Notes:

The Aminpro-Flotation Cell Selector is a rough model simulating a bank of flotation cells. The user can compare the performance of conventional cells (COMMON) , equipped with agitators against a column flotation unit (COLUMN) and a contact cell (CONTACT). Users are strongly advised against using this model for design purposes. Aminpro is not responsible for the missuse of this model. Aminpro can provide you with the proper sizing for any flotation cell by contacting us at aminpro@aminpro.com

Notes about the model:
1. The maximum recoveries (Rmax) and rate constants (k) for each mineral are determined from laboratory batch flotation tests designed to produce the Recovery-Time curves. Rmax and k are the parameters that define the Recovery-Time curve from equation (1):

     Rec  =  (  1   -    exp( - k * t  )  )   Rmax   ... (1)

2. Cells should be selected in number and configuration so that the superficial slurry velocity and carrying capacities are not strained. Superficial slurry velocities above 2.5 cm/s for conventiuonal cells and columns is considered high. Contact cells work well with values up to 4 cm/s. Carrying capacities above 2 tons/hour/m2 is likely to start deteriorating the performance. Similarly, values under 0.6 tons/hour/m2 are also problematic as the froth will tend to collapse. In most cases this can be solved by installing crowders. Please contact Aminpro for more information.

3. As air requirements vary with the material floated, the values shown are meant to provide the user a relative use between the three flotation devices. Power requirements for flotation conventional cells were taken from standard brochures issued by the manufacturers. These have been increased to reflect the use of air blowers. The power requirement for the contact cell are for air compressors and also includes the power to run pumps should there be contact cells in series.

4. The flotation circuit surface area requirements does not include regrind area, reagent area. It does include the area for a feed distributor and 1 meter walkways between rows and around the bank of cells.

DETAILS:

1. Solids Feed Rate = flotation feed tonnage (metric)

2. Water Feed Rate = the tons of water feeding the flotation cells.

3. Ore density = Specific Gravity of the solids

4. Weight of minerals in 100 tons= are the assays and they all add up to 100. For this 2 minerals are provided and the remainder is assumed to be gangue.

5. Maximum recoveries= Recovery at time = infinity

4. Kinetic Rate Constant = the K in equation (1)

5. Pulling of froth = Actually the Froth Recovery, a value that depicts the speed in which material is pulled from the cell. With virtually no froth bed and high air rates, this is typically 100. When little is pulled over the froth lip, this value is between 1 and 30.

6. Flotation time is the average time pulp is in contact with air. This is calculated by applying a factor to the collection volume to estimate an effective volume for flotation.

7. Flotation Recoveries = The recoveries for a stirred reactor in series. Models for banks are used for cells under 38 m3 volume . For more accurate comparisons contact aminpro@aminpro.com .

8. Concentrate (Froth/overflow) grades are the grades of concentrate produced by the cells.

9. Concentrate tonnage (metric) is the tonnage produced at the flotation cell froth overflow.

10. Carrying Capacity is the flux of concentrate (Dry tons of solids per cell area) produced.

11. Sperficial Slurry velocity is the flux of slurry in the upwards direction of the cell.

12. Minimum air requirements. Here, thge nominal for cells has been estimated from superficial air rate (Air Flux) of 1.6 cm/s for conventional cells, 2.0 cm/s for columns and 2.5 cm/s for contact cells