Electric / thermal mineral separation.

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on a novel mineral separation process developed by Colin Wilson, which requires a tank circuit, a high power/high frequency oscillator, and a physical unit with EM shielding. The process utilizes induction heating, leveraging eddy currents and the skin effect to heat conductive materials, particularly focusing on gold particles averaging 80 um from samples sourced from the Yukon, Nevada, and Cape Breton. Wilson emphasizes the need for frequencies in the 20-30 MHz range and low kilowatt power levels for effective testing, while also considering the use of a spark gap oscillator for initial experiments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of induction heating principles, including eddy currents and skin effect.
  • Familiarity with high frequency oscillators and their applications in mineral processing.
  • Knowledge of tank circuit design and components, particularly capacitors and water-cooled coils.
  • Experience with PIC microcontroller programming and circuit fabrication.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the design and implementation of tank circuits for high frequency applications.
  • Explore the specifications and construction of high power/high frequency oscillators.
  • Investigate the properties and preparation methods for processing platinum ore.
  • Learn about the use of spark gap oscillators in induction heating experiments.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for mineral processing engineers, electrical engineers specializing in high frequency applications, and researchers interested in innovative mineral recovery techniques.

ColdGold
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Hello my name is Colin Wilson and I am the inventor of a new mineral separation process.

http://www.coldgold.rotoquad.com

I am looking for help and/or a partnership in this endeavor.
As a group I can not think of a better place to start. To test this new method of mineral recovery 3 things are required:

1) The tank circuit.
2) A high power/high frequency oscillator.
3) The physical unit including the conveyance system.

The tank circuit requires good capacitors and a water cooled coil.
The HF oscillator is where I really need the help.
The physical unit can consist of EM shielding and a manual feed system to begin with.

In brief, induction heating relies on eddy currents and the “skin effect” to heat conductive materials. In the case of ferrous material the job is somewhat easier as hysteresis and a lower conductivity also comes into play.

I have small concentrate samples from 3 gold mines (the Yukon, Nevada and Cape Breton).
These samples are very typical with the gold particles averaging about 80 um (.003”).
To rapidly heat particles of this size and conductivity, frequencies in the 20-30 Mhz range are required. Power levels in the low kw range are also required (for a small test base).
Platinum would be easier given its relatively low conductivity but I have little knowledge, at the moment, of how the ore is prepared etc.
I also have a small machine shop and the ability to fabricate and program circuits based on the PIC microcontroller.
Initial tests can be conducted with somewhat larger particles and less conductive material (such as brass) to provide some initial data.
From a purely cost point of view I’ve been considering a spark gap oscillator for the first tests?
Any input etc. would be appreciated.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
Purchase an induction heater.
I designed and built one 30 years ago, and I assure you, you don't want to go down that road.
 

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