Coarse particle flotation: A review

This review highlights the benefits and applications of coarse particle flotation, the challenges associated with coarse particles during the flotation process, and recent developments in improving coarse particle flotation. Recovering particles at a large size through flotation has numerous applications, including early gangue rejection, tail scavenging, and roughing tasks. It offers several benefits in terms of technical, economic, and sustainability aspects. However, it is not without its challenges. These challenges involve the detachment of particles due to turbulence, the transfer of coarse particles from the pulp phase to the froth phase, and the persistence of coarse particles in the froth phase. Recent technological advancements have shown promising results in efficiently recovering particles much larger than those traditionally targeted in the flotation process. Fluidized-bed flotation technology is particularly effective in achieving high coarse particle recovery. The development of processes aimed at enhancing bubble-particle attachment has also shown improvements in coarse particle recovery.

Automated summary

This review discusses the benefits and challenges of coarse particle flotation, as well as recent developments in improving the process. Coarse particle flotation has various applications and offers advantages in technical, economic, and sustainability aspects. However, it also faces challenges such as particle detachment, transfer between phases, and persistence in the froth phase. Technological advancements, such as fluidized-bed flotation and processes enhancing bubble-particle attachment, have shown promising results in efficiently recovering larger particles.