？
Flotation is a concentration process used in mineral processing to separate minerals from gangue and associated undesired impurities. The process has applications in beneficiation processes of many different minerals, such as coal, iron ore, copper and gold.
Inflatable floatation process is one of the most commonly used processes to achieve a high-grade concentrate of economically valuable minerals. This is a method by which particles of different physical hydrophobic properties, such as coal and quartz, can be separated. Water and water-based solutions are used as a moderate solution to separate mineral particles. The separation is based on a difference of relative affinity of mineral particles to air bubbles and the forces of hydrophobicity.
The main factor in controlling the separation rate in a flotation concentration process is the pulp density of the slurry. This is the ratio of solids to liquides in the agitated slurry. Generally, the higher the pulp density of the liquid, the greater the selectivity for the ore minerals, such as copper and gold, and the higher the grade of concentrate obtained.
In the inflational floatation process, the ore is first crushed and then ground and pulverized. The crushed material is fed into a tank with a bottom aerator to which air is sprayed. This agitates the particles, making them sufficiently hydrophobic to attach to the air bubbles, allowing them to float to the surface. The concentrate or froth is now skimmed off and then dried.
The temperature of the slurry also has an effect on the separation rate. Warmer the temperature of the solution usually increases the rate of reaction, which can lead to a faster concentration rate. In addition, the addition of certain reagents and chemicals can also be used to optimize the concentration rate.
The flotation process has many advantages, from a mineralogical and economic point of view. It is a very popular process, as it can be used for a wide variety of minerals, from coal and gold to graphite and copper. The process is highly efficient and selective, and leads to a better quality of product for the downstream recovery.
At the same time, it is important to monitor flotation pulp and froth thickness, as well as the recovery of minerals from the pulp, in order to maintain a good concentrate grade. Thickening is usually done by adding flocculants while dilution is usually done to lower the solids concentration. The concentration of the selected minerals can also be controlled by adjusting the flotation parameters, such as the pH, the type and dosage of reagents, and levels of aeration.
In summary, inflational floatation is an efficient and selective mineral concentration process, allowing for the recovery of economically valuable minerals such as copper and gold. It is important to monitor the pulp and froth thickness and to adjust parameters, such as pH, type of reagents and levels of aeration, to achieve the desired recovery.
