Method of constructing a continuously operable flotation concentration

Abstract

A new method of effecting flotation of mineral grains on a laboratory scale is provided, wherein a mineral sample of uniform grain size and uniform mineral composition is conditioned to produce a definite degree of adsorption and then subjected to flotation. The floating mineral grains are separated at time intervals to let the flotation rate coefficient to be determined. On the basis of this procedure a method of constructing a continuously operable flotation concentration plant was developed. This method comprises repeating the laboratory scale flotation a plurality of times using a different degree of adsoprtion in each case, which enables the relationship between the degree of adsorption and the flotation rate coefficient to be determined. Thereafter the same procedure is repeated so that all the different grain sizes and mineral compositions present in the material to be handled are covered. The resulting relationships are then used in a simulation procedure, where the distribution of the material in a continuous flotation concentration process is determined, and finally the concentration plant is constructed in accordance with this determination. Furthermore, a similar scheme may be used to control the distribution of the material in a existing flotation concentration plant.