Strategies for increasing coarse particle flotation in conventional flotation cells.
If the particle size that could be effectively recovered in a flotation cell could be increased, the product size from grinding could be significantly coarsened, resulting in a more eco efficient flowsheet. A number of strategies that could potentially increase coarse particle flotation recovery are investigated in this work by performing tests using a pilot scale 3m Metso RCS flotation cell operated using a copper ore. Turbulence was manipulated by changing the impeller speed, impeller size, feed pulp density and cell aspect ratio. Tests were performed at different froth depth to enable the effect of the froth and the impact of the turbulence on the froth phase to be evaluated independently of effects in the pulp. This work shows that coarse particle recovery is extremely sensitive to froth phase effects with recovery optimal at shallow froth depth and when turbulence at the pulp froth interface is minimised.