Process engineering evaluation of the CrossFlow separator

Hindered-bed separators tire often used tit the minerals processing industry to classify particles according to size and density. A new technology, known as the Erie:. CrossFlow, was recently developed to overcome some of the limitations associated with hydraulic separators. The innovative feature of this unit is a novel feed presentation system that improves separation efficiency and capacity. In the present work, a detailed process engineering evaluation was conducted to determine the basis for the improved performance of this unit. The evaluation included controlled separation tests using well-characterized feeds, particle and liquid tracer experiments and mathematical modeling studies. Data obtained from this work show that the new separator is capable of maintaining good separation efficiencies tit higher solid feed rates than traditional designs dice to improved hydrodynamics in the separation zone. This paper reviews the operating principle of the Erie CrossFlow separator, discusses the results of the tracer experiments and modeling studies and presents test data obtained from recent laboratory and plant trials.