A method for evaluating operating parameters of alumina refinery seed classifiers using a mathematical model for solids settling

Information from a previously reported model for solids settling (1) is incorporated into a mass balance in order to determine critical operating characteristics of seed classifiers. In particular, values for underflow and overflow rates as a function of solids concentration, along with underflow fine fraction and overflow coarse fraction, are extracted from the settling model in the form of curve fit equations. The settling model and classifier material balance equations are then solved simultaneously to provide information useful for interpreting and predicting classifier performance.