Physical and mechanical properties of rocks for their separation in friction separators
A.I. Afanasyev1, M.V. Arkhipov1, V.V. Potapov1, A.M. Kuznetsov1, D.S. Korelskiy2
1 Ural State Mining University, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
2 Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №4S/ 2026 p. 40-47
Abstract: The process of separating rock material into fractions is based on the differences in the paths, velocities, or directions of their particle travel. The key parameters controlling separation are the friction coefficients when particles collide with a surface. Differences in the friction coefficients of the particles in the rock material to be separated serve as the basis for operation of the friction separators, and improving their efficiency is a pressing challenge. This article presents a study of the physical and mechanical properties of asbestos-containing products, which changes increase the efficiency of the friction separators during the separation process. The study analyzes and generalizes data from scientific, technical, and patent literature, and synthesizes the information obtained. Additionally, physical and mathematical modeling methods are employed, experimental studies are conducted, and a regression analysis is performed. The article presents data from experimental measurements of the friction coefficients, recovery (elasticity), and instantaneous friction of asbestos, peridotite, serpentinite, and ophite. A numerical experiment was performed to analyze the travel paths of the asbestos and copper-zinc ore particles using a software based on an equilibrium model of the acting forces. The results of the experiment demonstrated that a 1.5-fold increase in the kinetic friction coefficient leads to a 1.5-fold reduction in the travel range of asbestos particles for a given separation zone height (0.1 m). This allows for an efficient separation of these materials. The travel distance of the rock particles with a significant difference in their kinetic friction coefficients is proportional to that difference. When the difference in the kinetic friction coefficients of the rock fragments is insignificant, their separation needs to be done with account of their recovery coefficient
Keywords: friction separator, rock, rock separation, asbestos, friction coefficient, recovery coefficient, transport systems
For citation: Afanasyev A.I., Arkhipov M.V., Potapov V.V., Kuznetsov A.M., Korelskiy D.S. Physical and mechanical properties of rocks for their separation in friction separators. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(4S):40–47. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-4S-40-47
Article info
Received: 10.06.2026
Revised: 29.07.2026
Accepted: 06.08.2026
Information about the authors
Anatoliy I. Afanasyev – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor of the Department of Technical Mechanics, Ural State Mining University, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7869-9208
Maxim V. Arkhipov – Senior Lecturer of the Department of Geology and Emergency Protection, Ural State Mining University, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1689-6262
Vladimir V. Potapov – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor of the Mining Department, Ural State Mining University, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4862-523X
Andrey M. Kuznetsov – Senior Lecturer of the Department of Mining Safety, Ural State Mining University, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9690-1881
Denis S. Korelskiy – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor of the Geoecology Department, Empress Catherine II St. Petersburg Mining University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6467-095X; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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