EP2766123A1

EP2766123A1 - Method for fragmenting and/or pre-weakening material using high-voltage discharges

Info

Publication number: EP2766123A1
Application number: EP11773167.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Helena AHLQVIST JEANNERET; Reinhard MÜLLER-SIEBERT; Heiko FEITKENHAUER; Alexander WEH; Fabrice Monti Di Sopra; Peter HOPPÉ; Josef Singer; Harald Giese; Klaus Leber
Original assignee: Selfrag AG
Current assignee: Selfrag AG
Priority date: 2011-10-10
Filing date: 2011-10-10
Publication date: 2014-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 2031-10-10
Also published as: CA2850980C; RU2568747C1; AU2011379145A1; EP2766123B1; US10029262B2; JP2014528355A; ES2556123T3; CN103857471B; AU2011379145B2; JP5963871B2; WO2013053066A1; CN103857471A; CA2850980A1; US20150069153A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for fragmenting and/or weakening material (1) using high-voltage discharges. The material (1) together with a processing liquid (5) are introduced into a processing chamber (2) in which two electrodes (3, 4) which are positioned opposite each other are at a distance from each other and are arranged in said chamber such that the region between the two electrodes (3, 4) is filled with the material (1) and the processing liquid (5). High-voltage discharges are generated between the two electrodes (3, 4) in order to fragment or weaken the material (1). According to the invention, processing liquid is discharged from the processing chamber (2) and introduced into the processing chamber (2) while the material (1) is being fragmented or weakened. The introduced processing liquid (5) has a lower electric conductivity than the discharged processing liquid (5). It has been shown that the energy efficiency and the ability to comminute hard and brittle materials can be substantially improved using said method in the electrodynamic methods known today.

Description

Method for fragmentation and / or pre-weakening of material by means of high-voltage discharges TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to methods for fragmentation and / or pre-attenuation of material by means of high-voltage discharges, a high-voltage electrode for a process space for performing the method, a process space with such a high-voltage electrode for performing the method, a process container forming such a process space and a system for fragmentation and / or Pre-weakening of material by means of high-voltage discharges with such a process container according to the preambles of the independent claims.

STATE OF THE ART

It is known from the prior art to shred or pre-weaken material pieces, for example of concrete or rock, by means of pulsed high-voltage discharges, i. be provided with cracks in such a way that they can be comminuted more easily in a subsequent mechanical comminution process.

For this purpose, the material to be comminuted or prewashed together with a process fluid, for example water, is introduced into a process space in which high-voltage discharges are generated between two electrodes. In principle, a distinction is made between two different mechanisms of action.

In the so-called electrohydraulic action on the material to be comminuted or pre-screened, the discharge path leads exclusively through the process fluid, so that shock waves in the pro Zessflüssigkeit be triggered, which act on the material to be crushed or weakened. However, this mechanism of action has the disadvantage that only a small proportion of the energy required for generating the high-voltage discharges of the crushing or

Pre-weakening of the material is used. Accordingly, large amounts of energy are required in the electro-hydraulic action to achieve relatively modest crushing or weakening, the provision of which is also associated with a high apparatus engineering effort. Also, fragmentation or weakening of relatively strong materials with electrohydraulic action is virtually impossible.

In the so-called electrodynamic action of the discharge path leads at least partially through the material to be crushed or weakened, so that a shock wave is generated in the material itself. With this mechanism of action, a significantly higher proportion of the amount of energy used for the fragmentation or Vorschwächung of the material can be used as in the electro-hydraulic action and it can also be much firmer materials fragmented or vorwächt.

However, in the electrodynamic processes known today, the energetic efficiency and the ability to comminute or reduce

Weakening hard and brittle materials can not be considered satisfactory. It has also been found that with the methods known today for fragmentation or pre-weakening of materials by means of high-voltage discharges in some materials, such as concrete, after an initially predominantly electro-dynamic action on the material, the change to a substantially electrohydraulic The effect comes with the effect that the efficiency of the comminution or Vorschwächungsprozesses decreases rapidly or the high-voltage discharges in the worst case, even no comminution or pre-weakening of the material. This phenomenon makes such processes uneconomical or even unusable for certain materials today. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object to provide methods and apparatus for fragmentation or pre-attenuation of materials by means of high voltage discharges available, which do not have the disadvantages of the prior art or at least partially avoid ^¬ .

This object is solved by the subjects of the independent claims.

According to these, a first aspect of the invention relates to a method for fragmentation and / or

Weakening of material, preferably of rock material or ore, by means of high-voltage discharges. A fragmentation is understood to mean a comminution of the material, a weakening (also referred to as pre-weakening) is a generation of internal

Tear understood in the material, which facilitates a further particular mechanical comminution of the material. According to this method, the material to be fragmented or weakened is introduced together with a process fluid into a process space in which two electrodes face one another at a distance and thus form a high-voltage discharge path within the process space between them. In this case, the material to be fragmented or weakened and the process liquid are arranged in the process space in such a way that the area between the two electrodes is filled with material and process liquid to be fragmented or weakened. High-voltage discharges are generated between the two electrodes in order to fragment and / or weaken the material introduced into the process space. According to the invention, During the fragmentation or weakening of the material, process fluid is removed from the process space and process fluid is fed into the process space, wherein the supplied process fluid has a lower electrical conductivity than the discharged process fluid. Preferably, the conductivity of the supplied ^¬ supplied process liquid is in the range between 0.2 micro-Siemens per cm and 5000 microsiemens per cm.

It has been found that this measure can significantly improve the energy efficiency and the ability to comminute hard and brittle materials in the electrodynamic methods known today and, with problematic materials, to prevent or at least slow down a change from an electrodynamic action to an electrohydraulic action , Also, this measure now allows the application of the electrodynamic process for the crushing or weakening of materials for which they were previously unsuitable.

Preferably, the discharge takes place and supply lead of the process liquid at the same time, as this will allow the formation of a purge stream can be detected with which ge ^¬ targets certain areas of the process chamber.

Are the supplied and extracted process liquid volumes are substantially identical, which is also preferred, as it is thereby possible to prevent a fluctuation of the process liquid in the process ^¬ space or at least keep within narrow limits, which is desirable in particular for continuous processes ,

In this case, the supply and removal of process liquid can take place continuously or at intervals, depending on the process control. With a simultaneous continuous supply and removal of process liquid, there is the advantage that a continuous flushing flow becomes possible with quasi-stationary conductivity. keitszuständen in the detected by the purge flow process space zone. If the simultaneous supply and removal of process liquid takes place at intervals, good flushing of certain zones of the process chamber can be achieved even with small exchange volumes due to short-term intensive flow.

However, it is also provided to perform the discharge and supply of the process liquid offset in time, with the effect that a pronounced fluctuation of the process liquid sspiegel takes place in the process space. Depending on the geometric configuration of the process space, this can be advantageous for a good flushing effect. If the process liquid volumes supplied and withdrawn are essentially identical, which is likewise preferred, the process liquid in the process space fluctuates between two stable liquid levels.

As a special case, it is also provided here that virtually all of the process liquid is first removed from the process space and then preferably the same amount of process liquid is fed into the process space, the generation of high-voltage discharges between the two electrodes being expediently interrupted for this purpose.

Likewise, of course, variants are also provided, in which the supply or removal of process liquid takes place continuously and the removal or supply takes place at intervals, which likewise leads to a fluctuation of the process liquid level in the process space, which increases in the case of an identity per interval - And discharged process liquid quantities also moved between two stable Flüssigfkeit sständen. Depending on the geometry of the process space and desired process control, this can have advantageous effects on a mixing of existing and newly supplied process liquid. In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the discharged process fluid is subjected to a conditioning process in which its electrical conductivity is reduced. Then it is completely or partially returned to the process room. This makes it possible to use all or some of the process fluid discharged from the process space again as the process fluid for the fragmentation or pre-debuffing process in the process space.

The conditioning of the process liquid is preferably carried out by withdrawing from

Ions, by dilution with process fluid of lower conductivity, by removal of fine material, by changing the pH of the process fluid and / or by adding complexing agents. These individual measures are familiar to the expert and therefore need not be explained further here.

Furthermore, in the case of the two aforementioned embodiments of the method, it is advantageous that the process space for forming a process fluid circuit is connected to the inlet and outlet of a process fluid saufbereitungsanlage for reducing the electrical conductivity of the process fluid and process fluid is circulated in this cycle. In this case, process fluid is removed from the process space at a first location of the process space and fed to the process liquid saufbereitungsanlage. In the process fluid treatment plant, it is then reduced in its electrical conductivity, for example by means of the aforementioned measures, and then completely or partially returned to the process space at a second location of the process space. Such methods have the advantage that the consumption of process fluid can be kept very low and at the same time it is also possible to keep very low the quantities of waste materials which have to be disposed of. Preferably, in the process according to the invention, the supply of process liquid into the process space is such that a targeted introduction of the process liquid into the reaction zone between the two electrodes results. The reaction zone is understood to be the zone of the process space in which the high-voltage discharges typically take place. This makes it possible, even with small amounts of supplied process fluid fragmentation or weakening process significantly influence. Often, the process fluid quality in the other zones of the process space is unimportant for the process or of secondary importance, so that an intensive rinsing of the same would not benefit and would only increase the plant's technical complexity.

It is further preferred that the supply and removal of process liquid takes place in such a way that the supplied process fluid flows through the reaction zone between the two electrodes, in particular from top to bottom or from bottom to top or in a direction radially from the center of the reaction zone Outside.

Such a flow characteristic has the advantage that old process fluid and fine particles contained therein are flushed out of the reaction zone and substantially freshly supplied process fluid is present in the reaction zone.

Advantageously, the supply of process liquid into the process space via one of the electrodes or via both electrodes. This makes it possible to dispense with separate feed arrangements.

In this case, it is preferred that a feed of process fluid takes place via one or more feed openings arranged on the end side of the respective electrode, specifically advantageously via a central feed opening and / or via a plurality of feed openings arranged concentrically around the electrode center. This has the advantage that virtually inevitably Partial supply of the process liquid in the region of the reaction zone of the process space is carried out.

If one or two rod-shaped electrodes are used and the supply of process fluid takes place via one or more feed openings arranged on the circumference of the respective electrode, in particular via a plurality of feed openings distributed uniformly at the electrode circumference, which is preferred, then there is the advantage that a very good targeted supply of the process liquid in the reaction zone is possible.

In any case, it is beneficial if the

Takes place supplying the process liquid to the supply apertures through a central feed bore in the respective electrode since such simple construction cost electrodes may be used and ^¬ which has a central longitudinal bore in a high voltage electrode the least impact on the current conductivity during its intended operation.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the method, one or two electrodes surrounded by an insulator are used. In this case, the supply of process liquid via the insulator of one or both electrodes. This results in the advantage that an electrode-near supply via low-wear, non-current-carrying components is possible, so that the actual high-voltage electrode, which is to be regarded as a consumable material, can be made structurally simple and therefore cost-effective.

It is further preferred that the supply of process fluid via one or more frontally arranged on the respective insulator Zuführ ^¬ openings, preferably via a plurality of concentrically arranged around the electrode center feed openings on the respective insulator, as a uniform supply into the reaction zone is possible ,

In a further preferred embodiment of the

Method, the supply of process liquid via an arrangement of inflow nozzles or via an annular gap which or which concentrically surrounds the respective electrode or its insulator.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the method, a process space is provided in which the two electrodes are arranged one above the other in the direction of gravity and in which the lower electrode is formed at the bottom of the process space. Such process spaces have proved to be particularly suitable because, with a corresponding design, gravity-induced delivery of the material to be fragmented or weakened into the reaction zone and also gravity-induced discharge of the fragmented or pre-weakened material from and out of the process space becomes possible and thus it is possible to dispense with separate funding for this purpose.

It is preferred that the supply of process fluid and / or the discharge of process fluid via one or more Abführungsöffnun- gene takes place at the bottom of the process space. This indicates the

Advantageous that a flushing flow can be generated in the region of the soil, with which there settling fine particles can be discharged from the process space. This makes it possible to transfer all the process fluid in the process chamber by gravitational force ^¬ promotion from the process chamber.

In another preferred embodiment of the method, a process space is provided in which the two electrodes are arranged side by side in the direction of gravity, wherein preferably both electrodes have an insulator and a potential not equal to the ground potential is applied. In this way, substantially horizontal high-voltage discharges can be generated between the electrodes, which opens up the possibility of a gravity-induced conveyance in the vertical direction. Applying high-voltage discharges to the material flow passing through the measuring space and then leading them out of the reaction zone without deflection.

Preferably, different openings are used for discharging the process liquid from the process space and for removing the fractionated or weakened material from the process space. This results in greater freedom with respect to the design of the process space and the possible generation of a purge flow in certain areas of the same.

It is also advantageous if the fragmented or weakened material is removed via a, in particular central opening or via a plurality of removal openings at the bottom of the process space. This has the ^advantage that the removal can be effected by gravity, without additional funding.

In further advantageous embodiments of the method, the material to be fragmented or weakened is fed continuously or batchwise to the process space, and continuously or batchwise discharged fragmented or weakened material is removed from the process space. Thus, it is provided, for example, to supply the material to be fragmented or weakened batchwise and to remove the fragmented or weakened material continuously, or vice versa. It is of course also provided, both the feeding as the discharge continuously perform (pure continuous operation) or batchwise carried out in the ^¬ (pure batch mode). Depending on the system configuration and the material to be treated, one or the other variant may be more advantageous.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the method, the electrical conductivity of the process liquid located in the process space, the electrical conductivity of the process liquid discharged from the process space, and / or the charge resistance between the two electrodes are determined

Depending on the determined values the supply of Process fluid in the process space and / or, where applicable, the conditioning of the process liquid ver ^¬ changes, preferably regulated. In this way, a stable process management can be automated.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method, preferably according to the first aspect of the invention, for the fragmentation and / or weakening of material, preferably of rock material or ore, by means of high-voltage discharges. A fragmentation is understood to mean a comminution of the material, a weakening (also referred to as a pre-weakening) is understood to be the generation of internal cracks in the material, which facilitates further, in particular mechanical comminution of the material. According to this method, the material to be fragmented or weakened is introduced together with a process fluid into a process space in which two electrodes face each other at a distance and thus form a high-voltage discharge path within the process space. In this case, the material to be fragmented or weakened and the process liquid are arranged in the process space such that the region between the two electrodes is filled with material and process liquid to be fragmented or weakened. High-voltage discharges are generated between the two electrodes in order to fragment and / or weaken the material introduced into the process space. According to the invention, material to be fragmented or weakened is continuously or batchwise introduced into the process space and material is removed from the process space continuously or batchwise, at least part of the material removed from the process space being returned to the process space after another Process step has passed outside the process space.

It has been shown that through this

Measure, especially in the event that the other Process step includes flushing the re-introduced into the process space material with a first rinsing liquid, which is preferably, preferably with a first rinsing liquid with a lower conductivity than the Prozessflüs- located in the process liquid, in the electrodynamic methods known today, the energy efficiency and the ability For the comminution of hard and brittle materials can be significantly improved and can prevent a problematic materials a change from an electrodynamic action to an electro-hydraulic action or at least slow down. Also, this measure now allows the application of the electrodynamic process for the crushing or weakening of materials for which they were previously unsuitable.

By "rinsing" is meant here contacting the material with the first rinsing liquid in the broadest sense, it is for example intended to place the material in a basin filled with the first rinsing liquid or to rinse off the material with the first rinsing liquid.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, in which the further process step comprises rinsing the material to be reintroduced into the process space with a first rinsing liquid, preferably with a first rinsing liquid having a lower conductivity than the process liquid located in the process space, pass between the end of the process Rinsing the material with the first rinse and the subsequent re-introduction of the material into the process space or, more preferably, the loading of the material with high-voltage discharges in the process space less than 5 minutes, preferably less than 3 minutes.

Particularly in the case where the first rinsing liquid used for rinsing has a similar, preferably identical, form to the first rinsing liquid introduced into the process space. In the case of materials which release ions into the liquid in contact with the liquid, the result is that the ion loading of the process liquid in the process space can be significantly reduced, with the result that a better fragmentation or weakening efficiency is achieved can be.

For this purpose, in a further preferred embodiment of the method, the first rinsing liquid used for rinsing is circulated in a circuit and continuously or temporarily by the withdrawal of ions, by dilution with rinsing liquid of lower conductivity, by withdrawal of fine material, by changing their pH and / or conditioned by addition of complexing agents.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the material removed from the process space, preferably by sieving, is divided into coarse material and fine material. The coarse material is returned to the process room after it has passed through the further process step outside the process area. In this way, particularly in processes can in which a fragmentation of the material is carried out, are summarized the off ^¬ supporting the fragmented on target size material and the material circulated and thereby simplifies comparable. Preferably, the dividing into coarse material and fine material takes place before the further process step is carried out. This results in the advantage that only the material to be returned to the process space passes through the further process step.

It is further preferred that the amount of coarse material obtained by the division into coarse material and fine material is greater than the amount of fine material obtained, that is, the recirculated amount of material is greater than the amount comminuted to target size. Especially in the event that the further process step rinsing the again be introduced into the process space comprises terials with a rinsing liquid, which is similar, preferably identical to the process liquid introduced into the process space, and materials are treated, which in contact with the process liquid ions in this outsource, this results in the advantage that the ion loading of the process liquid in Process space can be reduced even further, because it is possible to supply the process space more "washed" recirculating material as "unwashed" new material in a continuous process.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the method, in which the further process step comprises rinsing the material to be reintroduced into the process space with a first rinsing liquid, the electrical conductivity of the first rinsing liquid used for rinsing is determined and then in dependence on the determined values the feeding of the first rinsing liquid used for rinsing and / or, where applicable, the conditioning of the first rinsing liquid changed, and lazily regulated. In this way, a stable process management can be automated.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a method, preferably according to the first or the second aspect of the invention, for the fragmentation and / or weakening of material, preferably of rock material or ore, by means of high-voltage discharges. A fragmentation is understood to mean a comminution of the material, a weakening (also referred to as pre-weakening) is understood as the generation of internal cracks in the material, which facilitates a further, in particular mechanical comminution of the material. According to this method, the material to be fragmented or weakened is introduced together with a process fluid into a process space in which two electrodes face one another at a distance and thus form a high voltage discharge path within the process space between them. In this case, the material to be fragmented or weakened and the process liquid are arranged in the process space such that the region between the two electrodes is filled with material and process liquid to be fragmented or weakened. High-voltage discharges are generated between the two electrodes in order to fragment and / or weaken the material introduced into the process space. According to the invention, the material introduced into the process space is flushed with a second rinsing liquid, preferably with a second rinsing liquid having a lower conductivity than the process liquid present during fragmentation or weakening in the process space, in advance for fragmenting or pre-weakening.

It has been shown that this measure, in particular for the case that the second rinsing liquid is the same, preferably identical to the process liquid introduced into the process space, which is preferred, and that materials are treated which are in contact with the Liquid ions in this liquid outsource, in the electrodynamic process known today, the energy efficiency can be significantly improved and can prevent problematic materials a change from an electrodynamic action to an electro-hydraulic action or at least slow down.

In a preferred embodiment, the rinsing with the second rinsing liquid takes place within the process space, in another outside the process space. "Rinsing" is understood here to mean contacting the material with the second rinsing liquid in the broadest sense, for example by placing the material in a basin filled with the second rinsing liquid before rinsing into the process space or by rinsing the material with the second rinsing liquid , It is also provided to flood the process space filled with the material to be treated beforehand for generating the high-voltage discharges with the second rinsing liquid for a certain time and subsequently to replace these by the process liquid for generating the high-voltage discharges, or alternatively the material introduced into the process space before the introduction of the process liquid into the process space and the generation of the high-voltage discharges in the process space with the second process liquid to rinse. Of course, combinations are provided as well as a multiple insertion, flooding and / or rinsing, eg also at intervals between exposure to the material with high voltage discharges.

Preferably, between the end of rinsing of the material with the second rinse liquid or, more preferably, the exposure of the material to high voltage discharges in the process space, less than 5 minutes, more preferably less than 3 minutes. In particular, in the case where the second rinsing liquid used for rinsing is identical, preferably identical to the process liquid introduced into the process space, materials which release ions into the liquid in contact with the liquid have the advantage that the ionizing of the In this way, process liquid in the process space can be reduced even further, since a renewed concentration of ions at the material surface can be substantially prevented, with the result that an even better fragmentation or weakening efficiency can be achieved.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the second rinsing liquid used for purging is circulated in a cycle and continuously or temporarily by the removal of ions, by dilution with less liquid rinsing liquid, by removal of fine material, by changing their pH and / or or by adding complex conditioners. These individual measures for conditioning are familiar to the person skilled in the art and therefore need not be explained further here. This results in the advantage that the consumption of second rinsing liquid can be kept very low and it is also possible to keep the amounts of waste, which must be disposed of low.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the method, the electrical conductivity of the second rinsing liquid used for rinsing is determined and, depending on the determined values, the supply of the second rinsing liquid used for rinsing and / or, where applicable, the conditioning of the second rinsing liquid is changed, and preferably regulated. In this way, a stable process management can be automated.

Preferably, water is used as process liquid in the processes according to the first, second and third aspects of the invention. This is cost-effective and has proven to be very suitable in practice for such methods.

It is also preferred in the processes according to the first, second and third aspects of the invention that a noble metal or semiprecious metal ore is used as the material to be fragmented and / or weakened, preferably a copper ore or a copper ore. gold ore. With such materials, the advantages of the invention are particularly evident.

Further, it is before Trains t ^¬ that a preferably mechanical shredding of the ^¬ tion arising from the process fragmented and / or weakened material occurs in the methods according to the first, second and third aspects of the invention. This is the case in particular in processes which serve less for fragmentation than for weakening the material. A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a high voltage electrode for a process space for

Carrying out one of the methods according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention. The high voltage electrode comprises an insulator body with a central len conductor, preferably made of metal, in particular copper, a copper alloy or a stainless steel, at the working end, which protrudes axially from the insulator body, an electrode tip is arranged, which advantageously takes the form of a spherical cap or a Rota

Has 15 tionparaboloids. At the working end, the central conductor and / or the insulator have one or more feed openings for supplying process fluid into the process space to be formed with this high-voltage electrode, which feeds into one or more feed chambers.

20 channels in the high-voltage electrode open, via which these feed openings from a working end remote location, preferably from non-working end of the high voltage electrode forth, with process fluid, preferably water, can be fed. Such

25 high-voltage electrode has the advantage that can be dispensed through their use to separate supply arrangements for process fluid and that practically inevitably a supply of the process liquid in the region of the reaction zone of the process space is carried out,

30 which is desirable.

In a preferred embodiment of the high-voltage electrode, the central conductor has at its working end one or more front-side arranged supply openings for supplying process liquid

35 in the process space, preferably a central feed opening and / or a plurality of concentrically arranged around the electrode center feed openings. As a result, a very targeted supply of the process liquid in the reaction zone is possible.

Also preferred are embodiments of the high voltage electrode, in which the central conductor has at its working end one or more arranged on its circumference feed openings, which are advantageously evenly distributed on its circumference. As a result, a somewhat more diffuse supply of the process liquid into the reaction zone is possible.

Depending on the geometry of the process space to be provided with the high-voltage electrode, one or the other variant or else a combination thereof may be more advantageous.

Preferably, the central conductor in the region of its Arbeitsendseitigen outlet from the insulator body on its outer circumference on a circumferential radial bead, which serves as a field relief. It is further preferred that the end face of this bead has feed openings.

Indicates the central ladder for feeding the

Process liquid to the feed openings on a central feed channel, which is preferred, so there is the advantage that a simple low-cost construction of the high voltage electrode is possible. A further advantage is that a central longitudinal bore in a high-voltage electrode has the least influence on its current conductivity during normal operation.

Furthermore, it is alternatively or additionally preferred for the insulator body of the high-voltage electrode to have one or more supply openings on its end face, preferably a plurality of feed openings arranged concentrically around the electrode center, such that the insulator body is surrounded by another component which as such or together with the insulator body forms an end-face annular gap and / or that the insulator body is surrounded by a further component which forms an array of inflow nozzles. These feed openings, gaps and / or nozzles may be from a location remote from the working end, preferably from the non-operating location. Working end of the high voltage electrode forth, with process liquid, preferably water, are fed. As a result, a relatively targeted supply of the process liquid in the reaction zone is also possible.

A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a process chamber with a high-voltage electrode according to the fourth aspect of the invention for carrying out a method according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention.

A sixth aspect of the invention relates to a process container which forms a preferably closed process chamber according to the fifth aspect of the invention.

A seventh aspect of the invention relates to a plant for the fragmentation and / or weakening of material, preferably of rock material or ore, by means of high-voltage discharges. The plant comprises a process vessel according to the sixth aspect of the invention and a high voltage pulse generator for applying high voltage pulses to the high voltage electrode according to the fourth aspect of the invention for generating high voltage discharges in the process space formed by the process vessel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further embodiments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the following description with reference to FIGS. Showing:

1 shows a vertical section through part of a first process container according to the invention during the implementation of a method according to the invention;

2 shows a vertical section through part of a first high-voltage electrode according to the invention;

3 shows a vertical section through part of a second high-voltage electrode according to the invention; 4 shows a vertical section through part of a third high-voltage electrode according to the invention;

5 shows a vertical section through part of a fourth high-voltage electrode according to the invention;

6 shows a vertical section through part of a fifth high-voltage electrode according to the invention;

7 shows a vertical section through part of a second process container according to the invention;

8 shows a vertical section through part of a third process container according to the invention;

9 shows a vertical section through a fourth process container according to the invention;

10 shows a vertical section through a fifth process container according to the invention; and

11 is a vertical section through an inventive process space with two reaction zones.

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

1 shows the lower part of a first process container according to the invention in vertical section during the implementation of a method according to the invention.

As can be seen, the process container forms a closed process chamber 2 according to the invention, at the bottom of which an electrode 4 is arranged which is at ground potential. The process space 2 is filled to about half (see liquid level S) with a process liquid 5, in the present case with water. The funnel-shaped bottom of the process space 2 is covered with a bed of material to be fragmented 1, in this case rock pieces. From above, a rod-shaped high-voltage electrode 3 according to the invention projects into the process space 2.

As can be seen in conjunction with FIG. 2, which shows the front part of the high-voltage electrode 3 in a more detailed sectional view, the part of the high-voltage electrode 3 visible here becomes visible is formed by an insulator body 8 with a central conductor 14, at the working end, which protrudes axially from the insulator body 8, a rod-shaped electrode tip 15 is arranged. The central conductor 14 or the electrode tip 15 forming its working end points in the region directly adjacent to the end face of the insulator body 8 at the end of its work.

its outer circumference a circumferential, radial bead 16, which serves as a field relief. The electrode tip 15 and the bead 16 are jointly formed as einstücki- ges change part made of stainless steel, which is screwed with an internal thread 19, which is formed at the end of an expansion sleeve 20 on an external thread 21 of a central conductor 14 extending tie rod 22, in such that the end face of the bead 16 facing the insulator body 8 bears against the working end-side end face of the central conductor 14 under pressure prestressing.

The high-voltage electrode 3 dips with its electrode tip 15 into the bed of rock pieces 1 located at the bottom of the process space 2 such that a space (reaction zone) remains between the end face of the electrode tip 15 of the high-voltage electrode 3 and the end face of the bottom electrode 4, which remains with pieces of rock 1 and process liquid 5 is filled.

At its end facing away from the insulator body 8, the bead 16 a plurality of uniform angular pitch around the electrode center around arranged supply openings 6 for process liquid 5, which via a running in the center of Zugankers 22 and through the expansion sleeve 20 central supply channel 7 from the non-working end of High voltage electrode 3 ago continuously supplied with process fluid 5 (see arrows). In this way, continuous process fluid is continuously introduced into the reaction zone R in which the high-voltage electrode 3 is acted upon With high voltage pulses high voltage discharges between the bottom electrode 4 and the high voltage electrode 3 are generated, fed and thereby old process liquid 5 and fine particles from the reaction zone R displaces. At the same time, the same amount of process liquid is discharged via radial discharge openings 12 above the reaction zone R out of the process space 2 (see arrows) and fed to a process liquid preparation plant (not shown) in which the particle load is removed and the electrical conductivity of the process liquid 5 is reduced becomes. The thus processed process liquid 5 is returned via the supply openings 6 in the high voltage electrode 3 in the process chamber 2. In this way, a process fluid circuit is formed here, with which the reaction zone is continuously purged with treated process fluid 5.

3 shows a vertical section through the working end of a second high-voltage electrode 3 according to the invention, which differs from that shown in FIG. 2 only in that the feed openings 6 for the process liquid 5 are not arranged on the front side of the bead 16, but on the circumference the rod-shaped electrode tip 15.

4 shows a vertical section through the working end of a third invention

High voltage electrode 3, which differs from that shown in Fig. 2 differs in that not more feed openings 6 are arranged for the process liquid 5 at the front side of the bead 16, but merely lent a central feed opening 6 at the end face of the rod-shaped electrode tip 15th

FIG. 5 shows a vertical section through the working end of a fourth high-voltage electrode 3 according to the invention, which basically differs from the high-voltage electrodes 3 shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 in that the supply voltage Guideways 6 are not formed by the central conductor 14 and the electrode tip 15, but from the insulator body 8, at the working-side end face several supply channels 7 to form the supply openings 6 exit. The central conductor 14 is formed in the present case as a solid metal rod and forms in the region of his Arbeitsendseitigen outlet from the insulator body 8 at its outer periphery a circumferential, radial bead 16, which also serves as a field relief. The electrode tip 15 is in turn formed as an exchange part, but here in the form of a Dehnschaftbolzens 23 which is screwed with an end-side external thread 21 in an internal thread 19 in the central conductor 14 and by means of a screwed onto the electrode tip 15 end forming nut 24 under pressure bias on the front side of the central conductor 14 abuts.

6 shows a vertical section through the working end of a fifth high-voltage electrode 3 according to the invention, which differs from that shown in FIG. 5 in that the insulator body 8 of the electrode 3 is surrounded by a sleeve-shaped component 17 which covers part of its end face on the working side and together with the insulator body 8 forms an end-face annular gap 10 which can be fed from the non-working end of the high-voltage electrode 3 via the supply channels 7 with process liquid.

Here, the electrode tip 15 is formed by a cap nut 25, which is fastened by means of a screwed into this Dehnschaftsbolzens 23 in a threaded blind hole in the end face of the central conductor 14 and under pressure prestress against this end face of the central conductor 14. As can be seen, another difference from the high-voltage electrode shown in FIG. 5 is that the central conductor 14 here forms in the region of its exit from the insulator body 8 no bead.

7 shows the lower part of a second process container according to the invention in vertical section. The process container shown here differs from the process container shown in FIG. 1 only in that there is not a high-voltage electrode with feed openings for supplying the process liquid, but an arrangement of inflow nozzles 9, which are arranged uniformly distributed above the reaction zone R on the boundary walls of the process container are and in normal operation each generate a directed to the bottom electrode 4 process liquid jet (see arrows). The removal of the process liquid takes place in the normal operation as in the process container of FIG. 1 via radial discharge openings 12 above the reaction zone R (see arrows).

8 shows the lower part of a third process container according to the invention in vertical section. In the case of the process container shown here, in the intended operation, the supply of process liquid takes place via supply openings (not shown) from above. The bottom electrode 4 is 26 ge ^¬ worn by a perforated bottom, through which during normal operation process zessflüssigkeit to the actual process tank bottom out 27 and is discharged via a central discharge opening 12th The high voltage electrode 3 is identical to that of the processing container shown in Fig. 7 in the Wesent ^¬ union.

Fig. 9 shows a fourth according to the invention

Process vessel in vertical section. As can be seen, here the process container forms an upwardly open process space 2 according to the invention, on whose funnel-shaped base a bottom electrode 4 is arranged, which has a central discharge bore 13 for

Target size crushed material has. Protrudes from above a rod-shaped high-voltage electrode 3 into the process chamber 2, which consists of an insulator body 8 with a central conductor 14, at the working end, which protrudes axially from the insulator body 8, a rod-shaped electrode tip 15 is arranged. The cen- tral conductor 14 or the work-side end forming electrode tip 15 has in the area directly adjacent to the working end-side end face of the Isolatorkör ^¬ pers 8 on its outer circumference a circumferential, radial bead 16 which serves as a box relief. At a location near the bottom electrode 4, the bottom of the process container, a nozzle 11 for supplying process liquid, by means of which during the intended drive Be ^¬ a directed to the reaction zone is generated Prozessflüs- sigkeitsstrom (see arrow). On an overall genüberliegenden position, the bottom of the process container ^¬ a discharge port 12 for process liquid ^¬ ness (see arrow).

FIG. 10 shows a fifth process container according to the invention in vertical section, which differs from the process container shown in FIG. 9 only in that there is not a floor nozzle for supplying the process liquid but a high voltage ^electrode 3 with feed openings 6 (see arrows) ). This high voltage electrode 3 is identical to the high voltage electrode shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in the arrangement of the feed openings 6.

11 shows a highly schematic vertical section through a process ^chamber 2 according to the invention with two separate reaction zones R of a plant according to the invention for weakening ores. In the process space 2 a vibrating screen deck 28 is arranged, which has two electrode surfaces 4, which are grounded. Above each of the electrode surfaces 4, a rod-shaped high-voltage electrode 3 is arranged in each case with a vertical spacing, which in construction is similar to that shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The process- space 2 is filled to half its height with a process liquid 5 (see liquid level S)

During normal operation, pieces of workpieces to be weakened are conveyed from right to left underneath the high-voltage electrodes 3 by oscillating movement of the vibrating screen deck 28, while high-voltage discharges are generated between the high-voltage electrodes 3 and the respective electrode surface arranged underneath. In each case, the area in which the high-voltage discharges take place (reaction zone R) is supplied with process liquid 5 via flushing nozzles 18 (see arrows). At the same time the same amount of process liquid 5 is discharged at the bottom of the process chamber 2 via a discharge opening 12 (see arrows) and a process fluid treatment plant (not shown) fed, in which this is processed and reduced in their electrical conductivity. The thus processed process liquid 5 is returned via the flushing nozzles 18 in the process chamber 2. In this way, a process fluid circuit is also formed here, with which the reaction zones R are rinsed continuously with treated process fluid 5.

While preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the present application, it should be clearly understood that the invention is not limited to these and may be practiced otherwise within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for fragmentation and / or pre-weakening of material (1), in particular of rock material (1) or ore, by means of high-voltage discharges, comprising the steps:

a) providing a process space (2) with a high-voltage discharge gap formed between two electrodes (3, 4) facing one another with an electrode spacing;

b) introducing the material (1) to be fragmented or prewashed into the process space (2) in such a way that in the intended fragmentation or preweakening operation the area between the two electrodes has material to be fragmented or pretreated (1) and process fluid (5) is filled; and

c) Fragmentation or pre-weakening of the material (1) in the process space (2) by generating high-voltage discharges between the two electrodes (3, 4), wherein during the fragmentation or pre-weakening of the material (1) process liquid (5) from the process space ( 2) is discharged and process liquid (5) is fed into the process space (2),

and wherein the supplied process liquid (5) has a lower electrical conductivity than the discharged process liquid (5).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the conductivity of the supplied process liquid (5) is in the range between 0.2 micro Siemens per cm and 5000 micro Siemens per cm.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removal and supply of process fluid (5) takes place simultaneously.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the supplied and discharged process liquid volumes are substantially identical.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply and / or discharge of process liquid (5) takes place continuously or at intervals.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharged process liquid (5) is subjected to a conditioning step in which its electrical conductivity is reduced, and then completely or partially recycled to the process space (2).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the process liquid (5) by the withdrawal of ions, by

Dilution with process liquid of lower conductivity, by withdrawal of fine material, by changing their pH and / or by adding complexing agents is conditioned.

8. The method according to any one of claims 6 to

7, wherein the process space (2) for forming a process fluid circuit with the inlet and outlet of a process fluid treatment plant for reducing the electrical conductivity of the process liquid (5) is connected and process liquid (5) in this

Circulation is circulated by process liquid (5) is removed from the process room at a first point of the process space (2) and fed to the process liquid processing plant is reduced in the process liquid processing plant in their electrical conductivity and then completely or partially at a second point of the process space (2) is returned to the process space (2).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply of process liquid (5) takes place in such a way that a targeted introduction of the process liquid (5) into the reaction zone (R) between the two electrodes (3, 4) results.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply and removal of process fluid (5) takes place in such a way that the supplied Pro The reaction zone between the two electrodes (3, 4) flows through, in particular from top to bottom or from bottom to top or in a direction from the center of the reaction zone (R) radially outward.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a supply of process fluid

(5) via one of the electrodes (3; 4) or via both electrodes (3, 4).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein a supply of process liquid (5) via one or more frontally on the respective electrode (3) arranged feed openings (6, 9, 10, 11) takes place, in particular via a central feed opening and / or via a plurality of feed openings arranged concentrically around the electrode center.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 to

12, wherein one or two rod-shaped electrodes (3) are used and a supply of process liquid (5) via one or more on the circumference of the respective electrode (3) arranged feed openings (6, 9, 10, 11) takes place, in particular over several evenly Feed openings distributed on the circumference of the electrode.

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 to

13, wherein the supply of the process liquid (5) to the feed openings (6, 9, 10, 11) via a central feed bore (7) in the respective electrode (3).

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or two of an insulator (8) surrounded electrodes (3) are used and a supply of process liquid (5) via the insulator (8) of one or both electrodes (3) ,

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein a supply of process liquid (5) via one or more frontally on the respective insulator (8) arranged feed openings (6, 9, 10, 11) takes place, in particular over several concentrically around the electrode center ange- arranged supply openings (6, 9, 10, 11) on the respective insulator (8).

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a supply of process liquid (5) via an arrangement of Zuströmdüsen (9), which concentrically surrounds the respective electrode (3, 4) or its insulator (8).

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a supply of process liquid (5) via an annular gap (10), which concentrically surrounds the respective electrode (3) or its insulator (8) takes place.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a process space (2) is provided, in which the two electrodes (3, 4) seen in Schwerkra trich- direction are arranged one above the other and in which the lower electrode (4) at the bottom of the process space (2) is formed.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the guide to ^¬ process liquid (5) is via one or more feed openings (11) at the bottom of the process chamber (2).

21. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 20, wherein the discharge of process liquid (5) via one or more discharge openings (12) takes place at the bottom of the process space (2).

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a process space is provided, in which the two electrodes are arranged side by side in the direction of gravity and in particular, wherein both electrodes have an insulator and are applied with a potential not equal to the ground potential.

23. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein for discharging process liquid (5) from the process space (2) and for removing fractionated or pre-weakened material (1) from the process (2) different openings (12, 13) are used.

24. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein fragmented or pre-weakened material via one, in particular central, or via a plurality of removal openings (13) at the bottom of the process chamber (2) is removed.

25. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein continuously or batchwise to be fragmented or vorzuschwächendes material (1) the process space (2) and continuously or batchwise fragmented or pre-weakened material from the process chamber (2) is discharged.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical conductivity of the process liquid (5) located in the process space, the electrical conductivity of the process liquid (5) discharged from the process space (2) and / or the discharge resistance between the two electrodes (3, 4 ) and, depending on the determined values, the supply of process liquid (5) into the process space and / or, where applicable, the conditioning of the process liquid (5) is changed, in particular regulated.

27. Method, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, for the fragmentation and / or pre-weakening of material (1), in particular of rock material or ore, by means of high-voltage discharges, comprising the steps:

b) introducing the material (1) to be fragmented or prewashed into the process space (2) and a process liquid (5) into the process space (2) in such a way that the intended fragmentation or preweakening operation rich between the two electrodes (3, 4) is filled with to be fragmented or vorzuswächendem material (1) and process fluid (5); and

c) Fragmentation or pre-weakening of the material (1) in the process space (2) by generating high-voltage discharges between the two electrodes (3, 4), wherein material (1) to be fragmented or pre-waxed continuously or batchwise into the process space (2 ) is introduced and continuously or batchwise material from the process chamber (2) is discharged

and wherein at least a part of the material (1) discharged from the process space (2) is introduced again into the process space (2) after it has passed through a further process step outside the process space (2).

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the further process step comprises rinsing of the back in the Pro ^¬ zessraum (2) to be introduced material having a first rinsing liquid, in particular with a first rinse liquid with a lower conductivity than the process fluid in the process chamber.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein between the end of the rinsing of the material with the first rinsing liquid and the subsequent re-introduction of the material into the process space (2) or the loading of the material with high-voltage discharges in the process space (2) less than 5 minutes, in particular Weni ^¬ ger pass than 3 minutes.

30. The method according to any one of claims 28 to

29, wherein the first rinsing liquid used for rinsing is similar, in particular identical to the process liquid (5) introduced into the process space (2).

31. The method according to any one of claims 27 to

30, wherein the first rinsing liquid used for rinsing is circulated in a circuit and continuously or temporarily by the withdrawal of ions, by dilution with rinsing liquid of lower conductivity, by withdrawal of fine material, by changing their pH value. tes and / or conditioned by the addition of complexing agents.

32. Method according to claim 27, wherein the material removed from the process space (2) is divided into coarse material and fine material, in particular by sieving, and only the coarse material is introduced again into the process space (2).

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the amount of coarse material obtained by the division into coarse material and fine material is greater than the amount of fine material obtained.

34. The method according to claim 28, wherein the electrical conductivity of the first rinsing liquid used for rinsing is determined and, depending on the determined values, the supply of the first rinsing liquid used for rinsing and / or, where applicable, the conditioning of the first rinsing liquid ^¬ changed, in particular regulated.

35. Method, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, for the fragmentation and / or pre-weakening of material (1), in particular of rock material or ore, by means of high-voltage discharges, comprising the steps:

a) providing a process space (2) with an electrode formed between two electrodes (3, 4) located opposite one another with an electrode spacing

High voltage discharge path;

b) introducing said to be fragmented or vorzuschwächenden material (1) and a Prozessflüs ^¬ sigkeit (5) into the process chamber (2) such that, when provided fragmentation or Vorschwächungsbetrieb the region between the two electrodes (3, 4) to fragmented or vorzuschwächendem material (1) and process fluid (5) is filled; and

c) Fragmentation or pre-weakening of the material (1) in the process space (2) by generating high-tension discharge between the two electrodes

(3, 4),

wherein the material (1) introduced into the process space (2) is previously rinsed with a second rinsing liquid for fragmenting or pre-weakening, in particular with a second rinsing liquid having a lower conductivity than the process liquid (in fragmentation or pre-weakening in the process space (2)). 5).

36. Method according to claim 35, wherein the rinsing with the second rinsing liquid takes place inside or outside the process space (2).

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the rinsing with the second rinsing liquid takes place outside the process space (2) and between the end of the rinsing of the material with the second rinsing liquid and the introduction of the material into the process space (2) or the application of the material with high-voltage discharges in the process space less than 5 minutes, in particular less than 3 minutes pass.

38. The method according to any one of claims 35 to

37, wherein the second rinsing liquid used for rinsing is similar, in particular identical to the process liquid (5) located in the process space (2) during fragmentation or pre-weakening.

39. The method according to any one of claims 35 to

38, wherein the second rinse liquid used for rinsing is circulated and conditioned continuously or temporarily by the removal of ions, by dilution with lower conductivity rinse liquid, by removal of fines, by changing their pH and / or by adding complexing agents becomes.

40. The method according to any one of claims 35 to

39, wherein the electrical conductivity of the second rinsing liquid used for rinsing is determined and, depending on the determined values, the supply of the used for rinsing second rinsing liquid and / or, where applicable, the conditioning of the second rinsing liquid changed, in particular is regulated.

41. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein water is used as the process liquid.

42. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein as the fragmented and / or vorzuswächendes material (1) a precious metal or semi-precious metal ore is used, in particular a copper ore or a copper / gold ore.

43. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a particular mechanical comminution of the resulting from the process fragmented and / or vorwächten material takes place.

44. High-voltage electrode (3) for a process chamber (2) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an insulator body (8) with a central conductor (14), at its working end, which axially from the insulator body (8) forth protruding, an electrode tip (15) is arranged, wherein the central conductor (14) and / or the insulator (8) at the working end or have one or more feed openings (6, 9, 10, 11), which in one or more supply channels (7), via which these are from a place distant from the working end, in particular from the

Non-working end of the high voltage electrode (3) forth, with process fluid (5), in particular water, can be fed.

45. High-voltage electrode (3) according to claim 44, wherein the central conductor (14) has at its working end one or more frontally arranged Zuführungsöff ^¬ openings (6), in particular a central feed opening (6) and / or concentrically arranged around the electrode center around Feed openings (6).

46. High voltage electrode (3) according to one of

Claims 44 to 45, wherein the central conductor (14) in the region of its Arbeitsendseitigen outlet from the insulator body (8) on its outer circumference has a circumferential, radial bead (16) and in particular that the end face of this bead (16) supply openings (6) having .

47. High-voltage electrode (3) according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the central conductor has at its working end one or more angeordne- te on its periphery te supply openings, which are distributed in particular uniformly on its circumference.

48. High-voltage electrode (3) according to any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the central conductor (14) for supplying the process liquid (5) to the Zuführungsöf- openings (6) has a central supply channel (7).

49. High-voltage electrode (3) according to any one of claims 44 to 48, wherein the insulator body (8) on its end face end face one or more supply openings (6), in particular a plurality of concentric around the electrode center arranged around feed openings (6).

50. High-voltage electrode (3) according to any one of claims 44 to 49, wherein the insulator body (8) by another component (17) is surrounded, which as such or together with the insulator body (8) forms an end annular gap (10) which can be fed from a remote location from the working end, in particular from the non-working end, with process fluid (5), in particular water.

51. high voltage electrode (3) according to one of

Claims 44 to 50, wherein the insulator body (8) is surrounded by a further component which forms an arrangement of Zuströmdüsen which from a remote working end place, in particular from the non-working end, with process liquid (5), in particular water fed can be.

52. The high voltage electrode (3) according to any one of claims 44 to 51, wherein the electrode tip (15) has the shape of a spherical cap or a paraboloid of revolution.

53. The high voltage electrode (3) according to any one of claims 44 to 52, wherein the central conductor (14) made of metal, in particular copper, a copper alloy or a stainless steel.

54. Process chamber (2) with a high-voltage electrode (3) according to any one of claims 44 to 53 for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 43.

55. Process container forming a particularly closed process chamber (2) according to claim 54.

56. Plant for fragmentation and / or pre-weakening of material (1), in particular of rock material or ore, by means of high voltage discharges, comprising a process vessel according to claim 55 and a high voltage pulse generator for generating high voltage discharges in the process space formed by the process container (2).