Characterization of the industrial flotation process based on size-liberation relationships. (1st June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vallejos, P.; Yianatos, J.; Vinnett, L.; Bergh, L.
• Is Part Of: Minerals engineering. Volume 121(2018)
• Page Start: 189
• Page End: 195
• Publication Date: 2018-06-01
• Subjects: Flotation -- Liberation -- Particle size -- Grain size -- Rate constant -- Maximum recovery; Mines and mineral resources -- Periodicals; Ressources minérales -- Périodiques; Mines and mineral resources; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 622
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2018.01.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-6875

Abstract

Highlights: Ore grain size distribution was characterized using a modified Gaudin-type liberation model. The new approach allowed the feed flotation characterization by particle size and liberation. The flotation rate in the collection zone was identified in terms of feed size-by-libration and top of froth grades. Abstract: A methodology to characterize the mineral feed to the flotation process by liberation and particle size was proposed. This methodology considers a modification of the classical Gaudin liberation model, incorporating a grain size distribution for the mineral in the ore deposit. The results from a previous study were analyzed to test and validate the new methodology. The characterization of the mineral was successfully reproduced by liberation and particle size. At an industrial scale, a mineral in the rougher circuit feed of a copper flotation concentrator was characterized by liberation and particle size, applying the proposed methodology. From the above results, along with the overall recovery and top of froth (TOF) grade profiles, the characterization of the collection rate along the rougher circuit was performed. The rate constants and maximum recoveries were estimated by liberation and particle size. The results allowed the estimation of the mineral recovery profiles along the rougher flotation bank both by liberation and particle size classes.