Abstract
The hydrodynamics of traditional flotation is being transformed by the REFLUX™ Flotation cell (RFC™) as shown by various laboratory, pilot and industrial scale tests, with the technology proving to meet the challenge of delivering as a high efficiency flotation technology. Pilot testing campaigns have been conducted in cleaning, scavenging and rougher applications across various commodity types including copper, molybdenum, gold, graphite, nickel, potash and coal. Results from this testing consistently show that the technology improves the flotation system kinetics and can shift the grade-recovery curve.
Recent efforts include the implementation of a full-scale RFC alongside a pilot-scale RFC installed in an operating copper concentrator. The objective of this effort was to investigate both full-scale performance of the technology as well as scale-up from pilot to full-scale. Results show that at industrial scale the efficiency gains seen at pilot scale are repeated.
In order to demonstrate the performance capability of the RFC, a pilot scale system (RFC100) was constructed in a manner to facilitate ease of transport, installation and operation. The system consists of a single collapsible RFC unit with a cross sectional area of 80cm2. The RFC has a dedicated feed tank and pump arrangement along with a discharge pump. The system is controlled through a local PLC. The test system requires the following feed and utility supply:
- Feed: 50l/min
- Process Water: 10l/min at 200kPa
- Instrumentation Air: 100sl/min at 700kPa
To validate performance of the RFC technology at an industrial scale, an 850mm diameter machine (RFC850) was constructed and installed along with ancillary pumps, reagent systems and tanks. Feed to the RFC850 in this installation was supplied by means of a centrifugal pump and feed tank arrangement and metered using a flow meter and variable speed drive. A local PLC system is utilized to control the underflow, feed, wash water and air supply as with the smaller pilot system as described previously. Feed rate to the RFC can be varied from 940l/min to 1320l/min
Testing included side-by-side testing of the RFC100 and RFC850 along with bench top laboratory conventional tests to allow for comparison of performance. This side-by-side testing was perfomred on identical feed material.
Results from the testing campaign showed that the industrial scale equipment performed equal to or better than pilot equipment, confirming scale up from pilot to industrial scale. An overview of the testing campaigns along with the results from this work will be discussed.