Please login first
Fine, coarse and fine-coarse particle flotation in mineral processing with a particular focus on the technological assessments
* 1 , 2 , 3
1  Independent scholar, Am Apostelhof 7A, 50226 Frechen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
2  Centre for Minerals Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag Rondebosch, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
3  Maelgwyn Mineral Services Ltd, Ty Maelgwyn, 1A Gower Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4PA, United Kingdom

Abstract:

After more than a century applying flotation to the mining industry, two completely different strategies have been introduced for processing purposes. One is the classical approach viz. grinding the ores to a certain extent and floating them via conventional mechanical and recently pneumatic cells e.g. Jameson and ImhoflotTM cells. This strategy continuous because mines face up to declining cut-off grades, complex and poly-mineralized ores, and they require to achieve an acceptable degree of mineral liberation. The other school of mind deals with the coarse particle processes mainly owing to the low energy needs, that includes flash, fluidized bed and HydroFloatTM cells. The third and newest system proposes processing both fine and coarse sizes by flotation machines like oscillating grid flotation (OGC) and Reflux flotation cells. The present paper endeavours to critically evaluate these concepts from several points of view including existing technological elaborations, water and energy usages, kinetics and circuit design. Brief introduction of advanced technologies, along with their applications, were presented. It was revealed that the incorporation of coarse grinding apparatuses, mineralogical techniques together with the technologically applicable classification systems and adapted simulator tools are urgent needs for coarse flotation as the future requirements for mining industries. However, fine particle flotation may remain as the main focus of re-processing tailings dams.

Keywords: Flotation cells, Fine and coarse particles, Technological development, Flotation kinetics, HydroFloatTM cells
Comments on this paper
Teresa Llorens González
Great review
Nice review on flotation techniques for fine and coarse particles, looking forward to read further investigations on advances in fine flotation!
Ahmad Hassanzadeh
Dear reader,

Thanks for your encouraging comment.
We have presented our idea in a very short review form here and the full version of the manuscript is going to be prepared in the format of a full peer-reviewed paper including more details.

Cheers,
Ahmad

Milica Vasić
An inspiring presentation
This is a very interesting presentation of problems and solutions on the flotation matter.
Ahmad Hassanzadeh
Dear Milica Vasić,

Thanks for your interests in our work.
We strongly believe that the issue of mining industry is not only fine or coarse particle treatments. Indeed, it is both and lack of technology developments as well as fundamental understanding. We are happy to be part of this change.

Regards,
Ahmad



 
 
Top