Analysis of the Triboelectrostatic Charging Behaviour of a Synthetic Sulfidic Copper Ore

Abstract

In this study, several tests were performed to analyse the triboelectrostatic charging behaviour of an artificially mixed sulfidic copper ore consisting of quartz and chalcopyrite. To check the surface charge of the pure mineral samples, they were analysed in a self-developed triboelectrostatic charging unit. After that, the artificially mixed sulfidic copper ore was sorted by using a triboelectrostatic belt separator.The objective of the study is to generate basic knowledge about the triboelectrostatic charge behaviour and furthermore the sortability by using electrostatic separation. All separation tests were carried out under controlled ambient conditions.