Experiences in using gas dispersion measurements to evaluate metallurgical performance of scavenger cleaner and recleaner circuit at Vale’s Thompson Mill
来源期刊：中南大学学报(英文版)2014年第10期
论文作者：LIU Hong-jun(刘洪均) ZHANG Wei(张炜) SUN Chun-bao(孙春宝)
文章页码：3955 - 3962
Key words：bubble size; bubble size distribution; bubble surface area flux; gas dispersion
Abstract: The performance of a flotation circuit is largely the result of the operator’s response to visual clues. This includes manipulation of the gas input and how it is distributed to cells in a bank. A new gas dispersion technology was presented which was conducted to perform characterization tests in Outokumpu 30 m3 and 50 m3 flotation cells installed at Thompson Vale’s concentrator, and subsequent data analysis. The experimental program was designed to establish “as-found” baseline conditions for each cell of the two-parallel banks in the scavenger-cleaner and recleaner circuit, to select and characterize one typical cell in the two banks with either different frother concentrations or different air flow rates, and establish what variables can be manipulated in future characterization work. A three-parameter model was developed in order to link the bubble size and frother concentration. This relationship can be used to correlate gas dispersion change to improved metallurgical performance.
LIU Hong-jun(刘洪均)1, 2, ZHANG Wei(张炜)2, SUN Chun-bao(孙春宝)1
(1. School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing,
Beijing 100083, China;
2. Department of Business Administration, Chinalco China Copper Corporation Limited, Beijing 100082, China)
Abstract:The performance of a flotation circuit is largely the result of the operator’s response to visual clues. This includes manipulation of the gas input and how it is distributed to cells in a bank. A new gas dispersion technology was presented which was conducted to perform characterization tests in Outokumpu 30 m3 and 50 m3 flotation cells installed at Thompson Vale’s concentrator, and subsequent data analysis. The experimental program was designed to establish “as-found” baseline conditions for each cell of the two-parallel banks in the scavenger-cleaner and recleaner circuit, to select and characterize one typical cell in the two banks with either different frother concentrations or different air flow rates, and establish what variables can be manipulated in future characterization work. A three-parameter model was developed in order to link the bubble size and frother concentration. This relationship can be used to correlate gas dispersion change to improved metallurgical performance.
Key words:bubble size; bubble size distribution; bubble surface area flux; gas dispersion
