High-efficiency configuration method and structure of ilmenite flotation system

Abstract

The application discloses a high-efficiency configuration method and structure of an ilmenite flotation system, which comprises a quick flotation unit, a roughing unit, a multi-section scavenging unit and a multi-section cleaning unit. The quick flotation foam directly enters a middling short-circuit circulation structure of the cleaning unit II, effectively reduces the middling circulation amount, significantly reduces the load of the cleaning unit I, can more efficiently enrich the roughing foam, and improves the enrichment ratio. Through modular grouping configuration, the number of devices is relatively reduced, and the floor area is reduced. The cooperation between the devices is better, management and maintenance are facilitated, and the operation efficiency of the whole system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mineral processing engineering technology, specifically to an efficient configuration structure for a flotation system of high-concentration, coarse-grained, high-specific-gravity ilmenite. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing demand for titanium resources and the expansion of beneficiation scale, optimizing the configuration and structure of flotation systems to improve the flotation efficiency and quality of ilmenite has become a key issue. Ilmenite itself has characteristics such as high pulp concentration (up to 65%), high specific gravity, easy settling of coarse particles, high froth yield, and large middlings circulation volume. These characteristics bring many challenges to the flotation process. However, current traditional titanium flotation processes generally suffer from long process lengths, excessive middlings circulation volumes, fragmented equipment configurations (mostly using single-unit layouts), unreasonable pulp path design, long process lengths, and poor flow patterns—a series of problems that urgently need to be addressed.

[0003] Developing a specialized, efficient, and flexible configuration structure for ilmenite flotation systems has significant engineering value. It can effectively solve many problems existing in the current ilmenite flotation process, improve the beneficiation efficiency and quality of ilmenite, and meet the needs of large-scale production. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the above problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide an efficient configuration method and structure for an ilmenite flotation system. The technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows: A method for efficiently configuring an ilmenite flotation system. Step 1: Fast flotation. The slurry is transported to the fast flotation unit, where flotation is completed. High-grade, easily floatable minerals are quickly recovered and transported along with the froth to the multi-stage cleaning unit. The remaining slurry in the fast flotation unit enters the roughing unit. Step 2: Roughing. After the slurry enters the roughing unit, it is floated again to enrich the minerals in the roughing froth. The froth from the roughing process is collected and transported to the multi-stage cleaning unit, while the remaining slurry is transported to the multi-stage scavenging unit. Step 3: Flotation. The pulp remaining from the roughing stage is scavenged three times through a multi-stage scavenging unit to recover coarse intergrowths. Step 4: Fine Refinement. The froth from the roughing process is refined through five flotation stages using multiple fine refinement units. The first fine refinement stage enriches the froth from the roughing process. The froth generated during the enrichment stage is then combined with the froth from the fast flotation stage for a second fine refinement stage. This process continues until all five fine refinements are completed, resulting in a concentrate grade of ≥47%.

[0005] Furthermore, an efficient configuration structure for an ilmenite flotation system is provided, employing an efficient configuration method for an iron ore flotation system, comprising a fast flotation unit, a roughing unit, a multi-stage scavenging unit, and a multi-stage cleaning unit; The slurry in the fast flotation unit flows into the roughing unit, and the foam generated by the fast flotation unit enters the multi-stage cleaning unit through pipelines; the slurry in the roughing unit flows into the multi-stage scavenging unit, and the foam product in the roughing unit is transported to the multi-stage cleaning unit; The multi-stage scavenging unit is configured with three groups, including scavenging unit I, scavenging unit II, and scavenging unit III; the slurry in the roughing unit flows sequentially into scavenging unit I, scavenging unit II, and scavenging unit III; the foam generated in scavenging unit I, scavenging unit II, and scavenging unit III is returned to the previous working unit in a closed loop; The multi-stage refining unit is configured with five groups, including refining unit I, refining unit II, refining unit III, refining unit IV, and refining unit V. The foam from the fast flotation unit enters refining unit II; the foam generated by the coarse flotation unit enters refining unit I. The foam produced by refining unit I and the foam from the fast flotation unit flow together into refining unit II, and then sequentially pass through refining units III, IV, and V. The underflow slurry generated in refining units I, II, III, IV, and V is returned to the previous working unit in a closed loop.

[0006] Furthermore, a flow regulating device is installed on the pipeline between the fast-floating unit and the refining unit II.

[0007] Furthermore, both the rapid flotation unit and the roughing unit are equipped with two flotation machines, and the flotation machines in the rapid flotation unit and the roughing unit are connected in series; the flotation machine connected to the water inlet pipe is equipped with an impeller suction structure. Each of the three scavenging units is equipped with two flotation machines; the flotation machines in the three scavenging units are connected in series, and the flotation machines connected to the water inlet pipe are equipped with an impeller suction structure. The fine selection unit I is equipped with four flotation machines connected in series. Each flotation machine connected to the water inlet pipe is equipped with an impeller suction structure. The fine selection unit II is equipped with three flotation machines connected in series. Each flotation machine connected to the water inlet pipe is equipped with an impeller suction structure. Each of the three flotation units, namely the refining unit III, refining unit IV, and refining unit V, is configured as two flotation machines connected in series. Each flotation machine connected to the inlet water pipe is equipped with an impeller suction structure.

[0008] Furthermore, the flotation machine includes a flotation cell and a flotation drive mechanism. The flotation drive mechanism is disposed in the flotation cell and performs flotation on the slurry in the flotation cell. A double-sided frothing mechanism is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the flotation cell, and a V-shaped frothing plate is disposed in the middle of the flotation cell.

[0009] Furthermore, the scraper plate of the bilateral scraper mechanism is made of wear-resistant materials such as polyurethane, wear-resistant plastic, and epoxy resin board, and the angle of the scraper plate can be adjusted according to the thickness of the foam layer and the flowability of the foam in the flotation cell.

[0010] Furthermore, the total flotation volume in the refining unit V is equal to the volume of a single flotation machine in the refining unit IV.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. The foam generated in the fast flotation unit is directly transported to the cleaning unit II, reducing the load on cleaning unit I and enabling more efficient enrichment of the roughing foam, thus improving the enrichment ratio. Cleaning unit I no longer needs to process large amounts of foam from the fast flotation unit, allowing it to focus more on further enriching the minerals in the roughing foam, thereby improving concentrate grade and recovery rate.

[0012] 2. By using modular grouping configuration, the number of devices is relatively reduced, and the floor space occupied is also reduced, which not only lowers equipment procurement costs but also saves production space. Moreover, the modular equipment layout improves the coordination between devices, facilitates management and maintenance, and improves the overall system operating efficiency.

[0013] 3. Through optimized process structure, slurry flow path, and equipment configuration, the recovery of coarse-grained intergrowths is enhanced via a three-stage scavenging process. The optimized slurry flow path ensures the suspension stability of coarse-grained minerals in the slurry, reducing sedimentation losses. Simultaneously, the five-stage beneficiation process guarantees a stable final concentrate grade, providing high-quality raw materials for subsequent ilmenite processing and enhancing the product's market competitiveness.

[0014] 4. Each group of equipment can be started, stopped, adjusted, and repaired independently. When a group of equipment malfunctions or needs maintenance, it will not affect the normal operation of other groups of equipment. The reliability of the system is greatly improved, production interruptions caused by equipment failures are reduced, and production efficiency is improved.

[0015] In summary, the efficient configuration structure of the ilmenite flotation system of the present invention brings significant economic and social benefits to the ilmenite beneficiation industry by comprehensively improving various performance indicators of ilmenite flotation. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the ilmenite flotation system of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the flotation machine; Figure 3 This is a top view of the flotation machine; Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Fast flotation unit, 2. Roughing unit, 3. Multi-stage scavenging unit, 31. Scavenging unit I, 32. Scavenging unit II, 33. Scavenging unit III, 4. Multi-stage cleaning unit, 41. Cleaning unit I, 42. Cleaning unit II, 43. Cleaning unit III, 44. Cleaning unit IV, 45. Cleaning unit V, 5. Flotation cell, 51. Flotation drive mechanism, 6. Double-sided bubble scraping mechanism, 7. V-shaped bubble pusher plate, 9. Flotation machine, 91. Impeller suction structure, 92. Independent cone valve adjustment, 93. Interlock control, 10. Flow regulation device. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment discloses an efficient configuration method for an ilmenite flotation system. Step 1: Fast flotation. The slurry is transported to fast flotation unit 1, where flotation is completed. High-grade, easily floatable minerals are quickly recovered and transported along with the froth to multi-stage cleaning unit 4. The remaining slurry in fast flotation unit 1 enters roughing unit 2. Step 2: Roughing. After the slurry enters the roughing unit 2, it is floated again to enrich the minerals in the roughing froth. The froth in the roughing process is collected and transported to the multi-stage cleaning unit 4, while the remaining slurry is transported to the multi-stage scavenging unit 3. Step 3: Flotation. The pulp remaining from the roughing stage is scavenged three times through the multi-stage scavenging unit 3 to recover the coarse intergrowth. Step 4: Fine Refinement. The froth from the roughing process is refined through five flotation stages in the multi-stage fine refinement unit 4. The first fine refinement stage enriches the froth from the roughing process. The froth generated during the enrichment stage is then combined with the froth from the fast flotation stage for the second fine refinement stage. This process continues until all five fine refinements are completed, resulting in a concentrate grade of ≥47%.

[0020] An efficient configuration structure for an ilmenite flotation system, employing an efficient configuration method for an iron ore flotation system, includes a fast flotation unit 1, a roughing unit 2, a multi-stage scavenging unit 3, and a multi-stage cleaning unit 4; The slurry in the fast flotation unit 1 flows into the roughing unit 2, and the foam generated by the fast flotation unit 1 enters the multi-stage cleaning unit 4 through pipelines; the slurry in the roughing unit 2 flows into the multi-stage scavenging unit 3, and the foam product in the roughing unit 2 is transported to the multi-stage cleaning unit 4. The multi-stage scavenging unit 3 is provided with three sets, including scavenging unit I 31, scavenging unit II 32 and scavenging unit III 33; the slurry solution in the roughing unit 2 flows sequentially into scavenging unit I 31, scavenging unit II 32 and scavenging unit III 33; the foam generated in scavenging unit I 31, scavenging unit II 32 and scavenging unit III 33 is returned to the previous step in a closed loop; The multi-stage selection unit 4 is configured with five groups, including selection unit I 41, selection unit II 42, selection unit III 43, selection unit IV 44, and selection unit V 45. The foam from the fast flotation unit 1 enters the selection unit II 42; the foam generated by the coarse selection unit 2 enters the selection unit I 41. The foam produced by the selection unit I 41 and the foam from the fast flotation unit 1 flow together into the selection unit II 42, and then pass through the selection units III 43, IV 44, and V 45 in sequence. The undercurrent generated in the selection units I 41, II 42, III 43, IV 44, and V 45 is returned to the previous step in a closed loop.

[0021] A flow regulating device 10 is installed on the pipeline between the fast float unit 1 and the fine selection unit II 42.

[0022] Both the fast flotation unit 1 and the roughing unit 2 are equipped with two flotation machines 9, and the flotation machines 9 in the fast flotation unit 1 and the roughing unit 2 are connected in series; the flotation machine 9 connected to the water inlet pipe is equipped with an impeller suction structure. Each of the scavenging unit I 31, scavenging unit II 32, and scavenging unit III 33 is equipped with two flotation machines 9; the flotation machines 9 in scavenging unit I 31, scavenging unit II 32, and scavenging unit III 33 are connected in series, and the flotation machine 9 connected to the water inlet pipe is equipped with an impeller suction structure 91; The fine selection unit I41 is equipped with four flotation machines 9 connected in series. Each flotation machine 9 connected to the water inlet pipe is equipped with an impeller suction structure 91. The fine selection unit II 42 is equipped with three flotation machines 9 connected in series. Each flotation machine 9 connected to the water inlet pipe is equipped with an impeller suction structure 91. Each of the three selection units III43, IV44, and V45 is configured as two flotation machines 9 connected in series, and each flotation machine 9 connected to the water inlet pipe is equipped with an impeller suction structure 91.

[0023] The flotation machine, connected to the inlet pipe, is equipped with an impeller-driven slurry suction structure. This structure draws in the slurry, resulting in smoother slurry flow within the system. The impeller-driven slurry suction structure enables self-priming circulation of middlings, eliminating the need for a high-level middlings pump, shortening the slurry flow path, and significantly reducing head loss. Simultaneously, the optimized slurry flow path improves the suspension stability of coarse-grained minerals in the slurry, making them less prone to settling. In actual operation, optimization of the slurry flow rate and flow regime ensures that coarse-grained (+0.15mm) ilmenite maintains a good suspension state in the slurry, reducing losses due to settling and improving recovery rate.

[0024] The flotation machine 9 includes a flotation cell 5 and a flotation drive mechanism 51. The flotation drive mechanism 51 is disposed in the flotation cell 5 and performs flotation on the slurry in the flotation cell 5. A double-sided froth scraping mechanism 6 is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the flotation cell 5. The froth scraping speed can be adjusted according to the amount of froth generated, and can quickly scrape the froth on both sides of the flotation cell 5 towards the middle. A V-shaped froth pusher plate 7 is located in the middle of the flotation cell 5. Its unique shape design can effectively push the froth towards the overflow weir, realizing the rapid and smooth discharge of the froth.

[0025] The scraping plate of the double-sided scraping mechanism 6 is made of polyurethane, wear-resistant plastic, and epoxy resin board wear-resistant materials, and the angle of the scraping plate can be adjusted according to the thickness of the foam layer and the flowability of the foam in the flotation cell.

[0026] The flotation machines 9 in each unit are connected in series. Each flotation machine 9 is equipped with an independent cone valve adjustment 92 and interlock control 93, allowing for single-group shutdown, maintenance, and switching without affecting the overall operation. Each group of flotation machines 9 can be operated independently, in series, in parallel, or partially short-circuited. During production, if a group of equipment needs maintenance, it can be isolated from the system while the remaining groups continue normal production, greatly improving equipment utilization. Simultaneously, flexible series, parallel, or partial short-circuit switching allows for system optimization based on ore properties, production needs, and other factors, improving system adaptability and operational efficiency. When one group of equipment is under maintenance, the remaining groups automatically adjust their operating parameters to maintain stable overall system throughput. When one group of equipment in the roughing unit 2 is under maintenance, another group of roughing equipment can appropriately increase the aeration rate and stirring speed to compensate for the reduced processing capacity caused by the reduced equipment, ensuring that subsequent operating units receive sufficient slurry for processing and guaranteeing production continuity.

[0027] The total flotation volume in the refining unit V45 is equal to the volume of a single flotation machine 9 in the refining unit IV44.

[0028] The installation process of this invention is as follows: The minerals first enter the rapid flotation unit 1 for flotation, producing rapid flotation foam and rapid flotation slurry. The rapid flotation foam directly enters the cleaning unit II 42 for flotation, while the rapid flotation slurry enters the roughing unit 2 for flotation. In the roughing unit 2, roughing flotation foam and roughing slurry are produced. The roughing flotation foam enters the cleaning unit I 41 for flotation. After flotation, the resulting foam and rapid flotation foam enter the cleaning unit II 42 for flotation, and then sequentially enter the cleaning units III 43, IV 44, and V 45 for flotation until refined titanium ore is obtained. The underflow slurry generated during the cleaning process is returned to the previous step in a closed loop, while the roughing slurry enters the multi-stage scavenging unit 3. After three scavenging processes, tailings are obtained, and the foam generated during the scavenging process is returned to the previous step in a closed loop.

[0029] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for efficiently configuring an ilmenite flotation system, characterized in that: Step 1: Fast flotation. The slurry is transported to the fast flotation unit (1) and flotation is completed in the fast flotation unit (1). High-grade easily floatable minerals are quickly recovered and transported to the multi-stage cleaning unit (4) along with the froth. The remaining slurry in the fast flotation unit (1) enters the roughing unit (2). Step 2: Roughing. After the slurry enters the roughing unit (2), it is floated again to enrich the minerals into the roughing froth. The froth in the roughing process is collected and transported to the multi-stage cleaning unit (4), while the remaining slurry is transported to the multi-stage scavenging unit (3). Step 3: Flotation, the remaining slurry from the roughing is scavenged three times through a multi-stage scavenging unit (3) to recover the coarse intergrowth; Step 4: Fine selection. The foam in the roughing process is refined by flotation five times through a multi-stage fine selection unit (4). The first fine selection is to enrich the foam in the roughing process by flotation. The foam generated during the enrichment process is then refined together with the foam in the fast flotation process for the second fine selection. After the five fine selections are completed, the concentrate grade is ≥47%.

2. A high-efficiency configuration structure for an ilmenite flotation system, employing the high-efficiency configuration method for an iron ore flotation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It includes a fast float unit (1), a coarse selection unit (2), a multi-segment sweeping unit (3), and a multi-segment fine selection unit (4); The slurry in the fast flotation unit (1) flows into the roughing unit (2), and the foam generated by the fast flotation unit (1) enters the multi-stage cleaning unit (4) through the pipeline; The slurry in the roughing unit (2) flows into the multi-stage scavenging unit (3), and the foam product in the roughing unit (2) is transported to the multi-stage cleaning unit (4). The multi-stage scavenging unit (3) is provided with three groups, including scavenging unit I (31), scavenging unit II (32) and scavenging unit III (33); the slurry in the roughing unit (2) flows into scavenging unit I (31), scavenging unit II (32) and scavenging unit III (33) in sequence; the foam generated in scavenging unit I (31), scavenging unit II (32) and scavenging unit III (33) is returned to the previous working unit in a closed loop; The multi-stage refining unit (4) is provided with five groups, including refining unit I (41), refining unit II (42), refining unit III (43), refining unit IV (44) and refining unit V (45). The foam from the fast flotation unit (1) enters the refining unit II (42); the foam generated by the coarse selection unit (2) enters the refining unit I (41). The foam produced by the refining unit I (41) and the foam from the fast flotation unit (1) flow together into the refining unit II (42), and then pass through the refining unit III (43), refining unit IV (44) and refining unit V (45) in sequence. The underflow slurry generated in the refining unit I (41), refining unit II (42), refining unit III (43), refining unit IV (44) and refining unit V (45) is returned to the previous working unit in a closed loop.

3. The high-efficiency configuration structure of the ilmenite flotation system according to claim 2, characterized in that: A flow regulating device (10) is installed on the pipeline between the fast float unit (1) and the fine selection unit II (42).

4. The high-efficiency configuration structure of the ilmenite flotation system according to claim 2, characterized in that: Both the fast flotation unit (1) and the roughing unit (2) are equipped with two flotation machines (9). The flotation machines (9) in the fast flotation unit (1) and the roughing unit (2) are connected in series. The flotation machine (9) connected to the water inlet pipe is equipped with an impeller suction structure (91). Each of the scavenging unit I (31), scavenging unit II (32), and scavenging unit III (33) is equipped with two flotation machines (9); the flotation machines (9) in scavenging unit I (31), scavenging unit II (32), and scavenging unit III (33) are connected in series, and the flotation machine (9) connected to the water inlet pipe is equipped with an impeller suction structure (91); The fine selection unit I (41) is equipped with four flotation machines (9), which are connected in series. The flotation machines (9) connected to the water inlet pipe are equipped with an impeller suction structure (91). The fine selection unit II (42) is equipped with three flotation machines (9), which are connected in series. The flotation machines (9) connected to the water inlet pipe are equipped with an impeller suction structure (91). The selected unit III (43), selected unit IV (44), and selected unit V (45) are each configured as two flotation machines (9) connected in series. The flotation machine (9) connected to the water inlet pipe is equipped with an impeller suction structure (91).

5. The high-efficiency configuration structure of the ilmenite flotation system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flotation machine (9) includes a flotation cell (5) and a flotation drive mechanism (51). The flotation drive mechanism (51) is located in the flotation cell (5) and performs flotation on the slurry in the flotation cell (5). The flotation cell (5) has a double-sided bubble scraping mechanism (6) symmetrically arranged on both sides, and a V-shaped bubble pusher plate (7) is provided in the middle of the flotation cell (5).

6. The high-efficiency configuration structure of the ilmenite flotation system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The scraping plate of the bilateral scraping mechanism (6) is made of polyurethane, wear-resistant plastic, epoxy resin board wear-resistant material, and the angle of the scraping plate can be adjusted according to the thickness of the foam layer and the flowability of the foam in the flotation cell.

7. The high-efficiency configuration structure of the ilmenite flotation system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The total flotation volume in the refining unit V (45) is equal to the volume of a single flotation machine (9) in the refining unit IV (44).

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