Abstract
1División de Ingenierías, Departamento de Minas, Metalurgia y Geología, Universidad de Guanajuato, Ex-Hacienda de San Matías S/N, Guanajuato, GTO 36020, México
2Metso Outotec Canada Ltd2
3Metso Outotec USA Inc3
Large flotation tankcells is one of the recent advances in the field of mineral processing industry. These larger flotation cells have been believed to provide a significant economic benefit due to smaller footprint and fewer flotation cells needed for similar duty. However, these bigger flotation cells come with significant challenges, many of them in terms of froth transport distance and froth carry rates. This paper summarizes the key challenges and recent advances in froth management. Key operating factors affecting froth stability are reviewed as well as the role of design elements such a crowders and launders that control the froth transport on mechanical flotation cells are discussed in detail.