Column Flotation Cell

When it comes to froth flotation and recovery, there is no one-size-fits-all solution; instead, mining sites find that the best route is to combine multiple pieces of froth recovery equipment, to create a hybrid circuit solution capable of ensuring the best possible recovery rates. Column Flotation Cells are an integral part of that circuit.  

Expanding on the historic supply of Pyramid™ flotation columns, our modernised column cell offering includes design elements focused on improved metallurgical performance and enhanced mechanical design. This approach considers the main elements of column flotation: froth washing, froth recovery, residence time, cross-sectional area requirements, aspect ratio and column sparging. The end goal is to combine each into an overall design that becomes more than the sum of its parts. Following a configured-to-order design approach, the Column Flotation Cell minimises engineering at order and reduces CAPEX and supply lead times.

Fundamental understanding of column cell operation allows for effective column sizing and selection of functional features to ensure proper operation and integration into customers flow sheets. This integration can extend as far as inclusion of expert control systems to allow for enhanced overall flotation circuit operation and performance. Further circuit optimization is possible by combining the Column Flotation Cell with other FLSmidth flotation products.

Reduced CAPEX

A modular construction design minimises engineering costs and improved delivery timing. Fabrication costs are also reduced and Column Flotation Cell components can be readily containerised for delivery to site.

Improved material grade

A stable and deep froth layer is maintained by level sensing elements that allow for advanced controls to ensure effective froth washing. This effectively removes gangue material, improving the grade in the process producing on-specification final product. 

Better recovery

High recoveries are made possible by the Column Flotation Cell’s ideal hydrodynamic environment. Grade performance is enhanced by the Column Flotation Cell’s ability to maintain a deeper froth layer and improve washing to remove gangue material.

Contacting

Primary contacting occurs among relatively quiescent plug flow conditions within the vessel to promote recovery – specifically for coarser particle sizes. Secondary, external, high-intensity contacting promotes bubble-particle collision, which result in attachment rates that optimise fine particle recovery. 

Sparging system

FLSmidth columns feature venturi-style inline spargers. As the slurry is pumped into the slurry header, it distributes evenly between the spargers. The air header injects air individually into each sparger.

Air is sheared into the slurry under dynamic pressure changes, providing high-intensity contacting with the bubbles. Compared to traditional jet-nozzle spargers, this method enhances collision and attachment rates, greatly improving fines recovery.

The externally mounted sparging system, including a recirculation pump and spargers, offers ease of maintenance by eliminating the need to enter the tank. Optional sparger isolation valves allow the spargers to be serviced online.

Froth washing

Column flotation produces very well-defined, deep and stable froth layers that are washed with the application of percolating water from above, displacing gangue particles such as silicates and carbonates. Thorough washing results in superior final product quality.

Aspect ratio

The high aspect ratio of the tank creates a quiescent primary contact zone, where plug-flow hydrodynamics under reduced mixing conditions promote the recovery of slower floating minerals.

Advanced control systems

Our Column Flotation Cell solutions are equipped with unparalleled monitoring controls. Normally, these types of controls supervise critical operating parameters like froth depth, wash water flow control, air supply and more to ensure the process is always optimised.