Suitability test of fluidisation test rigs at the Chair of Mineral Processing for fluidising ore concentrate fractions from the Steirische Erzberg

This diploma thesis investigates the fluidisation behaviour of particle size fractions from iron ore concentrate from the Styrian Erzberg in both uncalcined and calcined states. The study experimentally determines the minimum fluidisation velocity using test equipment at the Chair of Mineral Processing, technical University of Leoben and compares these results with calculated values. The calculations are based on, on the one hand, literature reference values and, on the other hand, on material-specific parameters obtained through the particle dispersion analysis method commonly used at the Chair. The material characterisation included particle size distribution, density measurements, and the derivation of sphericity. For the fluidisation tests, a suction-driven system at laboratory scale and a pressurised air fluidisation system at pilot scale with pressure control mass flow controller were used. Theoretical minimum fluidisation velocities were calculated using both the Ergun equation and the Wen-Yu correlation. An evaluation of the experimental setups revealed fundamental limitations. In both systems, a new flow measurement system suitable for the required measurement range must be installed to obtain reliable data. In particular, pressure fluctuations in the supply line must be avoided.