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Gravity has been an essential force in mineral and coal processing for centuries. While some newer separation technologies developed during the industrial age are widely used, gravity-based separators remain the prominent means of producing concentrates from coal, iron ore, rare earths, industrial minerals, tin, and tungsten ores. Recent advances in gravity-based separation technologies have reduced previous particle size limitations and improved their effectiveness in treating mixed-phase particles as compared to competing technologies.

It is now possible to achieve efficient, high-capacity gravity separations for ultrafine particles using gravity-based units that provide centrifugal forces many times that of natural gravity. Sophisticated research equipment provides opportunities for in-situ studies of processes, resulting in new fundamental theories and control schemes.

The computer age and the development of robust online analyzers have allowed for full automation and optimization of gravity-based systems. Advanced technologies developed in other professional fields, such as medical science and inventory control, have further improved operational efficiencies. The 14 papers included in this SME compilation focus on state-of-the-art developments and future trends in gravity concentration technologies.

This essential reference provides a much-needed platform for leading experts to discuss recent developments in the design, optimization, and control of gravity-based separation processes and their associated applications. It will help practitioners in the mineral and coal-processing industries understand these new concepts and the benefits they offer.

It is also a valuble resource for educators and researchers to promote the use of efficient processing engineering principles to their industrial counterparts. The book is divided into three major sections: fundamentals, coal applications, and non-coal applications.

The fundamental section reviews developments in the knowledge of particle characterization, particle-setting kinetics, slurry rheology, and overall process modeling. Papers examine novel technological and circuitry advances in coal and non-coal applications and discuss technologies incorporating other physical forces, such as those associated with surface chemistry properties and their relative efficiences.