FLSmidth’s new products help advance flotation recovery

Flotation systems are a vital technology in minerals processing and extraction. But despite their overall effectiveness, particles of valuable ore still get disposed of along with waste material. Additionally, the energy consumption that flotation systems require to function effectively is high. So, while flotation systems are necessary when recovering ore, making them more sustainable and energy-efficient has been a challenge.

Two technologies in one

FLSmidth’s desire to improve and innovate has led to the development of the mixedROW Flotation System. It is a design that combines two machines – nextSTEP™ forced air and WEMCO® self-aspirating technologies. It provides the solutions to challenges presented by older flotation systems by combining these two cells to produce a system that is much more than the sum of their individual parts. In short, mixedROW provides boosted productivity, a reduced environmental footprint, and higher profits.

Features and capabilities

The mixedROW Flotation System is the first of its kind, as it exploits the characteristics of two separate technologies at the same time. The nextSTEP machines are placed at the beginning of the row, where it can recover coarse material using the least amount of energy possible. Because of this positioning, the mixedROW lowers energy consumption by between 15 - 40%, and increases recovery by up to 5%.

The WEMCO machines are placed at the end of the row, which increases both coarse and fine particle recovery, as it is capable of treating a wide range of particle sizes. The elevated rotor position within the machine also reduced energy consumption, as the froth only has a short distance to travel.

mixedROW also has the lowest head loss on the market, as its carefully engineered system of dart valves allows for efficient transfer of slurry from one tank to another without significant losses. mixedROW can be configured to suit whatever the customer needs may be. It can be adapted to whatever application it is needed for, making it a highly flexible and effective solution.

A package deal

Quite recently, flotation loses were commonly 50%, reaching as high as 90% for coarse particles. Looking to resolve these substantial losses, FLSmidth’s goal was to create a product that allowed customers to have more control over the froth recovery process. With this goal in mind, the Froth Recovery Upgrade Package was designed. It offers a range of equipment that has been engineered to improve the productivity of froth recovery, while minimising the losses of valuable particles, saving costs overall.

Redesigned features

The Froth Recovery Upgrade Package finds solutions to flaws found in original froth recovery technology.

Features include:

• Actuators – control the position of the improved dart valves inside the flotation cells.
• Level sensor – provides a new design with no moving parts, that are used to sense slurry levels accurately. FLSmidth offers the most accurate technology on the market.
• Radial froth crowders – designed for greater flexibility and control, they are used to reduce top-of-froth surface area and to increase froth movement to the nearest radial launder, allowing for either deeper froth or faster froth removal.

The result of these newer and improved designs is quicker reactions to flow and slurry density changes, which dramatically boosts the performance of flotation machines. All the elements working together in combination with radial froth crowders, means this package will deliver better recovery at the same grade or increased grade at the same recovery, making this package better than the sum of all its parts.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/handling-processing/03102019/flsmidths-new-products-help-advance-flotation-recovery/