What is a flotation machine?
A flotation machine is a device that utilizes the differences in
hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of material surfaces for solid-liquid
separation, and is widely used in fields such as ore beneficiation, wastewater
treatment, and the chemical industry. The flotation machine uses bubbles to
adsorb hydrophobic minerals or impurities to the surface of bubbles by adding
foam into the liquid, and then bring them to the surface of the liquid, so as to
separate them from water.
Flotation machines are commonly used for mineral sorting, especially in the
beneficiation process, to separate useful minerals from waste materials (such as
gangue, tailings, etc.) in ores. They are a very important mineral processing
equipment.
1、 Working principle
The working principle of flotation machine is based on the basic principle of
flotation separation, which is to carry solid particles out of the liquid
through bubbles, and use the differences in hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of
different material surfaces to make certain particles adhere to the bubbles and
float to the surface of the liquid. The specific steps are as follows:
Bubble generation:
The flotation machine forms tiny bubbles by compressing air or other gases,
which disperse and rise in the liquid.
Medication addition:
Adding flotation agents (such as collectors, frothers, etc.) to liquids can
alter the physical and chemical properties of mineral surfaces, making some
mineral surfaces hydrophobic and easier to adhere to bubbles.
Mineral adsorption bubbles:
Hydrophobic mineral particles will interact with bubbles, adhere to the
surface of bubbles, and rise with the bubbles.
Flotation separation:
Mineral containing bubbles float to the surface of the liquid, forming a foam
layer. The minerals in the foam layer are collected and discharged, and the
unattached minerals or impurities will be deposited to the bottom.
Foam collection:
The scraping device on the flotation machine will collect and discharge the
minerals in the foam, which is usually used as flotation concentrate, while the
impurities not separated in the liquid will be deposited or eliminated.
2、 Main types
Flotation machines can be classified into various types based on their design
and functionality, mainly including:
Mechanical agitation flotation machine:
This flotation machine mixes the slurry with gas through a mechanical
stirrer, creating good contact between bubbles and minerals, making it suitable
for processing large particle size minerals.
Air flotation machine:
By utilizing the affinity between bubbles and minerals, bubbles are
introduced into the slurry through airflow, suitable for finer mineral
particles.
Column flotation machine:
By using a higher bubble column and forming a small bubble layer inside the
column, the mineral sorting efficiency is improved. Commonly used for processing
finer grained minerals.
Flotation column:
Adopting a vertical column design, it is suitable for efficient flotation of
fine mineral particles and can effectively improve mineral recovery and
concentrate grade.
Brushless flotation machine:
A flotation equipment that does not require brushes, usually suitable for
large-scale and demanding ore beneficiation operations.
Diaphragm flotation machine:
By regulating the generation of bubbles and the airflow of the slurry through
the action of the membrane, it is suitable for processing fine-grained
minerals.
3、 Application Fields
Flotation machines are widely used in multiple industries, especially in the
mining sector, which includes:
Mineral beneficiation:
Flotation machines are most commonly used in the ore beneficiation process.
It can effectively separate useful minerals (such as metallic minerals) from
waste minerals (gangue) in ores, improving mineral grade and recovery rate.
Coal sorting:
In coal beneficiation, flotation machines are used to separate impurities
from coal, separate low-quality coal from high-quality coal, and improve the
grade of coal.
Wastewater treatment:
Flotation machines are used in wastewater treatment processes to remove
suspended solids and harmful substances from water, especially in oil-water
separation, chemical wastewater treatment, and other important applications.
Chemical and pharmaceutical industries:
In the chemical industry, flotation machines are used for separation
operations in certain special chemical reactions to ensure the purity and
quality of the products.
Food and beverage industry:
The application of flotation machines in the food industry is mainly used to
remove impurities such as oil, protein, starch, etc. in the food production
process.
Metal smelting:
In some metal smelting processes, flotation machines are used to extract
metal minerals from the smelting ore and improve smelting efficiency.
Environmental Protection Industry:
Flotation machines are used in environmental protection fields such as sludge
treatment and garbage disposal to help recover valuable metals or minerals and
reduce environmental pollution.
4、 Advantages and disadvantages
advantage:
Efficient sorting:
The flotation machine can effectively separate fine mineral particles,
especially in the separation of fine mineral particles, with a high recovery
rate.
Easy to operate:
The operation of flotation machines is relatively simple and can run smoothly
under automated control systems.
Strong adaptability:
Capable of handling various types of minerals and adapting to different
slurry densities and particle sizes.
Energy conservation and environmental protection:
Compared with other sorting equipment, flotation machines have lower energy
consumption and can reduce wastewater discharge.
Disadvantages:
High requirements for mineral surface treatment:
The flotation effect is greatly affected by the surface properties of
minerals, and appropriate flotation reagents need to be used to optimize the
sorting effect.
Increased operational complexity:
There are certain technical requirements for the use of chemicals, control of
bubbles, and adjustment of slurry concentration, which are relatively complex to
operate.
High demand for equipment maintenance:
The flotation machine involves multiple processes such as bubble generation
and slurry mixing, and the equipment needs regular maintenance and upkeep to
maintain efficient operation.
5、 Maintenance and upkeep of flotation machines
In order to ensure the long-term efficient operation of the flotation
machine, regular maintenance and upkeep are crucial, and the main measures
include:
Check the bubble generator:
The bubble generator in the flotation machine should be regularly inspected
to ensure that it is not blocked or damaged.
Regular cleaning of equipment:
The flotation machine is prone to the accumulation of slurry and flotation
reagents inside, and needs to be cleaned regularly to avoid impurities from
accumulating and affecting the flotation effect.
Check the pump and mixing system:
The pump and stirring system play an important role in the flotation process
and should be regularly inspected and lubricated to prevent wear or failure.
Check mechanical components:
The mechanical components of the flotation machine, such as the scraper and
agitator, should be regularly inspected and replaced to prevent damage and
affect operation.
Monitoring flotation effect:
Regularly check the flotation effect through sample testing and other means,
and adjust the flotation reagents and operating parameters in a timely
manner.
6、 Summary
A flotation machine is a device that utilizes the differences in
hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of material surfaces for solid-liquid
separation, and is widely used in mineral processing, coal sorting, wastewater
treatment, and other fields. Its efficient sorting characteristics make it a key
equipment in industries such as mineral processing and environmental protection.
By proper maintenance and operation, the efficiency and sorting accuracy of
flotation machines can be greatly improved, providing important support for
industrial production.