CA2059713A1 - Flotation-grinding apparatus - Google Patents
Flotation-grinding apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA2059713A1 CA2059713A1 CA002059713A CA2059713A CA2059713A1 CA 2059713 A1 CA2059713 A1 CA 2059713A1 CA 002059713 A CA002059713 A CA 002059713A CA 2059713 A CA2059713 A CA 2059713A CA 2059713 A1 CA2059713 A1 CA 2059713A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- feed material
- vessel
- flotation
- gas
- froth
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000227 grinding Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 25
- 238000005188 flotation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 49
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 238000013019 agitation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000010419 fine particle Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000009291 froth flotation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 41
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 230000003134 recirculating effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 17
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 4
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003801 milling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052961 molybdenite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- CWQXQMHSOZUFJS-UHFFFAOYSA-N molybdenum disulfide Chemical compound S=[Mo]=S CWQXQMHSOZUFJS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- HYHCSLBZRBJJCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium hydrosulfide Chemical compound [Na+].[SH-] HYHCSLBZRBJJCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000252095 Congridae Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000950314 Figura Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001092591 Flota Species 0.000 description 1
- 229910001209 Low-carbon steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 241001201614 Prays Species 0.000 description 1
- UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulphide Chemical compound [S-2] UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000498 ball milling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010953 base metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003153 chemical reaction reagent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- YOCUPQPZWBBYIX-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper nickel Chemical compound [Ni].[Cu] YOCUPQPZWBBYIX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000013058 crude material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010790 dilution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012895 dilution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009854 hydrometallurgy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052976 metal sulfide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052952 pyrrhotite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012552 review Methods 0.000 description 1
- GRVFOGOEDUUMBP-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium sulfide (anhydrous) Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[S-2] GRVFOGOEDUUMBP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004763 sulfides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
- B03D1/00—Flotation
- B03D1/14—Flotation machines
- B03D1/1443—Feed or discharge mechanisms for flotation tanks
- B03D1/1475—Flotation tanks having means for discharging the pulp, e.g. as a bleed stream
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
- B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
- B02C17/00—Disintegrating by tumbling mills, i.e. mills having a container charged with the material to be disintegrated with or without special disintegrating members such as pebbles or balls
- B02C17/16—Mills in which a fixed container houses stirring means tumbling the charge
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
- B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
- B02C23/00—Auxiliary methods or auxiliary devices or accessories specially adapted for crushing or disintegrating not provided for in preceding groups or not specially adapted to apparatus covered by a single preceding group
- B02C23/18—Adding fluid, other than for crushing or disintegrating by fluid energy
- B02C23/24—Passing gas through crushing or disintegrating zone
- B02C23/30—Passing gas through crushing or disintegrating zone the applied gas acting to effect material separation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
- B03D1/00—Flotation
- B03D1/08—Subsequent treatment of concentrated product
- B03D1/082—Subsequent treatment of concentrated product of the froth product, e.g. washing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
- B03D1/00—Flotation
- B03D1/14—Flotation machines
- B03D1/1443—Feed or discharge mechanisms for flotation tanks
- B03D1/1468—Discharge mechanisms for the sediments
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
- B03D1/00—Flotation
- B03D1/14—Flotation machines
- B03D1/16—Flotation machines with impellers; Subaeration machines
- B03D1/18—Flotation machines with impellers; Subaeration machines without air supply
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
- B03D1/00—Flotation
- B03D1/14—Flotation machines
- B03D1/1412—Flotation machines with baffles, e.g. at the wall for redirecting settling solids
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biotechnology (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Paper (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure An apparatus for simultaneous froth flotation and grinding of crude materials in continuous or batch mode comprises a vessel for containing grinding media crude feed material to be ground and a flotation gas, an agitation unit rotatably mounted in the vessel, drive means connected to the agitation unit for rotating the unit to agitate the grinding media and the feed material to pulverize the feed material into fine particles, and a discharge launder for collecting a froth at the top of the vessel to recover the fine particles with the froth.
Description
2~
FI.OTATION-(3R:I:NDIN~; APPARATU8 This invention relates to an apparatus ~or carrying out floth flotation and grinding of crude material simultaneously in a single vessel.
~ome of the major concerns in the area of mineral processing are the high energy consu~ption of grinding stages and the possibility o~ overgrinding (K.R. Suttill: "The Two Sides of Concentrator Economics":
E&MJ, May 1988). A review of various energy a pects in milling and metallurgical metal recovery has shown that stirred grinding media mills have the greatest potential for energy savings tV.I. Lakshmanan, G.W. Heinrich, N. McQueen and W.G. ~raigen: "Energy A~pects in Hydrometallurgy''1 presentation for Seminar on Energy ~ Efficient Technologies at Laurentian University, Sudbury, March 29, 1989). This milling principle may be realized in tower mill~, ~high speed-stirred ball mills and attrition mills.
The integration of flash :- or:unit flotation machines into the grinding clrcuit is also known to reduce ~20 ;~ the negative e~fects of overgrinding while producing high grade~concentrates~ (E. Sandstroem ~ H. J~ensson: "Unit Flotation Practice at:Boliden Mineral AB'~; XVI In~. Miner.
; Proc. Congr. -~Proceedlngs, ~sterdam, ~98a).
. ., ~ . : . - :
~, . .
. '', ' : ' ., ' . : ~ .
.
,' ' : ~ ' '' ' ' '. ' ~; . , . .
Another way of achieving high flotation selectivity is the application of co].umn flota'ion machines (K.R. Suttill: see above). This flotation principle can be also put into practice in a stirred apparatus - such as the Hydrochem Column.
After many years of research work, it has been established that flotation characteristics of sulphide minerals depend substantially on the redox potential of the pulp. Often, reducing redox potentials are essential to achieve desirable selectivity in flotation. For example, separation of molybdenite from ~-halcopyrite is accomplished by sodium hydrosulphide (or sodium sulphide) addition~ prior to flotation with n~trogen to maintain a low pulp potential (~.A. Redfearn: "The role of nitrogen in the flotation of by-product molybdenite at Gibralter Mines": AIME preprint 83-64, March 6-l0, Atlanta, 1~83).
Depression of gangue:sulphides such as pyrrhotite (e.g.
nickel-copper ores) require highly negative pulp potentials.
:20~ It is the object of the present invention to ~: provide an apparatus which combines all the above :~ mentioned~stat~-of-the-art technologies and their merits in one single apparatus.
The apparatus in accordance with the present ~2~5~ invention comprises a vessel for containing gr1nd:ing ;~ media, crude feed material to be ground and flotation :, ~ . . . , ........... - .. .
: . ', - : ' : : - '' . - ' ' ' - ' ' . ' ' ' ' ' ' ,, . , , : .
. ~
~: ' ' ~ :' ' ' :
gases, an agitation unit rotatably mounted in the ve~sel, drive means connected to the agitation unit for rotating the unit to agitate the grinding media and the feed material to pulverize the feecl material into fine particles, and a froth discharge clevice Por collecting a froth containing fine particles of desired composition at the top of the vessel to recover the fine particles of desired composition with the froth.
The ~eed materials are dry or moi~t solids or a lo slurry which may be introduced through the top, the bottom or the side o~ the vessel through suitable inserts or otherwise.
The agitation unit is normally a hollow screw shaft and the ~lotation gases are introduced through the hollow shaft. The flotation gases may also be introduced with the feed material. The flotation gases may thus be introduced co-currently, counter currently or co-coun~er-; currently ~inlet at the side of the ves~el) with the ~eed : ~ material dPpending on~ the location of their respective ~2;0 introduction into the vessel.
The apparatus ~ay also be :provided with a ~; dischargo launder at the top of the ve s-l for not floated : ground mat~rial. However, not floated ground material may ~ also be di~charged~at the bottom of the vessel.
2~5~ ~ ~ The appara~us may also be provlded with a ~roth ; washing device at the froth discharge within the limits of . : :. : ' , `
,, ':
, .. :. . . .
. .: ' "
accep~able dilut.ion of the not floated product~.
The flotation grinding apparatus is suitable for flotation wlth gases other than air. The nature of grinding media and flotation gas are two critical factors determining the redox level of the pulp. By selection of proper grinding media/flotation gas, the flotation-grindinq apparatus will, therefore, function not only as an efficient g~inding vessel but also as a generator of specific redox environments for depression or activation of minerals for selective flotation. This way, use of redox reagents that ar~ in use for c~rtain applications will be minimized (e.g. sodium hydrosulphide in chalcopyrite-moly ~eparation). As grinding media, the vessel can incorporate pebbles, high chromium balls, mild-steel balls and their combinations ranging from 1~ to 99%.
The yases are inert gases such as nitrogen or oxygen-deficient (exhaust) gases to prevent unwanted reaction at the surface of feed material, or reactive gases, such as SO2, 2~ SO2 - air mixture or others ~o obtain desirable surface modifications at the surface of feed material.
Certain gases may also be used to obtain a desirable cooling or heaking of the feed material. In cases where high slurry temperatures are desirable for flotation, the vessel may be he~ted to the boiling point of water and the created:steam be. used as flotation gas. In the case of high-speed stirred ball milling, the energy introduced -, q,~ ~,r-~t~
through the vigorous agitation can be suf~icient to reach the boiling point or a temperature high enough to drive gases in solution out o~ the slur~y. For such application, most o~ these gases can be recirculated by closing off the top o~ the machine and connecting it to the gas feeding system. In most calses, the mixing action in the flotation-grinding~apparatus will make conditioning tanks unnecsssary. Additionally, th~ concept of the invention enables flotation to be carried out at naturally generated low redox potentials. Thus, the froth flotation of the overflowing ground product is expected to be a high grade concentrate, if base metal sulphides are floated.
The invention will now ~e disclosed, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a vertical section through an embodimant showing the possible entries of ~eed ~atsrial and flotation gases, as well as a froth washing device;
Figure la is an alternative e~bodiment using spargers to introduce flotation gases;
Figures 2 and 2a are partial vertical sections through an embodim~nt showing optional arrangement of froth washing devices and launders, respectively;
Figures 3, 3a and 3b are horizontal top views of an embodiment showing an optional arrangement o~ ~roth washing devic~s, the froth discharge; coarse recycle c,~ t~'~;atjJ~
strea~, as well as the apparatus product discharge; and Figure 4 is a vertical section through an embodiment showing an optional arrangement for the recircula~ion of flotation gases.
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an apparatus for carrying out simultaneous flotation and grinding o~ feed material which comprises a vertical cylindrical vessel 10 containing suitable grinding media in the form of balls or pebbles. An agitation unit in the shape of a screw qha~t 12 is rotatably mounted in the centre of the vessel by means of suitable beaxings (not shown). The shaft extends through the top o the vessel and is rotated by drive means 14. Although the vessel is preferably vertical, horizontal or ~lanted mill designs are also possible.
Feed material in the form of dry or moist solids and~or slurry i5 normally introduced ~nto the vessel through the top. However, the ~eed material could be introduced through the side o~ the ve sel as indicated in dashed line~ or through the bsttom via a ~uitable pump 16.
ThQ shaft ~2 i5 preferably hollow and has its upper end connected to a source (not shown) of air or inert gas for introduction o~ flotation gases into the vessel. Flotation gase~ could also be introduced through the bottom of the vessel or together with the feed material at the side or the bottom of the vessel as :; ~
indicate~ in dashed lines or with the feed material. The machine is self aerating when the gas is introduced through or near the screw shaft as long a~ the shaft is rotated at a speed high enough to c:rea~e ~uction. Because of the agitation of the ves~el charge and the pres~nce of coarse grinding media, no sparging system i~ needed to create bubblas, if the flotation yas is introduced beneath the upper level o~ the grinding meclia. As shown in Figure la, gas spargers 18 could also b,e used above the upper level of the grinding media to create gas bubbles. In order to stabilize the froth and the pulp sur~ace, baffles (not shown) might b~ re~lired above the grinding media charge.
The above disclosed flotation-grindingapparatus is operated with counter-current, co-current or co-counter-current ~eed versus gas flow depending on the manner of introduction of the feed and flotation gases.
Co-counter~current flow occurs when ~ha feed i~ introduced at approximately half the height o~ the apparatus.
~O Froth washing, a typical ~eature of flotation columns, c~n be carried out at the mill overflow within the limit~ of acceptable dilution of the mill products (e.g. replacing water addition to th~ cyclone ~eed-pump box if installed~. As ~hown in Figure 2 and in Figures 3a, 3b and 3c, froth washing may be carried out with a spray pan or array 20, top sprays 22, submerged ~prays 24 or a spray ring 26 or combinations thereo~.
Figuras 3a, 3b and 3c, show various top launder dssigns ~or ~ill bottom or top discharge o~ ground product. For mill bottom discharge of ground product, flotation concentrate is discharged through froth outlet 28 or 28a of froth launder 30 or 30a. For mill top discharge of ground product, flotation concentrate is similaxly discharged through froth outlet 28 or 28a of froth launders 30 ox 30a. In addition, ground product is di~charged through ground product outlet 32 or 32a o~
ground product launder 34 or 34a. The ground product is normally fe.d to flotation machines or other physical separation devices suitable to treat ~ine parkicle sizes.
Figure Za and Figure 3c, show various top launder design~ for coarse product recycle. Flotation concentrate i~ discharged through froth outlet 28, 28a or 28b of froth launder~ 30, 30a or 30b. Ground product is discharged through ground product outlet 32l 32a or 32b of ground product launder 34, 34a or 34b. In addition, a coarse recycle product is discharged through coarse re ycle outlet 36, 36a or 36b of a coarse recycle launder 38, 38a or 38b, and the coarse recycle product is returnPd to the flotation grinding apparatus through pump 16 or otherwise.
As shown in Figure 4, the apparatus may be provid2d with a hood 40 and a pump 42 for recirculation of ~ q~ t~
the flotation gases. The apparatus may also be self-aerating as shown in dashed lines when the gases are introduced through the hollow shaft 12. In a self aerating system the pump 42 is of course not required.
The system is simply connected to a gas reservoir.
'
FI.OTATION-(3R:I:NDIN~; APPARATU8 This invention relates to an apparatus ~or carrying out floth flotation and grinding of crude material simultaneously in a single vessel.
~ome of the major concerns in the area of mineral processing are the high energy consu~ption of grinding stages and the possibility o~ overgrinding (K.R. Suttill: "The Two Sides of Concentrator Economics":
E&MJ, May 1988). A review of various energy a pects in milling and metallurgical metal recovery has shown that stirred grinding media mills have the greatest potential for energy savings tV.I. Lakshmanan, G.W. Heinrich, N. McQueen and W.G. ~raigen: "Energy A~pects in Hydrometallurgy''1 presentation for Seminar on Energy ~ Efficient Technologies at Laurentian University, Sudbury, March 29, 1989). This milling principle may be realized in tower mill~, ~high speed-stirred ball mills and attrition mills.
The integration of flash :- or:unit flotation machines into the grinding clrcuit is also known to reduce ~20 ;~ the negative e~fects of overgrinding while producing high grade~concentrates~ (E. Sandstroem ~ H. J~ensson: "Unit Flotation Practice at:Boliden Mineral AB'~; XVI In~. Miner.
; Proc. Congr. -~Proceedlngs, ~sterdam, ~98a).
. ., ~ . : . - :
~, . .
. '', ' : ' ., ' . : ~ .
.
,' ' : ~ ' '' ' ' '. ' ~; . , . .
Another way of achieving high flotation selectivity is the application of co].umn flota'ion machines (K.R. Suttill: see above). This flotation principle can be also put into practice in a stirred apparatus - such as the Hydrochem Column.
After many years of research work, it has been established that flotation characteristics of sulphide minerals depend substantially on the redox potential of the pulp. Often, reducing redox potentials are essential to achieve desirable selectivity in flotation. For example, separation of molybdenite from ~-halcopyrite is accomplished by sodium hydrosulphide (or sodium sulphide) addition~ prior to flotation with n~trogen to maintain a low pulp potential (~.A. Redfearn: "The role of nitrogen in the flotation of by-product molybdenite at Gibralter Mines": AIME preprint 83-64, March 6-l0, Atlanta, 1~83).
Depression of gangue:sulphides such as pyrrhotite (e.g.
nickel-copper ores) require highly negative pulp potentials.
:20~ It is the object of the present invention to ~: provide an apparatus which combines all the above :~ mentioned~stat~-of-the-art technologies and their merits in one single apparatus.
The apparatus in accordance with the present ~2~5~ invention comprises a vessel for containing gr1nd:ing ;~ media, crude feed material to be ground and flotation :, ~ . . . , ........... - .. .
: . ', - : ' : : - '' . - ' ' ' - ' ' . ' ' ' ' ' ' ,, . , , : .
. ~
~: ' ' ~ :' ' ' :
gases, an agitation unit rotatably mounted in the ve~sel, drive means connected to the agitation unit for rotating the unit to agitate the grinding media and the feed material to pulverize the feecl material into fine particles, and a froth discharge clevice Por collecting a froth containing fine particles of desired composition at the top of the vessel to recover the fine particles of desired composition with the froth.
The ~eed materials are dry or moi~t solids or a lo slurry which may be introduced through the top, the bottom or the side o~ the vessel through suitable inserts or otherwise.
The agitation unit is normally a hollow screw shaft and the ~lotation gases are introduced through the hollow shaft. The flotation gases may also be introduced with the feed material. The flotation gases may thus be introduced co-currently, counter currently or co-coun~er-; currently ~inlet at the side of the ves~el) with the ~eed : ~ material dPpending on~ the location of their respective ~2;0 introduction into the vessel.
The apparatus ~ay also be :provided with a ~; dischargo launder at the top of the ve s-l for not floated : ground mat~rial. However, not floated ground material may ~ also be di~charged~at the bottom of the vessel.
2~5~ ~ ~ The appara~us may also be provlded with a ~roth ; washing device at the froth discharge within the limits of . : :. : ' , `
,, ':
, .. :. . . .
. .: ' "
accep~able dilut.ion of the not floated product~.
The flotation grinding apparatus is suitable for flotation wlth gases other than air. The nature of grinding media and flotation gas are two critical factors determining the redox level of the pulp. By selection of proper grinding media/flotation gas, the flotation-grindinq apparatus will, therefore, function not only as an efficient g~inding vessel but also as a generator of specific redox environments for depression or activation of minerals for selective flotation. This way, use of redox reagents that ar~ in use for c~rtain applications will be minimized (e.g. sodium hydrosulphide in chalcopyrite-moly ~eparation). As grinding media, the vessel can incorporate pebbles, high chromium balls, mild-steel balls and their combinations ranging from 1~ to 99%.
The yases are inert gases such as nitrogen or oxygen-deficient (exhaust) gases to prevent unwanted reaction at the surface of feed material, or reactive gases, such as SO2, 2~ SO2 - air mixture or others ~o obtain desirable surface modifications at the surface of feed material.
Certain gases may also be used to obtain a desirable cooling or heaking of the feed material. In cases where high slurry temperatures are desirable for flotation, the vessel may be he~ted to the boiling point of water and the created:steam be. used as flotation gas. In the case of high-speed stirred ball milling, the energy introduced -, q,~ ~,r-~t~
through the vigorous agitation can be suf~icient to reach the boiling point or a temperature high enough to drive gases in solution out o~ the slur~y. For such application, most o~ these gases can be recirculated by closing off the top o~ the machine and connecting it to the gas feeding system. In most calses, the mixing action in the flotation-grinding~apparatus will make conditioning tanks unnecsssary. Additionally, th~ concept of the invention enables flotation to be carried out at naturally generated low redox potentials. Thus, the froth flotation of the overflowing ground product is expected to be a high grade concentrate, if base metal sulphides are floated.
The invention will now ~e disclosed, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a vertical section through an embodimant showing the possible entries of ~eed ~atsrial and flotation gases, as well as a froth washing device;
Figure la is an alternative e~bodiment using spargers to introduce flotation gases;
Figures 2 and 2a are partial vertical sections through an embodim~nt showing optional arrangement of froth washing devices and launders, respectively;
Figures 3, 3a and 3b are horizontal top views of an embodiment showing an optional arrangement o~ ~roth washing devic~s, the froth discharge; coarse recycle c,~ t~'~;atjJ~
strea~, as well as the apparatus product discharge; and Figure 4 is a vertical section through an embodiment showing an optional arrangement for the recircula~ion of flotation gases.
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an apparatus for carrying out simultaneous flotation and grinding o~ feed material which comprises a vertical cylindrical vessel 10 containing suitable grinding media in the form of balls or pebbles. An agitation unit in the shape of a screw qha~t 12 is rotatably mounted in the centre of the vessel by means of suitable beaxings (not shown). The shaft extends through the top o the vessel and is rotated by drive means 14. Although the vessel is preferably vertical, horizontal or ~lanted mill designs are also possible.
Feed material in the form of dry or moist solids and~or slurry i5 normally introduced ~nto the vessel through the top. However, the ~eed material could be introduced through the side o~ the ve sel as indicated in dashed line~ or through the bsttom via a ~uitable pump 16.
ThQ shaft ~2 i5 preferably hollow and has its upper end connected to a source (not shown) of air or inert gas for introduction o~ flotation gases into the vessel. Flotation gase~ could also be introduced through the bottom of the vessel or together with the feed material at the side or the bottom of the vessel as :; ~
indicate~ in dashed lines or with the feed material. The machine is self aerating when the gas is introduced through or near the screw shaft as long a~ the shaft is rotated at a speed high enough to c:rea~e ~uction. Because of the agitation of the ves~el charge and the pres~nce of coarse grinding media, no sparging system i~ needed to create bubblas, if the flotation yas is introduced beneath the upper level o~ the grinding meclia. As shown in Figure la, gas spargers 18 could also b,e used above the upper level of the grinding media to create gas bubbles. In order to stabilize the froth and the pulp sur~ace, baffles (not shown) might b~ re~lired above the grinding media charge.
The above disclosed flotation-grindingapparatus is operated with counter-current, co-current or co-counter-current ~eed versus gas flow depending on the manner of introduction of the feed and flotation gases.
Co-counter~current flow occurs when ~ha feed i~ introduced at approximately half the height o~ the apparatus.
~O Froth washing, a typical ~eature of flotation columns, c~n be carried out at the mill overflow within the limit~ of acceptable dilution of the mill products (e.g. replacing water addition to th~ cyclone ~eed-pump box if installed~. As ~hown in Figure 2 and in Figures 3a, 3b and 3c, froth washing may be carried out with a spray pan or array 20, top sprays 22, submerged ~prays 24 or a spray ring 26 or combinations thereo~.
Figuras 3a, 3b and 3c, show various top launder dssigns ~or ~ill bottom or top discharge o~ ground product. For mill bottom discharge of ground product, flotation concentrate is discharged through froth outlet 28 or 28a of froth launder 30 or 30a. For mill top discharge of ground product, flotation concentrate is similaxly discharged through froth outlet 28 or 28a of froth launders 30 ox 30a. In addition, ground product is di~charged through ground product outlet 32 or 32a o~
ground product launder 34 or 34a. The ground product is normally fe.d to flotation machines or other physical separation devices suitable to treat ~ine parkicle sizes.
Figure Za and Figure 3c, show various top launder design~ for coarse product recycle. Flotation concentrate i~ discharged through froth outlet 28, 28a or 28b of froth launder~ 30, 30a or 30b. Ground product is discharged through ground product outlet 32l 32a or 32b of ground product launder 34, 34a or 34b. In addition, a coarse recycle product is discharged through coarse re ycle outlet 36, 36a or 36b of a coarse recycle launder 38, 38a or 38b, and the coarse recycle product is returnPd to the flotation grinding apparatus through pump 16 or otherwise.
As shown in Figure 4, the apparatus may be provid2d with a hood 40 and a pump 42 for recirculation of ~ q~ t~
the flotation gases. The apparatus may also be self-aerating as shown in dashed lines when the gases are introduced through the hollow shaft 12. In a self aerating system the pump 42 is of course not required.
The system is simply connected to a gas reservoir.
'
Claims (24)
1. An apparatus for simultaneous froth flotation and grinding of crude materials in continuous or batch mode comprising:
a) a vessel for containing grinding media, crude feed material to be ground and a flotation gas;
b) an agitation unit rotatably mounted in said vessel;
c) drive means connected to said agitation unit for rotating said unit to agitate the grinding media and the feed material to pulverize the feed material into fine particles; and d) a discharge launder for collecting a froth at the top of the vessel to recover the fine particles with the froth.
a) a vessel for containing grinding media, crude feed material to be ground and a flotation gas;
b) an agitation unit rotatably mounted in said vessel;
c) drive means connected to said agitation unit for rotating said unit to agitate the grinding media and the feed material to pulverize the feed material into fine particles; and d) a discharge launder for collecting a froth at the top of the vessel to recover the fine particles with the froth.
2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the feed material is dry or moist solids, or a slurry.
3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the feed material is introduced through the top of the vessel.
4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the feed material is introduced through the bottom of the vessel.
5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the feed material is introduced through the side of he vessel.
6. An apparatus as defined in claims 3, 4 or 5 wherein the feed material is introduced through inserts.
7. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the agitation unit is a hollow screw shaft and wherein the flotation gas is introduced through the hollow shaft.
8. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the flotation gas is introduced with the feed material.
9. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the feed material and the flotation gas are introduced counter-currently.
10. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the feed material and the flotation gas are introduced co-currently.
11. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the feed material and the flotation gas are introduced co-counter-currently.
12. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the vessel is orientated vertically.
13. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the vessel is orientated in a slanted position.
14. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the vessel is orientated horizontally.
15. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising a discharge for not floated ground material located at the top of the vessel.
16. An apparatus as defined in claim l, further comprising a discharge for not floated ground material at the bottom of the vessel.
17. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising means for washing the froth at the froth discharge.
18 . An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the flotation gas is air.
19. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the flotation gas is an inert gas such as nitrogen or an oxygen-deficient gas to prevent unwanted reaction at the surface of the feed material.
20. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the flotation gas is a reactive gas to obtain desired surface modification of the feed material.
21. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the flotation gas is a gas used to obtain a desirable cooling or heating of the feed material.
22. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising means for recirculating the flotation gas.
23. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising baffles above the grinding media charge to stabilize the pulp flow and flotation froth in the upper section of the apparatus.
24. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the flotation gas is created by heating the slurry.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002059713A CA2059713A1 (en) | 1992-01-20 | 1992-01-20 | Flotation-grinding apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002059713A CA2059713A1 (en) | 1992-01-20 | 1992-01-20 | Flotation-grinding apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2059713A1 true CA2059713A1 (en) | 1993-07-21 |
Family
ID=4149116
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002059713A Abandoned CA2059713A1 (en) | 1992-01-20 | 1992-01-20 | Flotation-grinding apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2059713A1 (en) |
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| EP3025786A1 (en) | 2014-11-28 | 2016-06-01 | Omya International AG | Apparatus for simultaneous grinding and froth flotation |
| CN112403686A (en) * | 2020-10-28 | 2021-02-26 | 中国矿业大学 | Apparatus and method for dissociating coarse-grained minerals |
| CN112452552A (en) * | 2020-10-30 | 2021-03-09 | 中国矿业大学 | Coarse-grained mineral dissociation device and method integrating tailing discarding and dissociation |
| CN115888998A (en) * | 2022-11-29 | 2023-04-04 | 江西永诚锂业科技有限公司 | Device and method for improving lepidolite ore flotation concentrate grade |
| EP4171827A4 (en) * | 2020-06-30 | 2024-07-31 | Metso Finland Oy | FLOTATION ARRANGEMENT |
| WO2025083330A1 (en) * | 2023-10-19 | 2025-04-24 | Metso Finland Oy | Flotation unit and flotation method |
-
1992
- 1992-01-20 CA CA002059713A patent/CA2059713A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| CN106999944B (en) * | 2014-11-28 | 2020-01-21 | 欧米亚国际集团 | Apparatus for simultaneous grinding and froth flotation |
| US11413622B2 (en) | 2014-11-28 | 2022-08-16 | Omya International Ag | Apparatus for simultaneous grinding and froth flotation |
| CN106999944A (en) * | 2014-11-28 | 2017-08-01 | 欧米亚国际集团 | Equipment for Simultaneous Grinding and Froth Flotation |
| US20170312759A1 (en) * | 2014-11-28 | 2017-11-02 | Omya International Ag | Apparatus for simultaneous grinding and froth flotation |
| JP2018504260A (en) * | 2014-11-28 | 2018-02-15 | オムヤ インターナショナル アーゲー | Equipment for simultaneous grinding and foam flotation |
| AU2015352614B2 (en) * | 2014-11-28 | 2018-03-01 | Omya International Ag | Apparatus for simultaneous grinding and froth flotation |
| EP3025786A1 (en) | 2014-11-28 | 2016-06-01 | Omya International AG | Apparatus for simultaneous grinding and froth flotation |
| WO2016083353A1 (en) * | 2014-11-28 | 2016-06-02 | Omya International Ag | Apparatus for simultaneous grinding and froth flotation |
| EP4171827A4 (en) * | 2020-06-30 | 2024-07-31 | Metso Finland Oy | FLOTATION ARRANGEMENT |
| CN112403686A (en) * | 2020-10-28 | 2021-02-26 | 中国矿业大学 | Apparatus and method for dissociating coarse-grained minerals |
| CN112452552B (en) * | 2020-10-30 | 2022-02-11 | 中国矿业大学 | Coarse-grained mineral dissociation device and method integrating tailing discarding and dissociation |
| CN112452552A (en) * | 2020-10-30 | 2021-03-09 | 中国矿业大学 | Coarse-grained mineral dissociation device and method integrating tailing discarding and dissociation |
| CN115888998A (en) * | 2022-11-29 | 2023-04-04 | 江西永诚锂业科技有限公司 | Device and method for improving lepidolite ore flotation concentrate grade |
| WO2025083330A1 (en) * | 2023-10-19 | 2025-04-24 | Metso Finland Oy | Flotation unit and flotation method |
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