:: University of Nottingham Engages in Continuous (CVD) Concentration Research Program

The culmination of a technology co-operation agreement between Knelson Gravity Solutions (KGS) and the School of Chemical, Environmental and Mining Engineering at the University of Nottingham, recently saw a Knelson Continuous Variable Discharge (CVD) concentrator being installed in Nottingham's R&D facility.

The new acquisition complements the Knelson KCMD7.5 precious metals concentration unit that Nottingham already possesses.

Whereas Knelson's precious metals concentrators are targeted at the recovery of very small volumes of high-grade mineral, the CVD technology enables the scope to be broadened to the separation of bulk minerals.

Pictured above from left to right, Kevin Peacocke; KGS Director of Process Development, Professor Nick Miles; Head of School & Director, Nottingham Mining and Minerals Centre, Peter Davies; KGS European Representative and Doug Corsan, KGS Vice President of Sales.

The pilot facility, with the ability to alter a wide range of parameters including 'G' (gravity) force and fluidization rate, can be trialed and optimized upon applications as diverse as the removal of magnetite contaminant to the pre-concentration of gold ores. The Nottingham project will concentrate initially on upgrading coal, particularly desulphurization, this being an area of interest with the ever more stringent requirements for cleaner burning fuels.

"Nottingham's reputation for excellence in R&D is well known in the mining industry, and we are proud to be associated with them on this very important project," said Kevin Peacocke, KGS Director of Process Development. "The combination of our gravity technology with Nottingham's expertise in this field bodes well for a successful outcome to the challenges posed," he added.