A flotation cell level control device
By combining an external water tank and pump with the ring structure and connecting mechanism of the level control component, the problems of accuracy and response speed of level control in the flotation machine are solved, achieving stability and precision of the level, and improving flotation efficiency and equipment reliability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 内蒙古自治区产业技术创新中心(内蒙古自治区科学技术检测实验中心)
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing flotation machine level control technology suffers from problems such as low adjustment accuracy, slow response speed, susceptibility to interference, poor equipment reliability, and difficulty in balancing concentrate discharge efficiency and level stability.
An external water tank is used in conjunction with a discharge pump and a suction pump. Combined with the annular structure and connecting mechanism of the liquid level control component, the design of the top tank, bottom tank, inner tank and outer tank, along with the interception filter, enables rapid and precise adjustment of the liquid level. The design of the baffle and slot in the concentrate tank allows for flexible control of concentrate discharge.
It achieves stable and precise control of the flotation machine liquid level, improves the stability of the flotation process and product quality, reduces equipment maintenance frequency and cost, and enhances anti-interference ability and operational reliability.
Smart Images

Figure CN224308624U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of flotation machine technology, specifically to a flotation machine liquid level control device. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of mineral processing and resource recovery, flotation machines, as key equipment for mineral separation, directly affect flotation efficiency and product quality through the stability and accuracy of their liquid level control technology. Currently, common liquid level control methods for flotation machines mainly include mechanical regulation and automated control. Mechanical regulation controls the liquid level by manually adjusting tailings discharge valves or weir height, while automated control utilizes a closed-loop system composed of level sensors, controllers, and actuators to achieve automatic liquid level regulation. These technologies, to a certain extent, meet the needs of industrial production and promote the development of flotation technology.
[0003] However, existing flotation machine level control technologies still have many problems. Mechanical level control relies on manual operation, resulting in low adjustment accuracy and slow response speed, making it difficult to adapt to complex and changing production conditions. Furthermore, manual operation is susceptible to subjective factors, leading to large level fluctuations and consequently reducing flotation performance. While automated control achieves a certain degree of automation, level sensors are easily affected by impurities and bubbles in the slurry, causing measurement errors. Simultaneously, the actuators are prone to wear and jamming during long-term use, affecting the reliability of level control and increasing equipment maintenance costs and downtime. In addition, existing level control devices often lack effective coordinated control of the concentrate discharge stage, making it difficult to simultaneously achieve concentrate discharge efficiency and level stability.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a flotation machine level control device that can overcome the above-mentioned defects. By optimizing the level control structure and working principle, it can achieve precise and stable level control, while improving concentrate discharge efficiency and reducing equipment maintenance costs, so as to meet the needs of efficient and stable production in the modern mineral processing industry. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flotation machine level control device to solve the problems existing in the prior art mentioned in the background section.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a flotation machine liquid level control device, comprising:
[0007] The main body of the flotation machine has a stator connected to its inner bottom and a rotor assembly located directly above the stator. A concentrate discharge pipe is fixedly connected to one side of the main body of the flotation machine.
[0008] An external water tank is fixedly connected to the outer back of the flotation machine body. A discharge pump and a suction pump are installed inside the external water tank. The input end of the discharge pump and the output end of the suction pump are both connected to the inner side of the external water tank through pipes. The output end of the discharge pump is connected to a replenishing pipe, and the input end of the suction pump is connected to a suction pipe. The replenishing pipe and the suction pipe pass through the top of the external water tank and through the back of the flotation machine body. Both the replenishing pipe and the suction pipe are equipped with electrically controlled valves.
[0009] A liquid level control component is located at the center of the inner side of the flotation machine body. The liquid level control component is provided with a communication mechanism. The liquid replenishment pipe and the liquid extraction pipe are both fixedly connected to the liquid level control component.
[0010] A concentrate trough is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the flotation machine body on the side near the concentrate discharge pipe. A partition is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the concentrate trough. A discharge port is opened through the partition. A slot is fixedly connected to one side of the partition. A baffle is connected in the slot.
[0011] The connecting mechanism connects the inner and outer sides of the liquid level control component.
[0012] Preferably, the liquid level control component is an annular pipe, the liquid level control component is located directly above the stator, and the liquid level control component is located on the outside of the rotor assembly.
[0013] Preferably, the communication mechanism includes:
[0014] Several sets of top grooves arranged in a regular ring array are opened through the top of the liquid level control component;
[0015] Several groups of bottom grooves arranged in a regular ring array are opened through the bottom of the liquid level control component;
[0016] Several groups of grooves arranged in a regular ring array are opened through the inner side of the top of the liquid level control component;
[0017] Several groups of grooves arranged in a regular ring array are opened through the outer side of the top of the liquid level control component;
[0018] The top groove, the bottom groove, the inner groove, and the outer groove are adapted to each other.
[0019] Preferably, the communication mechanism further includes: a plurality of intercepting filters fixedly connected to a plurality of the top grooves, a plurality of the bottom grooves, a plurality of the inner grooves, and a plurality of the outer grooves.
[0020] Preferably, the partition divides the inner side of the concentrate tank into two sets of cavities of different depths, wherein the deeper set of cavities is connected to the concentrate discharge pipe.
[0021] Preferably, the shapes of the top groove, the bottom groove, the inner groove, and the outer groove are compatible.
[0022] Preferably, the card slot is a set of two opposing "L"-shaped structures, and the two sides of the baffle abut against the inner walls of the two sides of the card slot.
[0023] Preferably, the top of the concentrate tank is an open structure, and the horizontal plane of the top of the concentrate tank is higher than the horizontal plane of the overflow weir of the flotation machine body.
[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0025] 1) This application uses an external water tank in conjunction with a discharge pump and a extraction pump to quickly and accurately adjust the liquid level inside the flotation machine body. When the liquid level is lower than the set value, the extraction pump can transport the liquid in the external water tank to the flotation machine body through the liquid extraction pipe. When the liquid level is too high, the discharge pump can pump the excess liquid in the flotation machine body back to the external water tank through the liquid replenishment pipe, thereby ensuring that the liquid level is always maintained within the ideal range, effectively avoiding the adverse effects of liquid level fluctuations on the flotation effect, and significantly improving the stability of the flotation process and product quality.
[0026] 2) This application utilizes a unique connecting mechanism on the liquid level control component, including a top trough, a bottom trough, an inner trough, and an outer trough, with each trough having a matching shape. Combined with an intercepting filter, it can effectively allow the liquid inside and outside the liquid level control component to flow, while filtering impurities and concentrates in the slurry, preventing blockage of pipes and affecting the normal operation of the pump. This design not only ensures the smooth flow of liquid during the liquid level adjustment process, but also improves the anti-interference capability and operational reliability of the device, and reduces equipment failures and maintenance frequency caused by impurities.
[0027] 3) This application divides the concentrate tank into cavities of varying depths using baffles. The deeper cavities connect to the concentrate discharge pipes. Combined with the design of slots and baffles, the discharge speed and flow rate of the concentrate can be flexibly controlled according to production needs. When faster concentrate discharge is required, the baffle position can be adjusted to increase the effective flow area of the discharge port; conversely, the discharge port area can be reduced. This achieves precise control of the concentrate discharge process, improves concentrate collection efficiency, and avoids abnormal liquid level fluctuations caused by poor concentrate discharge, making the overall operation of the flotation machine more coordinated and efficient. Attached Figure Description
[0028] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the front of this application;
[0029] Figure 2 This is the axonometric view of the back of this application;
[0030] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the external water tank in this application;
[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection positions of the liquid level control component and the stator and rotor assembly in this application;
[0032] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the liquid level control component of this application;
[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the concentrate trough after the baffle is removed in this application;
[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the concentrate trough after the baffle is installed.
[0035] In the picture:
[0036] 1. Flotation machine body; 2. External water tank; 3. Discharge pump; 4. Extraction pump;
[0037] 5. Liquid level control components; 6. Stator; 7. Rotor assembly; 8. Top groove;
[0038] 9. Bottom channel; 10. Inner channel; 11. Outer channel; 12. Interceptor filter;
[0039] 13. Liquid replenishment pipe; 14. Liquid extraction pipe; 15. Concentrate tank; 16. Concentrate pipe;
[0040] 17. Partition; 18. Discharge port; 19. Slot; 20. Baffle;
[0041] 21. Electrically controlled valve. Detailed Implementation
[0042] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0043] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for the convenience of describing this utility model and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0044] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," and "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0045] Please see Figure 1-7 This utility model provides a technical solution: a flotation machine liquid level control device, comprising:
[0046] The main body of the flotation machine is 1. A stator 6 is connected to the bottom of the main body of the flotation machine. A rotor assembly 7 is located directly above the stator 6. A concentrate pipe 16 is fixedly connected to one side of the main body of the flotation machine.
[0047] An external water tank 2 is fixedly connected to the back of the flotation machine body 1. A discharge pump 3 and a suction pump 4 are installed inside the external water tank 2. The input end of the discharge pump 3 and the output end of the suction pump 4 are connected to the inside of the external water tank 2 through pipes. The output end of the discharge pump 3 is connected to a replenishing pipe 13, and the input end of the suction pump 4 is connected to a suction pipe 14. The replenishing pipe 13 and the suction pipe 14 pass through the top of the external water tank 2 and through the back of the flotation machine body 1. Both the replenishing pipe 13 and the suction pipe 14 are equipped with an electric control valve 21.
[0048] The liquid level control component 5 is located at the center of the inner side of the flotation machine body 1. The liquid level control component 5 is equipped with a communication mechanism. The liquid replenishment pipe 13 and the liquid extraction pipe 14 are both fixedly connected to the liquid level control component 5.
[0049] The concentrate tank 15 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the main body 1 of the flotation machine near the concentrate discharge pipe 16. A partition 17 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the concentrate tank 15. A discharge port 18 is opened through the partition 17. A slot 19 is fixedly connected to one side of the partition 17. A baffle 20 is connected in the slot 19.
[0050] The connecting mechanism connects the inner and outer sides of the liquid level control component 5.
[0051] Specifically, the flotation machine body 1, stator 6, rotor assembly 7, and other components on the flotation machine body 1 are all existing technologies, and their working principles will not be elaborated here.
[0052] Specifically, when the liquid level in the main body 1 of the flotation machine is higher than the set value, the electric control valve 21 on the replenishment pipe 13 is closed and the electric control valve 21 on the extraction pipe 14 is opened. The liquid in the main body 1 of the flotation machine is sucked into the annular cavity through the top trough 8, bottom trough 9, inner side trough 10 and outer side trough 11 on the liquid level control component 5. The liquid enters the extraction pump 4 through the extraction pipe 14 and is then transported to the external water tank 2 for storage through the output end of the extraction pump 4.
[0053] Specifically, when the liquid level in the main body 1 of the flotation machine is lower than the set value, the electric control valve 21 on the replenishment pipe 13 is opened and the electric control valve 21 on the extraction pipe 14 is closed. The liquid is transported from the external water tank 2 to the liquid level control component 5 through the discharge pump 3 and the replenishment pipe 13, and then flows evenly into the main body 1 of the flotation machine through the top tank 8, bottom tank 9, etc.
[0054] Reference manual attached Figure 1 and instruction manual attached Figure 4 The level control component 5 is an annular pipe, positioned directly above the stator 6 and outside the rotor assembly 7. Specifically, the annular pipe structure of the level control component 5 ensures a uniform liquid flow path, allowing for smoother exchange of liquid within the flotation machine body 1 with the level control component 5 during level adjustment, preventing excessive local level fluctuations from affecting the flotation effect. The stator 6 and rotor assembly 7, as the core agitation components of the flotation machine, function to thoroughly mix the slurry and air bubbles and distribute them evenly within the machine. The level control component 5, surrounding the rotor assembly 7, directly contacts the uniform slurry flow field formed by the agitation of the stator 6 and rotor assembly 7. When liquid level adjustment is required, the replenishment pipe 13 and the extraction pipe 14 transport liquid through the annular liquid level control component 5. Due to its annular structure and central position, it can uniformly extract or discharge liquid across the entire cross-section of the flotation machine, avoiding local liquid concentration differences or flow dead zones that may be caused by traditional single-point liquid level control.
[0055] Specifically, the homogeneity of the pulp is crucial to the flotation effect. The level control component 5 is centrally located within the flotation machine, precisely in the area where the pulp is most thoroughly agitated. During flotation, bubbles carry useful mineral particles to the surface, forming a froth layer. The height of the level control component 5 allows for precise control of the pulp level in the lower layers without disturbing the froth layer. When replenishment is needed, the annular level control component 5 evenly distributes the replenishment liquid throughout the pulp, preventing sudden changes in local liquid concentration from affecting the adhesion of bubbles and mineral particles. When liquid needs to be discharged, its uniform suction maintains the overall stability of the pulp, preventing mineral particles with attached bubbles from detaching due to excessively high local flow rates. This design ensures high compatibility between the level adjustment process and the flotation process, minimizing the impact on pulp homogeneity and flotation effect while maintaining stable levels. Furthermore, the annular structure of the level control component 5 is compatible with the rotational motion of the stator 6 and rotor assembly 7. The rotation of rotor assembly 7 causes the slurry to form a ring-shaped flow field. The ring-shaped design of the level control component 5 corresponds to this, enabling liquid exchange in accordance with the flow direction of the slurry, reducing flow resistance, and improving level regulation efficiency. This optimized spatial layout not only achieves effective utilization of the internal space of the flotation machine, but more importantly, through coordinated work with the core flotation components, it significantly improves the uniformity and accuracy of level control, providing a more stable and efficient operating environment for flotation production.
[0056] Reference manual attached Figure 4-5 The connecting mechanism includes:
[0057] Several groups of top grooves 8, arranged in a regular ring array, are opened through the top of the liquid level control component 5;
[0058] Several groups of bottom grooves 9, arranged in a regular ring array, are opened at the bottom of the liquid level control component 5;
[0059] Several groups of grooves 10 are arranged in a regular ring array and are opened through the top of the liquid level control component 5.
[0060] Several groups of grooves 11 are arranged in a regular ring array and are opened through the top of the liquid level control component 5 on the outer side.
[0061] The top groove 8, bottom groove 9, inner groove 10, and outer groove 11 are matched in shape.
[0062] Specifically, the top tank 8, bottom tank 9, inner tank 10, and outer tank 11 in the connecting mechanism are arranged in a regular circular array on the level control component 5, and their shapes are compatible. This design greatly optimizes the flow efficiency of liquid inside and outside the level control component 5. Multiple regularly distributed tanks increase the number of channels and contact area for liquid flow, allowing for rapid exchange of liquid inside and outside the level control component 5 and improving the response speed of level regulation. When the liquid level rises or falls, liquid can quickly flow into or out of the level control component 5 from different directions through these tanks, avoiding delays in level regulation caused by poor liquid flow. At the same time, the compatible shapes of the tanks ensure the stability of the liquid during flow, reducing fluctuations caused by liquid impact, which helps maintain a stable liquid level within the flotation machine body 1, improving the reliability of the flotation process. Combined with the external water tank 2 and related pumps, this achieves more precise and efficient level control.
[0063] Reference manual attached Figure 4-5 The connecting mechanism also includes several sets of intercepting filters 12 fixedly connected to several sets of top troughs 8, several sets of bottom troughs 9, several sets of inner side troughs 10, and several sets of outer side troughs 11. Specifically, the intercepting filters 12 effectively solve the problem of impurities in the slurry interfering with the liquid level control device. Slurry often contains impurities such as particles and fibers. If these impurities enter the replenishment pipe 13, the extraction pipe 14, or related pumps, they may cause pipe blockage, pump wear, and other malfunctions, affecting the normal operation of the liquid level control device. The intercepting filters 12 can filter these impurities and concentrates, ensuring that only liquid flows through the connecting mechanism, guaranteeing smooth liquid flow and normal equipment operation.
[0064] The baffle 17 divides the inner side of the concentrate tank 15 into two sets of cavities of different depths, with the deeper set of cavities connected to the concentrate discharge pipe 16. Specifically, the baffle 17 creates different liquid level differences within the concentrate tank 15, using the pressure generated by these differences to facilitate the smooth discharge of the concentrate and improve discharge efficiency. Simultaneously, in conjunction with the slot 19 and baffle 20, the size of the discharge port 18 can be flexibly adjusted according to actual production needs, thereby precisely controlling the discharge speed and flow rate of the concentrate. When the concentrate output is large, the area of the discharge port 18 can be increased to accelerate discharge; when the output is small, the area can be reduced to prevent concentrate overflow or obstructed discharge.
[0065] Reference manual attached Figure 6-7The slot 19 consists of two opposing "L"-shaped structures, with the sides of the baffle 20 abutting against the inner walls of the slot 19. Specifically, the slot 19 employs two opposing "L"-shaped structures, forming a sliding contact with the inner walls of the baffle 20. This design provides a precise and reliable adjustment mechanism for the concentrate discharge process. During flotation, the opening of the discharge port 18 needs to be dynamically adjusted according to the thickness of the froth layer and the concentrate grade. The horizontal section of the "L"-shaped slot 19 provides stable support for the baffle 20, allowing it to move smoothly in the vertical direction and preventing the baffle 20 from shifting due to slurry impact or vibration. Furthermore, this structure is easy to disassemble and clean, quickly removing particulate impurities stuck in the slot 19, making maintenance simple and efficient.
[0066] Reference manual attached Figure 1 and instruction manual attached Figure 6-7 The top of the concentrate tank 15 is open, and the horizontal plane of the top of the concentrate tank 15 is higher than the horizontal plane of the overflow weir of the flotation machine body 1. Specifically, during the flotation process, the froth layer enriched with useful minerals enters the concentrate tank 15 through the overflow weir. Because the top of the concentrate tank 15 is higher, sufficient potential energy is created, allowing the froth layer to flow smoothly without additional power. The open structure expands the collection area, preventing the froth layer from accumulating or overflowing at the edge of the overflow weir, thus improving concentrate collection efficiency. Simultaneously, the liquid level in the concentrate tank 15 is always lower than its top opening, forming a natural liquid seal effect, effectively preventing gas from escaping from the froth layer and polluting the environment. This design also allows operators to directly observe the state of the froth layer (such as color, thickness, and fluidity) to adjust flotation parameters in a timely manner. Compared to a closed concentrate collection system, the open design simplifies the structure, reduces manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulty, and avoids the problem of froth rupture caused by pressure changes in the enclosed space, helping to maintain the stability of concentrate quality. In addition, the high position of the concentrate trough 15 provides sufficient gravitational potential energy for subsequent concentrate transportation (such as downstream chutes or pipelines), reducing the energy consumption of the transportation equipment.
[0067] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A flotation machine liquid level control device, characterized in that, include: The main body of the flotation machine (1) is connected to a stator (6) at the bottom of the inner part of the main body of the flotation machine (1), and a rotor assembly (7) is provided directly above the stator (6). A concentrate pipe (16) is fixedly connected to one side of the main body of the flotation machine (1). An external water tank (2) is fixedly connected to the back of the flotation machine body (1). A discharge pump (3) and a extraction pump (4) are installed inside the external water tank (2). The input end of the discharge pump (3) and the output end of the extraction pump (4) are connected to the inside of the external water tank (2) through pipes. The output end of the discharge pump (3) is connected to a replenishment pipe (13), and the input end of the extraction pump (4) is connected to a extraction pipe (14). The replenishment pipe (13) and the extraction pipe (14) pass through the top of the external water tank (2) and through the back of the flotation machine body (1). Both the replenishment pipe (13) and the extraction pipe (14) are equipped with an electric control valve (21). The liquid level control component (5) is located at the center of the inner side of the flotation machine body (1). The liquid level control component (5) is provided with a communication mechanism. The replenishment pipe (13) and the extraction pipe (14) are both fixedly connected to the liquid level control component (5). The concentrate tank (15) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the flotation machine body (1) near the concentrate discharge pipe (16). A partition (17) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the concentrate tank (15). A discharge port (18) is opened through the partition (17). A slot (19) is fixedly connected to one side of the partition (17). A baffle (20) is connected in the slot (19). The connecting mechanism connects the inner and outer sides of the liquid level control component (5).
2. The flotation machine level control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level control component (5) is an annular pipe. The liquid level control component (5) is located directly above the stator (6) and is located on the outside of the rotor assembly (7).
3. The flotation machine level control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication mechanism includes: Several groups of top grooves (8) are opened in a regular ring array on the top of the liquid level control component (5). Several groups of bottom grooves (9) are opened in a regular ring array at the bottom of the liquid level control component (5). Several groups of regular ring arrays are opened through the inner side grooves (10) on the top of the liquid level control component (5). Several groups of grooves (11) are arranged in a regular ring array and are opened through the outer side of the top of the liquid level control component (5).
4. The flotation machine level control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The communication mechanism further includes: several sets of intercepting filters (12) fixedly connected to several sets of top grooves (8), several sets of bottom grooves (9), several sets of inner grooves (10), and several sets of outer grooves (11).
5. The flotation machine level control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partition (17) divides the inside of the concentrate tank (15) into two sets of cavities of different depths, wherein the deeper set of cavities is connected to the concentrate pipe (16).
6. The flotation machine level control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top groove (8), the bottom groove (9), the inner groove (10), and the outer groove (11) are adapted to each other in shape.
7. The flotation machine level control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slot (19) is a set of two opposing "L" shaped structures, and the two sides of the baffle (20) abut against the inner walls of the two sides of the slot (19).
8. The flotation machine level control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the concentrate tank (15) is an open structure, and the horizontal plane at the top of the concentrate tank (15) is higher than the horizontal plane at the overflow weir of the flotation machine body (1).