-selection Preparation, Separation Operations, and Dewatering Treatment. The core equipment follows this procedural sequence:

I. Crushing and Grinding Equipment (Pre-selection Preparation)

Used to reduce the ore particle size and achieve the liberation of tungsten minerals from gangue:

• Jaw Crusher: Used for primary crushing, reducing large raw ore (≤500mm) to 100–200mm.

• Cone Crusher: Used for medium and fine crushing, further reducing the material to 5–10mm to ensure uniform particle size.

• Ball Mill / Rod Mill: Grinds the ore until 60%–70% (for wolframite) or 50%–60% (for scheelite) passes through a -200 mesh screen. This is a prerequisite for high-efficiency separation.

• Classification Equipment: Spiral classifiers or hydrocyclones are used in closed-circuit grinding to control fineness and prevent over-grinding or under-grinding.

II. Core Separation Equipment (Configured by Ore Type)

Separation processes differ significantly based on the type of tungsten ore:

1. Wolframite (High density; primarily gravity separation)

• Jigger (e.g., Sawtooth Wave Jigger JT5-2A): Processes coarse to medium-grained (0.5–2mm) ore. It utilizes pulsating water flow to stratify minerals by density. It features high recovery rates and large processing capacities. Example parameters: Capacity 0–100 t/h, Power 5.5–7.5kW.

• Shaking Table (e.g., 6-S Type): Used for fine-grained (0.074–2mm) cleaning. It offers extremely high separation precision and can directly produce high-grade concentrate (WO₃ ≥ 65%). Example price: approx. 128,000 RMB; Capacity 1–3 t/h.

• Spiral Chute: Combines classification and gravity separation functions. It is suitable for the roughing and scavenging of medium-to-fine mineral sands. It features a simple structure and saves both energy and water.

2. Scheelite (Medium density; primarily flotation)

• Flotation Machine: The core equipment. By adding collectors (such as fatty acids), the surface of the scheelite becomes hydrophobic, allowing it to attach to air bubbles and float, thereby separating it from calcareous gangue like calcite.

• Agitation Tank: Used for pulp conditioning and reagent mixing to ensure the uniform distribution of flotation reagents.

• Pre-treatment Equipment: Includes xanthate flotation for desulfurization and the use of sodium carbonate + sodium silicate (water glass) to inhibit gangue. The pH value is typically controlled at 10–11 to enhance selectivity.

3. Auxiliary Separation Equipment

• Magnetic Separator: Used to remove magnetic impurities (such as magnetite) to improve concentrate purity. Since wolframite is weakly magnetic, High-Gradient Magnetic Separators can be used for purification.

• Electrostatic Separator: Utilizes differences in electrical conductivity to further separate associated minerals like cassiterite and zircon.

III. Dewatering and Tailings Treatment Equipment

• Thickener: Provides preliminary concentration of the concentrate pulp to a density of 40%–50%.

• Filter / Filter Press: Provides further dewatering, reducing the filter cake moisture content to 15%–20% for easier storage and transport.

• Tailings Comprehensive Utilization: Tailings with a tungsten content ≥0.05% can undergo secondary separation. Remaining tailings can be used as construction aggregate or for backfilling.