SYNTHESIS OF FLOTATION BASED SEPARATION SYSTEMS
In this work a methodology is presented for defining the optimal configuration for flotation circuit and selection of appropriate equipment for the process. The problem is represented by three hierarchized superstructures. The first level represents separation tasks, which include: feed processing, concentrate processing, and tail processing. The second level represents the stream network needed to carry out each tasks. Where for each task a superstructure is developed which includes several operational stages. At the third level, several equipment alternatives are considered for each stage. The equipment discussed in the model includes flotation column and flotation cell banks, with and without grinding. The optimal selection of the circuit is made with an appropriate objective function, upon which the values of the operational and structural variables may be determined. The problem is formulated using disjunctive programming, which is converted to a MILP problem. The model includes mass balance, equipment models, operational conditions, and logic relationship. The paper presents an example to illustrate its application for effective design of a copper concentration plant.
Relation between locked cycle tests and continuous plant circuit in flotation
Abstract It is important to elucidate the relation between the locked cycle flotation test and the continuous flotation circuit because the locked cycled test has been traditionally the only way to experimentally simulate a continuous circuit. We analytically assessed the mass balances of the locked cycle test in a rougher–cleaner–cleaner scavenger (R–C–CS) system as a function of the iteration number of tests and provided an analytical expression of the mass balance in each separation stage. The mass of the final concentrate and flotation characteristic curves in a continuous circuit and the locked cycle test were calculated using the flotation rate constant k and flotation time T . Based on the comparison of the calculated results between the two tests, a good agreement between the locked cycle test and the continuous circuit can be obtained when the kT value for a product component with the flotation rate constant k and time T is in the range where the mass of a component does not change with kT .
Gas rate and froth depth effects on performance of a Cu-Ni separation flotation column
ABSTRACT A 0.9 m diameter pilot flotation column has been in operation at Falconbridge's Strathcona concentrator for the purpose of Cu-Ni separation. The results from this column have been used to design a full scale column circuit to treat all of the Cu-Ni separation feed. To design a control strategy for the full scale column extensive tests have been run with the pilot column, which is instrumented to measure all process flows, froth depth, slurry density and gas holdup. This paper examines the effect of gas rate, froth depth, feed slurry density and water spray position upon metallurgical performance and discusses implications relating to control strategy.