LMFTM Flotation Test Machine

  • Digital control by touch screen
  • Flotation cells capacitys from 0,2 to 7 Litres
  • Flotation, Attritioning, Blending, Agitating
  • Standard acrylic cells and stainless steel impellers other materials on request
  • Cells and impellers for high temperature flotation made from stainless steel

The versatile Laboratory Flotation Bench has been designed to provide an accurate reliable means of reproducing test results. It is ideally suited in duplicating plant processes and operations. Several configurations are available for impeller style and diffuser arrangement. All wetted metal parts are made of high quality 316 stainless steel construction.

The flotation machine, also known as a flotation cell or flotation separator, is a device used in mineral processing to separate valuable minerals from gangue (unwanted material) based on their differences in hydrophobicity (ability to repel water) and buoyancy. Flotation machines are widely used in the mining industry for ore beneficiation and concentration processes.

Impeller System

Each cell of the flotation machine contains an impeller, which is a rotating device responsible for stirring the slurry. The impeller creates a turbulent environment in the cell, ensuring thorough mixing of the reagents and ore particles.

Air Supply

Air is introduced into the flotation cell through various mechanisms, such as blowers or spargers. The air bubbles generated act as carriers for the hydrophobic mineral particles, facilitating their attachment to the bubbles and subsequent flotation to the surface.

Reagent Addition

Flotation requires the addition of specific reagents to modify the hydrophobicity of the mineral particles and promote their selective attachment to the air bubbles. These reagents can include collectors, frothers, and modifiers, depending on the type of minerals being processed.

Froth Laundering

As the hydrophobic particles attach to the air bubbles, they form a froth layer on the surface of the flotation cell. The froth, containing the floated minerals, is continuously removed from the cell using mechanisms such as paddles or overflow launders.

Adjustable Parameters

Flotation machines offer various adjustable parameters to optimize the flotation process. These parameters can include the speed and direction of the impeller rotation, airflow rate, froth depth, and pulp density, among others. Adjusting these parameters allows for fine-tuning the flotation performance based on the specific mineral characteristics and desired outcomes.

Flotation machines play a crucial role in the recovery of valuable minerals from ores. By exploiting the differences in surface properties between minerals, flotation enables the separation and concentration of desired minerals, resulting in the production of valuable concentrates. The design and operation of flotation machines can vary based on specific applications and mineral processing requirements.