Abstract
This communication presents a model structure for the flotation recovery of middling particles (10–90% liberation). Fourteen datasets from the literature were studied (galena flotation), which involved different flotation systems and operating conditions. The flotation responses allowed the model flexibility to be evaluated under a range of recovery profiles. The modelling results showed that galena recovery can be characterized by the interaction between a linear function and a concave function (e.g., Gamma model), to account for the liberation and particle size effects, respectively. Liberation also impacts the location and dispersion of the recovery dependence on particle size. The proposed model structure showed there was adequate flexibility with five parameters, leading to adjusted coefficients of determination ranging from 0.863 to 0.998 for the studied datasets. Thus, an alternative approach for modelling the recovery of middling particles is proposed, which represents the liberation and particle size dependence with a few parameters.
Highlights
Flotation performance has proved to be strongly dependent on particle size and liberation
The results indicated that the rate constant decreased with particle size and increased with hematite content
Different systems, feed properties and reagent schemes are considered in these datasets such as: laboratory (3 L and 40 L) and plant scale flotation machines, different particle size distributions, reagent types and dosages, size and liberation classes and others
Summary
Flotation performance has proved to be strongly dependent on particle size and liberation. Some ores may present more erratic responses at higher liberation (e.g., 20% instead of 10%) and significantly faster responses from lower upper bounds (e.g., 80% instead of 90%), the proposed model structure allowed galena recovery to be described for a liberation range of between 10% to 90% This range can be changed depending upon the flotation response, given the ore/mineral characteristics and operating conditions. The size-by-liberation recoveries reported by Vianna [8], Savassi [13] and Welsby [9] were studied, in which the cross-sectional galena compositions were obtained by QEM*SEM (Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy) or MLA as estimates for liberation from polished sections. No stereological corrections were conducted in this communication, which implies that the modelling results are applicable to liberation measurements based on 2D data
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
