Flotation machine

• pulp aeration
• pulp suspension
• selective mineralization of air bubbles
• creating a foam zone
• separation of foam and chamber products

The main factor determining the quality of work of flotation machines is the degree of pulp aeration. Pulp aeration is characterized by the amount of air passing per unit time through a unit volume of pulp (l / m ³ * min). ^[1] . According to the type of pulp aeration, flotation machines are divided into three main groups: mechanical, pneumomechanical, pneumatic. ^[2] .

• Mechanical Mixing the pulp, suction and dispersion of air is done by the impeller . Under the influence of water vortices, the sucked-in air breaks up into individual bubbles.
• Pneumomechanical. There is a supply of compressed air to the pulp through porous partitions or pipes. Dispersing and mixing the pulp is done by the impeller.
• Pneumatic Mixing and aeration of the pulp occurs by supplying compressed air through aerators of various designs. The air disperses when it passes through the pores, as well as when the pulp-air mixture rises in turbulent flows when their direction of movement changes.

Manufacturers usually indicate as the main characteristics of flotation machines:

• Chamber capacity, in m ³
• Throughput m³ / min

For mechanical and pneumomechanical machines, the chamber volume is from 0.14 to 70 m³, the pulp flow rate is from 0.20 to 130 m³ / min, and the specific power consumption is from 0.85 to 2.80 kW / m³.

• Impeller drive electric motor power, kW
• The content in the feed of the classes with particle sizes less than 0.074 mm
• Specific air consumption, m³ / min * m²

• pulp elevator
• camera
• impellers
• tail pipe
• concentrate discharge pipe

• mechanical flotation machines (pulp mixing, air suction and dispersion are carried out by an impeller)
• pneumomechanical flotation machines (air is supplied from the blower, dispersion and mixing of the pulp is carried out by the impeller)
• pneumatic flotation machines - foam separation machines: column flotation machines, airlift flotation machines (mixing and aeration of the pulp is carried out by supplying compressed air through aerators of various designs)
• vacuum flotation machines (aeration is provided by the release of dissolved gases from the pulp)
• compressor flotation machines (aeration is provided by the release of dissolved gases from the pulp)
• electroflotation machines (aeration of a liquid with bubbles released during electrolysis )
• centrifugal flotation machines
• flotation machines with liquid aeration

Separated by the nature of the longitudinal movement of the pulp.

• Direct-flow machines - are a gutter, divided by a number of transverse partitions into separate compartments. Partitions do not reach the bottom, and the upper part is below the level of the pulp. At the discharge end of the compartment there is an discharge box for adjusting the pulp level.
• Chamber machines consist of separate chambers. The pulp passes from one chamber to another, but between them there is a special intermediate box that allows you to adjust the movement of the pulp. Thus, you can change the level of pulp in the cameras.

Mining and Processing Plant Mineral Processing