In an effort to test the Effect of Flotation Cell Size in Laboratory, I ended up with a test for the effect of flotation density on grade and recovery. Therefore, I here present is a Laboratory experiment that counters the reality of a full scale industrial flotation plant.
By “counters the reality” I mean, larger commercial cells do not give better metallurgy than small flotation cells. Commercial flotation plants do perform better if you can afford the lower density, yes.
WHEN IN DOUBT, THIN IT OUT a man once told me.
The size/volume of the flotation cell was varied from 2.5 Liter to 5 Liter while the charge of the test ore was kept the same at 1 Kg. This resulted in a %Solid or operating density variation: 25% in the 2.5 L and 15% in the 5 L tank.
Test 1, 2 and 3 were in the 5 L
Test 4 and 5 in the 2.5 L
The 5 L has a clearly higher grade-recovery curve and displays the best metallurgical results.
The Metallurgical Results:
Effect of Flotation Density on Grade and Recovery
Flotation Test Conditions:
