LMFTM-BD Flotation Machine Bottom Driven
The LMFTM Bottom-Driven Laboratory Flotation Bench is designed for accurate, reliable and repeatable mineral flotation testing with the impeller positioned at the bottom of the cell.
The LMFTM-BD Bottom-Driven Laboratory Flotation Bench has been designed to provide an accurate and reliable means of reproducing flotation test results and duplicating plant processes and operating conditions.
In this configuration, the impeller is positioned at the bottom of the flotation cell, where it agitates the pulp and disperses the air required for flotation. A stationary stator surrounding the impeller helps direct the flow of pulp and air bubbles for efficient mixing and dispersion.
Several configurations are available for impeller style and diffuser arrangement, allowing the machine to be adapted to different laboratory flotation requirements. All wetted metal parts are made from high-quality 316 stainless steel.
The bottom-driven flotation machine separates valuable minerals from gangue based on differences in surface properties, hydrophobicity and buoyancy. Air bubbles attach to hydrophobic mineral particles and carry them to the surface, where the mineral-rich froth can be removed for further processing.
Features and Benefits
- Bottom-driven impeller configuration for controlled agitation and air dispersion
- Digital control by touchscreen
- Easy configuration of different test products and operating settings
- Digital readout of pH values, temperature and levels when the relevant sensors are installed
- Flotation cell capacities from 0.2 to 7 litres
- Suitable for flotation, attritioning, blending and agitating
- Standard acrylic cells and stainless steel impellers, with other materials available on request
- Stainless steel cells and impellers available for high-temperature flotation
Technical Specifications
| Application fields | Laboratory analysis |
| Applications | Bottom-driven separation of different materials, particularly minerals, by agitating a pulverized mixture of solids in liquids |
| Working method | Flotation, Attritioning, Blending, Agitating |
| Flotation cells capacity | 0.2 - 7 litres |
| Flotation cells and impellers material | Stainless steel, acrylic, PU-coated, PTFE-coated |
| Available accessories | Froth remover, level indicator, peristaltic pump, pH indicator |
| Impellers | Interchangeable |
| Setting adjustment method | Digital control panel |
| Impeller speed / Electronic digital read out | 100-2000 rpm |
| Froth remover speed | 5 - 19 rpm |
| Air flow setting | 0 - 10 Ltr/Min 10 - 50 Ltr/Min |
| Power Supply | 0.75 kW |
| Electrical requirements | 220-240V 50Hz (others on request) |
| Power Connections | 1 phase |
| Ingress Protection rating | IP 55 |
| Standards | CE |
| Weight | 92 kg |
| Dimensions (length x width x height) | 839 x 480 x 834 mm |
Bottom-Driven Flotation Machine Working Principle
In the LMFTM-BD bottom-driven flotation machine, the impeller is located at the bottom of the cell. The rotating impeller agitates the slurry and creates the turbulent conditions needed to mix the ore particles, water and flotation reagents.
Air is introduced from beneath and through the rotor area. The impeller disperses this air into bubbles throughout the pulp, while the surrounding stator helps direct the flow of pulp and air for efficient mixing.
Hydrophobic mineral particles attach to the air bubbles and rise to the surface of the cell. Flotation reagents such as collectors, frothers and modifiers can be added to influence particle hydrophobicity and promote selective attachment, depending on the material being tested.
At the surface, the bubble-particle aggregates form a mineral-rich froth layer. The froth can then be removed with the froth remover, while the pulp level can be monitored and controlled to support repeatable flotation conditions.
This bottom-driven arrangement combines agitation, air dispersion and controlled froth removal in a laboratory system designed for mineral separation, beneficiation and concentration testing.
How it works
The bottom-driven flotation machine mixes ore slurry with water, air and reagents using an impeller positioned at the bottom of the cell. The impeller agitates the pulp and disperses air into bubbles, while the stator helps guide the flow. Hydrophobic mineral particles attach to the bubbles, rise to the surface and form a froth that can be removed to recover the valuable material.
Control Panel
The LMFTM-BD bottom-driven flotation machine uses a user-friendly touchscreen dashboard where test parameters can be set and saved. These parameters include process duration, continuous cycle operation and other settings that can vary depending on the product and test configuration.
The airflow is regulated in two ranges of 0-10 or 10-50 liters per minute individually, as well as the impeller speed, which varies from 100 to 2000 revolutions per minute. In turn, the froth removal process can be adjusted using a specific pulse period, pause time, and continuous operation modes.
The pump operation can be triggered automatically using pH, temperature, or level controls. This feature requires using optional sensors that will trigger the pump when certain values are exceeded.
Accessories
Flotation cells
The flotation cell for the LMFTM bottom-driven flotation machine is made from clear acrylic or stainless steel. The throughput capabilities of the various cell designs vary with residence time and pulp density. The cell works with the bottom-driven rotor assembly to support efficient mixing, flotation and froth removal during laboratory mineral separation tests.
Froth remover
The froth remover is a component used to remove the froth or foam that forms on the surface of the flotation cell during the flotation process. The paddles are positioned above the surface of the pulp and skim or push the froth toward a collection launder or overflow weir.The froth remover plays an important role in the flotation process by facilitating the continuous removal and collection of mineral-rich froth from the flotation cell.
Proper adjustment and maintenance of the froth remover help ensure consistent operation of the bottom-driven flotation machine and efficient collection of the mineral-rich froth.
Rotor
The rotor is positioned at the bottom of the flotation cell and provides the agitation and air dispersion required for the flotation process. Air is introduced through the rotor area and dispersed into small bubbles as the impeller rotates. The resulting turbulent flow helps distribute the bubbles through the pulp and increases contact between the bubbles and mineral particles.
Ph meter
The pH meter is an optional instrument for monitoring and controlling the pH of the flotation pulp during bottom-driven flotation testing. The pH meter continuously monitors the pH of the flotation pulp in real-time. The pH value is displayed on the digital control panel. Operators can adjust the pH values to maintain the desired pH setpoint.
temperature meter
The temperature meter is an optional instrument for monitoring and controlling the temperature of the flotation pulp during bottom-driven flotation testing. Accurate temperature measurement and control are essential for ensuring the safety and environmental compliance of flotation operations. Temperature-sensitive reagents used in flotation processes may have specific temperature requirements for optimal performance. Additionally, temperature control helps mitigate the risk of equipment overheating or damage.
level indicator
Level indicators provide real-time feedback on the pulp or froth level, allowing operators to make timely adjustments to the flotation process. This helps optimize process parameters such as pulp flow rate, air flow rate, and reagent dosage.Bottom-Driven Flotation Machine FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Applications
The LMFTM bottom-driven flotation machine is designed for laboratory separation and beneficiation tests where controlled agitation, air dispersion and froth recovery are required.
In mineral processing, it can be used to investigate the recovery and upgrading of materials such as copper, gold, zinc, phosphate, graphite and lithium.
The flotation process can also be relevant to applications such as coal preparation, oil sands processing, wastewater treatment and recycling, where separation is based on particle surface properties and flotation behaviour.
Visit our Applications page for our database of specific applications