Introducing key advantages of intensified flotation cells over conventionally used mechanical and column cells

The present paper introduces the key advantages of Imhoflot (TM), Jameson (TM), and Reflux (TM) flotation cells over the conventionally used mechanical and column cells from different perspectives. The impact of slurry mean retention time, bubble size distribution, and energy input was studied for all cell types. The mean retention time of laboratory scale Imhoflot (TM) (V030-cell) and Reflux (TM) flotation cells (RFC100) were measured experimentally using KCl as a tracer. Also, initially a statistical and practical overview of previously installed Imhoflot (TM), and Jameson (TM) cells was presented in this work. It was found that more industrial data is available for the Jameson (TM) cell. The diagnostic results showed that Reflux (TM), Jameson (TM), and Imhoflot (TM) functionally operate similarly based on providing intensive turbulence in the downcomer. They were initially applied to the Australian and the UK coal industries and installed in the cleaning stage of flotation circuits, while there are now more applications in a wide variety of minerals across the world in different flotation stages. First pilot trials on a Russian gold ore were reported operating both Jameson (TM) and Imhoflot (TM) cells at the rougher-scalper and cleaner stages providing superior results using the Imhoflot (TM) cell as rougher-scalper and the Jameson (TM) at the cleaner. Formation of sub-micron and micron-sized bubbles, effective hydrodynamic characteristics, and low capital and operating costs were reported as major advantages of intensified flotation cells over the conventionally used ones in improving the recoverability of ultra-fine particles. Literature data showed that these cells provide greater gas-hold-up values (40-60%) over the mechanical (5-20%) and column cells (5-25%) with substantially lower power inputs. It was indicated that low mean slurry retention time could lead to a potential enhancement in their throughputs, but further industrial measurements are required to prove this statement. The Reflux (TM) cell showed a plug-flow mixing regime, while Imhoflot (TM) V-Cell followed the trend of perfect mixing and plug-flow dispersion regimes.

Automated summary

This paper introduces the advantages of Imhoflot(TM), Jameson(TM), and Reflux(TM) flotation cells over conventional cells, and provides experimental and statistical evidence to support their effectiveness.