Modelling flotation per size liberation class – Part 2 – Evaluating flotation per class

• Published in: Minerals engineering 2018-12, Vol.129, p.24-36
• Main Authors: Alves dos Santos, Nilce, Galery, Roberto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Flotation; Mineral liberation; Modeling; Particle size
• ISSN: 0892-6875; 1872-9444
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2018.09.013

•This study evaluates the effect of froth height in a rougher flotation, per liberation class.•Results show the trends presented by size liberation classes when the froth height increases.•An empirical mathematical model was proposed to represent the recovery per liberation class. Several studies have been developed to better understand the impact of froth on flotation recoveries. It has been shown that particle size and hydrophobicity affect froth stability. There are indications of selective attachment or detachment of particles depending on their characteristics. To evaluate the effect of froth height and recovery in a rougher stage, three continuous pilot flotation tests were performed with a chalcopyrite ore, each one with a specific froth height in the first rougher cell. Results were evaluated by global flows, by size fraction and by size-liberation classes. Liberation data were stereologically corrected and reconciled with process mass balance data using the beta adjustment method as described in the first paper of this series. In this second paper, different ways of expressing and analysing the recoveries per liberation classes provided an overview of the behaviour of particles in the process. Results show the trends presented by size liberation classes when the froth height increases and the recovery decreases. An empirical mathematical model was proposed to represent the recovery of liberation classes in size fractions.