Multi-objective optimization of some process parameters of a multi-gravity separator for chromite concentration

The multi-gravity separator (MGS) is one of the fine particle mineral concentration machines based on gravity separation. Concentration performance, indicators such as grade and recovery, depends on appropriate selection of process parameters. Maximum concentrate grade and maximum recovery is of today's demand with MGS concentration as it is with many concentration processes. To date, no experimental study on MGS has been done for grade and recovery simultaneously. In this paper, the multi-objective optimization of grade and recovery using the Taguchi quality loss function has been carried out for chromite concentration with MGS. The input process parameters considered are drum speed, tilt angle, wash water flow rate, and shake amplitude. The results show considerable improvement in both the quality characteristics such as grade and recovery with multi-objective optimization, compared to the initial value of grade and recovery. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.