Engineering hydrodynamics via pitch-diameter ratio to intensify eco-efficient separation of fine hematite/quartz in spiral chute

Key Points

• Improved separation efficiency was achieved using optimized pitch-diameter ratios in the spiral chute, enhancing eco-friendliness.
• The optimal pitch-diameter ratio significantly boosts the effective separation of fine hematite and quartz—key minerals in the mining industry.
• An experimental approach evaluated various pitch-diameter ratios to observe their effect on hydrodynamics during mineral separation processes.
• This method may enable more sustainable separation techniques in mineral processing, but further validation in larger settings is necessary.