A new method for flotation rate characterization using top-of-froth grades and the froth discharge velocity

• A methodology was proposed for flotation characterization in industrial operations.
• Top-of-froth (TOF) grades and froth discharge velocities were used.
• Recovery was considered proportional to the TOF grade and the froth velocity.
• A single parameter was used to obtain the kinetic response of a particular flotation bank.
• Results showed good agreement with recovery profiles obtained from mass balances.

A new methodology is proposed for flotation characterization in industrial operations. The approach considers the mineral recovery to be proportional to both the top-of-froth (TOF) grade and the froth discharge velocity down a bank of cells. The procedure allows for the identification of the fractional recovery profile from the discharge velocities and the TOF grades. In addition, if the total recovery of the bank is available, the cell recoveries can be estimated by scaling the fractional recoveries. For this purpose, a single parameter was used to scale the recoveries for each sampling survey in order to obtain the kinetic response along the flotation banks. Industrial tests were performed in two rougher banks; one bank consisted of six 250 m3 self-aerated cells in a 1-1-1-1-1-1 arrangement, and the other bank consisted of nine 130 m3 self-aerated cells in a 1-2-2-2-2 arrangement. The results showed good agreement with the recovery profiles obtained from the cell-by-cell mass balances along two industrial flotation banks.