High nickel matte copper-nickel separation self-flow non-pressure feed flotation column and application thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of mineral flotation processing, in particular to a high-nickel matte copper-nickel separation self-flow non-pressure feeding flotation column and its application, to solve the problems of uneven distribution of ore pulp, poor bubble stability, insufficient separation area height and low bottom flow control precision of the current traditional pressure feeding flotation column. The flotation column includes a column body, a feeding system, an ore pulp distribution system, an aeration system, a bottom flow adjustment system and a spraying system, etc. Through self-flow non-pressure feeding of the stirring tank and stirring shaft, combined with the circumferentially distributed inclined ore pulp distribution pipe, uniform self-flow and distribution of the ore pulp are realized. A three-layer differential spray gun system is adopted, with sparse upper layer and dense lower layer, to realize precise aeration in layers, so that the porous and multi-hole efficiency plate generates micro-bubbles, meeting the requirements of different depths of ore pulp on bubble size and density. The electric ore pulp valve is controlled by PLC to ensure precise control of the bottom flow position fluctuation of the ore pulp liquid. The height of the column effectively shortens the distance of the foam floating, effectively improving the separation efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mineral flotation processing technology, specifically to a self-flowing, pressureless feed flotation column for high-nickel matte copper-nickel separation and its application. Background Technology

[0002] High-nickel matte is an important intermediate product in nickel smelting, characterized by high metallization and high specific gravity. Copper sulfide and nickel sulfide are its main minerals. Copper-nickel separation typically relies on flotation processes. Traditional flotation columns often use pressure feeding methods, such as direct pump delivery, which generally suffer from the following problems: Uneven pulp distribution: Pressure feeding can easily lead to excessively high local pulp concentration, resulting in insufficient contact between bubbles and mineral particles, affecting separation accuracy; Poor bubble generation stability: Traditional single-stage aeration devices cannot meet the differentiated requirements of different pulp depths for bubble size and density, reducing separation efficiency; Short flotation separation zone height: The relatively short height of copper-nickel separation flotation columns means that pressure feeding can easily cause the pulp to spray towards the bottom of the flotation column, shortening the copper-nickel flotation separation zone and affecting separation indicators; Low underflow control precision: Manual adjustment of the underflow valve can easily lead to flow fluctuations, affecting the stability of separation indicators. Therefore, developing a flotation column that does not require pressure feeding, has uniform pulp distribution, and precise bubble control is of great significance for improving the copper-nickel separation efficiency of high-nickel matte. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a self-flowing, pressureless feed flotation column for high-nickel matte copper-nickel separation and its application, in order to solve the problems existing in the background mentioned above.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A self-flowing, pressureless feed flotation column for high-nickel matte copper-nickel separation includes a flotation column body. A stirring tank is fixedly installed at the top of the flotation column body, and a stirring shaft is installed inside the stirring tank. A feed pipe is also connected to the top of the stirring tank. Multiple slurry distribution pipes are evenly distributed and connected to the outer side of the stirring tank and the top of the flotation column body. Multiple copper concentrate froth outlets are connected to the outer wall of the flotation column body. Multiple layers of annular air ducts are fixedly installed on the outer side of the bottom cone of the flotation column body. Multiple layers of spray guns connected to an external compressed air source are spaced apart between the multiple rows of annular air ducts, and all the spray guns extend into the inner side of the flotation column body. A spray water pipe and multiple porous efficiency plates are horizontally fixed inside the flotation column body. The bottom cone of the flotation column body is also connected to a slurry underflow pipe and a flotation column exhaust pipe.

[0005] Furthermore, an electric slurry valve is provided on the slurry underflow pipe.

[0006] Furthermore, multiple anti-fall beams are horizontally and evenly distributed within the flotation column.

[0007] Furthermore, a flotation column manhole is provided on the side wall of the flotation column.

[0008] An application of a self-flowing, pressureless feed flotation column for high-nickel matte copper-nickel separation includes the following steps: Step 1: High-nickel matte slurry from an external slurry source, with a concentration of 30%-40%, enters the mixing tank through the feed pipe. The stirring shaft pre-disperses the slurry to prevent particle settling and enhance the interaction between the minerals and flotation reagents.

[0009] Step 2: The slurry then flows into the flotation column by gravity through multiple slurry distribution pipes. The slurry is dispersed into the flotation column by gravity along the slurry distribution pipes, achieving uniform and consistent feeding of the slurry, extending the contact time between the minerals and the bubbles, and creating conditions for efficient separation of copper and nickel.

[0010] Step 3: Compressed air generates microbubbles through a three-layer spray gun, which adsorb with copper mineral particles in the slurry to form foam. That is, the three-layer spray gun generates bubbles of different densities, with the upper layer being sparse and the lower layer being dense, which improves the selective adsorption efficiency of copper and nickel minerals with bubbles. Then, the foam is discharged from the top copper concentrate foam outlet. The copper sulfide mineral particles in the mineralization zone react with the bubbles and float to the surface as copper concentrate, while the nickel sulfide minerals are discharged from the bottom flow as nickel concentrate.

[0011] Step 4: The tailings are discharged after entering the bottom electric slurry valve through the slurry underflow pipe. The opening of the electric slurry valve is adjusted in real time by the PLC controller to accurately control the discharge of the underflow slurry and maintain the stability of the liquid level in the flotation column.

[0012] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention relates to the field of mineral flotation processing technology, specifically to a gravity-flow, pressureless feeding flotation column for high-nickel matte copper-nickel separation, addressing the problems of uneven slurry distribution, poor bubble stability, insufficient separation zone height, and low underflow control precision in traditional pressure-feed flotation columns. The flotation column includes a column body, feeding system, slurry distribution system, aeration system, underflow regulation system, spray system, and safety system. Gravity-flow, pressureless feeding via a stirring tank and stirring shaft, combined with circumferentially distributed inclined slurry distribution pipes, achieves uniform gravity flow and distribution of the slurry. A three-layer differentiated spray gun system, with a sparse upper layer and a dense lower layer, provides precise stratified aeration, enabling the porous efficiency plate to generate microbubbles, meeting the requirements of different slurry depths for bubble size and density. An electric slurry valve, in conjunction with PLC control, ensures precise control of slurry underflow level fluctuations. The column height effectively shortens the distance for foam to rise, significantly improving separation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the overall structure of the flotation column equipment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of the overall structure of the flotation column equipment of the present invention.

[0015] The meanings of the reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows: 1. Feed pipe; 2. Agitator shaft; 3. Agitator tank; 4. Slurry distribution pipe; 5. Copper concentrate foam outlet; 6. Annular air duct; 7. Spray gun; 8. Slurry underflow pipe; 9. Electric slurry valve; 10. Perforated efficiency plate; 11. Fall arrestor beam; 12. Spray water pipe; 13. Flotation column vent pipe; 14. Flotation column manhole; 15. Flotation column body. Detailed Implementation

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

[0017] like Figure 1-2 As shown, a self-flowing, pressureless feed flotation column for high-nickel matte copper-nickel separation includes a flotation column body 15. A stirring tank 3 is fixedly installed at the top of the flotation column body 15. A stirring shaft 2 is installed inside the stirring tank 3. A feed pipe 1 is also connected to the top of the stirring tank 3. Multiple slurry distribution pipes 4 are evenly distributed and connected to the outer side of the stirring tank 3 and the top of the flotation column body 15. Multiple copper concentrate foam outlets 5 are connected to the outer wall of the flotation column body 15. A multi-layer annular air duct 6 is fixedly installed on the outer side of the bottom cone of the flotation column body 15. Multiple multi-layer spray guns 7 connected to an external compressed air source are spaced apart between the multiple rows of annular air ducts 6. The multiple spray guns 7 all extend into the inner side of the flotation column body 15. A spray water pipe 12 and multiple porous efficiency plates 10 are horizontally fixed inside the flotation column body 15. The bottom cone of the flotation column body 15 is also connected to a slurry underflow (8) and a flotation column exhaust pipe 13.

[0018] An electric slurry valve 9 is installed on the slurry underflow pipe 8.

[0019] Multiple anti-fall beams 11 are horizontally fixed and evenly distributed inside the flotation column 15.

[0020] A flotation column manhole 14 is also provided on the side wall of the flotation column body 15.

[0021] The slurry distribution pipe 4 has a diameter of Φ76mm-Φ89mm and extends to 1 / 3-1 / 2 of the inner diameter of the flotation column body 15. The pipe opening is inclined downward at 10°-20° and enters the interior of the flotation column body 15 vertically for 2m-2.5m. The aeration system consists of 3-30 spray guns 7 evenly distributed circumferentially in each layer. The underflow regulation system is an electric slurry valve 9 installed in the conical section at the bottom of the flotation column body 15 to regulate the underflow discharge.

[0022] The flotation column height of 15 is designed specifically for the separation characteristics of copper and nickel minerals. The height of the flotation column 15 is 5m-6m, which shortens the floating distance of frothy concentrate and improves the separation efficiency of copper and nickel.

[0023] The aeration system is arranged along the inner wall of the flotation column 15 with three layers of spray guns 7 in the height direction. The spacing between the upper, middle and lower layers is 0.5-1m. Each layer has 3-30 spray guns 7 evenly arranged in the circumference. The nozzle diameter of the spray gun 7 is 2.3mm and 3.0mm. The spray gun 7 is connected to an external compressed air source through an annular air duct 6. Microbubbles with a diameter of 2-3mm are generated through the porous efficiency plate 10. The three layers of spray guns 7 generate bubbles of different densities, with the upper layer being sparse and the lower layer being dense.

[0024] The electric slurry valve 9 is controlled by a PLC controller, with an adjustment accuracy of ≤±1% and a response time of ≤2s.

[0025] The spray pipe 12 is located above the copper concentrate froth outlet 5 of the flotation column, which accelerates the discharge speed of the flotation concentrate and avoids clogging of the tank. The spray system is located above the concentrate tank of the flotation column, which also accelerates the discharge speed of the flotation concentrate and avoids clogging of the tank.

[0026] A fall arrestor beam 11 is installed in the foam zone inside the flotation column 15 to ensure the safety of personnel during equipment maintenance.

[0027] When using a gravity-flow, pressureless feed flotation column for high-nickel matte copper-nickel separation, the column body 15 is 7m high, including the agitator 3 which is 1.5m high and has an inner diameter of 6m. The agitator 3 is made of wear-resistant steel, and its volume is 2.65m³. 3 It is equipped with two stirring shafts and five slurry distribution pipes (each 89mm in diameter, inclined at 15°). The slurry distribution pipes are 1.5m from the column wall, with an insertion depth of 2m. There are three layers of spray guns (7) spaced 0.7m apart: 28 spray guns in the upper layer, 18 in the middle layer, and 8 in the lower layer. The compressed air pressure is 0.3-0.5MPa, and the air flow rate is 300-600m³ / h. 3 / h, the electric slurry valve 9 model is DN200, with an adjustment accuracy of ±1%.

[0028] The high-nickel matte slurry from the external slurry source, with a concentration of 30%-40%, enters the mixing tank 3 through the feed pipe 1. The mixing shaft 2 pre-disperses the slurry to prevent particle sedimentation and enhance the interaction between the minerals and flotation reagents.

[0029] The slurry then flows by gravity into the flotation column 15 through five slurry distribution pipes 4. The slurry is dispersed by gravity into the flotation column 15 along the slurry distribution pipes 4, achieving uniform and consistent feeding of the slurry, extending the contact time between the minerals and the bubbles, and creating conditions for efficient separation of copper and nickel.

[0030] Compressed air is generated into microbubbles by the three-layer spray gun 7, which adsorb with copper mineral particles in the slurry to form foam. That is, the three-layer spray gun 7 generates bubbles of different densities, with the upper layer being sparse and the lower layer being dense, which improves the selective adsorption efficiency of copper and nickel minerals and bubbles. The bubbles are then discharged from the top copper concentrate foam outlet 5. The tailings are discharged after being regulated by the bottom electric slurry valve 9 through the slurry underflow pipe 8.

[0031] The slurry is fed into the mixing tank 3 through the slurry feed pipe 1 located at the top of the flotation column 15, and then flows into the interior of the flotation column 15 by gravity through the slurry distribution pipe 4 at the bottom of the mixing tank 3. The copper sulfide mineral particles in the mineralization zone react with the bubbles and float to the surface as copper concentrate, while the nickel sulfide minerals are discharged from the bottom flow as nickel concentrate.

[0032] The opening of the electric slurry valve 9 can be adjusted in real time by the PLC controller, i.e., 0-100%, to accurately control the discharge of the underflow slurry. The response time of the electric slurry valve 9 is ≤2s, maintaining the liquid level in the flotation column 15 at 5.3m and controlling the liquid level fluctuation within ±5mm, thereby improving the stability of the separation index by more than 10%.

[0033] This flotation column enables pressureless and uniform feeding of high-nickel matte slurry, precise bubble control, and stable underflow discharge, significantly improving copper-nickel separation efficiency. It is suitable for high-efficiency separation of high-nickel matte copper-nickel minerals.

Claims

1. A self-flowing, pressureless feed flotation column for high-nickel matte copper-nickel separation, characterized in that: The flotation column includes a flotation column body (15), a stirring tank (3) is fixedly provided at the top of the flotation column body (15), a stirring shaft (2) is provided inside the stirring tank (3), a feed pipe (1) is also connected to the top of the stirring tank (3), multiple slurry distribution pipes (4) are evenly distributed and connected to the outer side of the stirring tank (3) and the top of the flotation column body (15), multiple copper concentrate froth outlets (5) are connected to the outer wall of the flotation column body (15), and the bottom of the flotation column body (15) is connected to the flotation column body (15). A multi-layered annular air duct (6) is fixedly installed on the outside of the cone. A multi-layered spray gun (7) connected to an external compressed air source is provided between the multiple rows of annular air ducts (6). The multi-layered spray gun (7) extends into the inside of the flotation column (15). A spray water pipe (12) and multiple porous efficiency plates (10) are fixedly installed horizontally inside the flotation column (15). The bottom cone of the flotation column (15) is also connected to a slurry underflow pipe (8) and a flotation column exhaust pipe (13).

2. The self-flowing, pressureless feed flotation column for high-nickel matte copper-nickel separation according to claim 1, characterized in that: An electric slurry valve (9) is provided on the slurry underflow pipe (8).

3. The self-flowing, pressureless feed flotation column for high-nickel matte copper-nickel separation according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple anti-fall beams (11) are horizontally fixed and evenly distributed inside the flotation column (15).

4. The self-flowing, pressureless feed flotation column for high-nickel matte copper-nickel separation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flotation column body (15) is also provided with a flotation column manhole (14) on its side wall.

5. The self-flowing, pressureless feed flotation column for high-nickel matte copper-nickel separation according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes the application of a self-flowing, pressureless feed flotation column for high-nickel matte copper-nickel separation, comprising the following steps: Step 1: The high-nickel matte slurry from the external slurry source has a concentration of 30%-40%. It enters the mixing tank (3) through the feed pipe (1). The mixing shaft (2) pre-disperses the slurry to prevent particle sedimentation and enhance the interaction between the minerals and flotation reagents. Step 2: Then, the slurry flows into the flotation column (15) by gravity through multiple slurry distribution pipes (4). The slurry is dispersed into the flotation column (15) by gravity along the slurry distribution pipes (4), so as to achieve uniform feeding of the slurry, prolong the contact time between the mineral and the air bubble, and create conditions for the efficient separation of copper and nickel. Step 3: Compressed air generates microbubbles through the three-layer spray gun (7), which adsorb with copper mineral particles in the slurry to form foam. That is, the three-layer spray gun (7) generates bubbles of different densities, with the upper layer being sparse and the lower layer being dense, which improves the selective adsorption efficiency of copper and nickel minerals and bubbles. Then, the bubbles are discharged from the top copper concentrate foam outlet (5). The copper sulfide mineral particles in the mineralized zone react with the bubbles and float to the surface as copper concentrate. The nickel sulfide minerals are discharged from the bottom flow as nickel concentrate. Step 4: The tailings are discharged after being regulated by the bottom electric slurry valve (9) through the slurry underflow pipe (8). The opening of the electric slurry valve (9) is adjusted in real time by the PLC controller to accurately control the discharge of the underflow slurry and maintain the stable liquid level in the flotation column (15).

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