Mass Pull

What is this formula?

Mass Pull calculates the percentage of feed mass that reports to the concentrate stream during a mineral processing operation.

It is one of the most important operating indicators in flotation and other concentration processes because it quantifies how much material is recovered into the concentrate regardless of its metal content.

When to use it

Use this formula when evaluating flotation circuits, gravity concentration systems, magnetic separators, and other beneficiation processes where concentrate production must be monitored.

Example

A flotation plant processes:

Feed mass = 2000 t

Concentrate mass = 120 t

Formula:

MP=(C/F)*100

Substitution:

MP=(120/2000)*100

MP=6 %

Result:

Six percent of the feed mass reports to the concentrate stream.

Applications

- Flotation circuit control

- Mineral beneficiation plants

- Concentrate production monitoring

- Metallurgical accounting

- Process optimization

- Plant performance analysis

Note

Mass Pull is an operational performance indicator rather than a fundamental physical law. A high mass pull may increase metal recovery but can also reduce concentrate grade if excessive gangue material enters the concentrate. Therefore, mass pull is normally evaluated together with recovery and concentrate grade.