Sizing analyses provide useful information on the size distribution of a sample of ore or other material.  They may be required for many reasons, for example:

• to understand how a mill or other unit operation is working;
• to work out physical or chemical properties of the sample;
• in design of new equipment or optimisation of an existing facility.

The type of equipment used for the sizing depends on the size distribution of the feed sample. The three main types of sizing analyses carried out regularly in the JKTech laboratory are:  

• Standard sieve size analyses: for samples from 100 mm down to 38 µm. Samples with larger particles can be sized using custom sieves over 100 mm.

• Malvern laser sizings: for samples from minus 212 µm down to less than 1 µm.

• The Warman cyclosizer: for samples down to minus 5 µm.  This is used in place of the Malvern when the size fractions need to be physically separated for further analysis.

The information from a sample sizing is only as useful as the quality of the data. Poor data from inaccurate sampling techniques may lead to incorrect conclusions.  JKTech can provide assistance with:

• sample collection,
• preparation of representative subsamples, and
• analysis of results.

Contact our Laboratory Services Manager, for more information about sizing measurements, or to arrange for measurements to be carried out.