The coarse grained flotation machine is a key piece of machinery used in the industrial process of selective flotation. This machine uses a combination of air and water to maintain the ideal flotation conditions while collecting mineralized particles. The first step involves filling the flotation tank (or cell) with a water and air mixture. The tank is typically lined with a polyethylene sheet which collects any minerals liberated during the process.
Subsequently, a surfactant or chemical is added to help produce a stable froth that lifts and collects the desired minerals into a concentrate. As the particles rise in the tank, larger particles are able to settle to the bottom of the slurry due to gravity. This form of flotation helps increase the efficiency of the process by allowing for more selective separation of the desired particles. The slower the particles travel, the less likely individual particles will attach to other particles, thus allowing for more specific separation. Additionally, the size of the froth is an important factor, as smaller particles can remain in suspension for longer periods of time with coarser grains. Consequently, coarse-grained flotation must not be too fast, as this will prevent separation from occurring.
The main advantages of coarse-grained flotation is that it allows for a more specific separation of minerals, and it can also be performed with smaller volumes of particles. Moreover, operating a coarse-grained flotation machine is not as energy intensive as finer grain units because less energy is needed to move larger particles. The use of such a machine also reduces the number of ancillary components and requires less maintenance than traditional cell units.
However, there are some disadvantages associated with coarse-grained flotation machines. First, accuracies of the process can be limited. Additionally, the collection bowl’s design must be specifically calibrated to accommodate the larger particles. In some applications, three or more passes through the flotation cell are necessary to achieve ideal separation, which can be time-consuming and energy intensive.
Although coarse-grained flotation machines have inherent drawbacks, they are a great improvement for many industrial processes. This type of flotation helps to increase the efficiency, reduce the energy consumption and minimize the costs associated with separating and collecting desired particles in the industrial process.
