Modern Mining October 2019

New products enhance flotation recovery

FLSmidth has released two major prod- ucts that advance flotation recovery. They are the mixedROW™ flotation system and a Froth Recovery Upgrade Package. Flotation systems are a vital technol- ogy in minerals processing and extraction. But despite their overall effectiveness, particles of valuable ore still get disposed of along with waste material. Additionally, the energy consumption that flotation sys- tems require to function effectively is high. So while flotation systems are necessary when recovering ore, making them more sustainable and energy-efficient has been a challenge. The mixedROW™ flotation system fea- tures a design that combines two machines – nextSTEP™ forced air and WEMCO® self- aspirating technologies. It provides the solutions to challenges presented by older flotation systems by combining these two cells to produce a system that is much more than the sum of the individual parts. In short, says FLSmidth, mixedROW™ pro- vides boosted productivity, a reduced

environmental footprint, and higher profits. The nextSTEP™ machines are placed at the beginning of the row. Because of this positioning, the mixedROW™ lowers energy consumption by between 15 and 40 % and increases recovery by up to 5 %. The WEMCO® machines are placed at the end of the row, which increases both coarse and fine particle recovery, as they are capable of treating a wide range of particle sizes. The elevated rotor position within the machine also reduces energy consumption, as the froth only has a short distance to travel. The Froth Recovery Upgrade Package allows customers to have more control over the froth recovery process. The Upgrade Package finds solutions to flaws found in original froth recovery technology. Its fea- tures include actuators which control the position of the improved dart valves inside the flotation cells and a level sensor with no moving parts that is used to sense slurry levels accurately. It also incorporates radial froth crowders. These are designed for

greater flexibility and control; they are used to reduce top-of-froth surface area and to increase froth movement to the nearest radial launder, allowing for either deeper The mixedROW™ flotation system features a design that combines two machines – nextSTEP™ forced air and WEMCO ® self-aspirating technologies.

froth or faster froth removal. FLSmidth, website: www.flsmidth.com

October 2019  MODERN MINING  43