Radial Froth Crowder for Flotation Cell Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing froth flotation cells face challenges in efficiently recovering valuable mineral particles, particularly from low-grade ores, due to the formation of brittle froth which is prone to drop-back, leading to reduced recovery rates.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a froth flotation cell design that incorporates a radial froth crowder, which directs and crowds the froth towards the overflow lips, reducing the transportation distance and maintaining or reducing the length of the froth overflow lip, thereby enhancing froth recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the transportation distance of froth is reduced, then the recovery of valuable mineral particles is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the addition of radial froth crowder
Solution Approach 1:
The radial froth crowder acts as an intermediary structure between the froth generation zone and the overflow lips. It mediates the froth flow by directing and crowding it towards the overflow lips, reducing transportation distance and preventing drop-back of valuable particles while maintaining system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The radial froth crowder extends from the center towards the periphery in a radial direction, utilizing the radial dimension of the flotation cell to organize and direct froth flow. This dimensional approach allows efficient froth collection without increasing the overall cell size
2Device complexity
If the length of froth overflow lip is reduced, then the device complexity is reduced, but the froth collection efficiency may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The radial froth crowder serves as a mediator that concentrates and directs froth flow towards the overflow lips. This allows the system to use shorter overflow lips while maintaining collection efficiency, as the crowder pre-concentrates the froth in the radial direction before it reaches the lips
Solution Approach 2:
The radial froth crowder creates zones of different froth flow characteristics at different radial positions. By concentrating froth flow in specific radial zones and directing it towards the overflow lips, the system achieves efficient collection with reduced lip length
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design improves the recovery of valuable mineral particles by reducing drop-back and increasing the efficiency of froth collection, especially in large flotation cells and during the later stages of a flotation line, where mineralization is low.
Implementation Method 1
a gas supply for introducing flotation gas into the slurry to form froth
Implementation Method 2
directs and crowds the froth towards the overflow lips, reducing the transportation distance and maintaining or reducing the length of the froth overflow lip
Data Source
AI summary
A froth flotation cell for treating mineral ore particles suspended in slurry includes a tank, a gas supply, a first froth collection channel, a second froth collection channel arranged between the centre of the tank and the first froth collection channel, and a radial froth collection launder including a radial froth overflow lip, and extending from the first froth collection channel towards the second froth collection channel. The froth flotation cell further includes a radial froth crowder including a crowding sidewall, and extending from the second froth collection channel to the first froth collection channel. Further, a froth flotation line, its use and a froth flotation method are presented.