Materials, Methods & Technologies, Volume 9, 2015

Abstract: Research and development program was undertaken to develop a new technology for kaolin recovery from final processing tails. The technology combines granulometric separation in laminar flow and gravity classification in hydrocyclones. The three stages granulometric separation flowsheet includes Airlift separator, Reflux classifier and cluster of hydrocyclones. The full scale units were trialed in Vetovo processing plant of Kaolin AD for recovery kaolin from technological waste. Different variables technical and technological parameters are tested. The test data clearly demonstrate that the new tree stage technology is suitable for Bulgarian kaolin industry. The content of Al2O3 increases from 6 – 9 % in technological waste to over 30 % in the final kaolin product. There are possibilities to increase the kaolin recovery. The new technology was introduced in Vetovo processing plant decreasing the losses of kaolin in final tailings.