LMFTM Flotation Machine
The versatile Laboratory Flotation Bench has been designed to provide an accurate reliable means of re-producing test results.
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.
Feautures and Benefits
- Digital control by touch screen
- Easy to configure different products
- Digital read out of pH values, temprature and levels
- 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
Technical Specifications
| Application fields | Laboratory analysis |
| Applications | 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 liters |
| Flotation cells and impellers material | stainles steel, acrylic, pu-coated, PTFE coated |
| Avialible 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 | 0.75kW |
| Electrical requirements | 220-240V 50Hz (others on request) |
| Power Connections | 1 phase |
| Ingress Protection rating | IP 55 |
| Standards | CE |
| Weight | 133kg |
| Dimensions (length x width x height) | 839 x 480 x 834 mm |
Flotation Machine working principle
Each 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 is introduced into the flotation cell through the air supply from under the rotor.
The air bubbles generated act as carriers for the hydrophobic mineral particles, facilitating their attachment to the bubbles and subsequent flotation to the surface.
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.
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 our froth remover.
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.
How it works
The flotation machine mixes ore slurry with water, air and reagents. Turbulence from the impeller generates bubbles that selectively bind with hydrophobic minerals, forming froth that’s removed to recover valuable material. This process is fundamental in mineral beneficiation.
Control Panel
Flotation machines offer various adjustable parameters to optimize the flotation process. These parameters can include the speed of the impeller rotation, airflow rate, froth remover speed,pH control, level control and temperature, among others.
Adjusting these parameters allows for fine-tuning the flotation performance based on the specific mineral characteristics and desired outcomes.
pH meters or controllers to monitor and adjust the pH of the flotation pulp. pH control is essential for optimizing the flotation process, as it affects the surface chemistry of minerals and flotation reagent performance.
Temperature sensors or controllers to monitor and regulate the temperature of the flotation pulp. Maintaining the appropriate temperature can enhance flotation kinetics and reagent efficiency.
Audible or visual alarms to alert operators to abnormal conditions or malfunctions in the flotation process, such as high/low pulp level, high/low air flow, or equipment failure.
Accessories
Flotation cells
The flotation cell for the LMFTM flotation test machine is made from clear acrylic fiber or stainless steel. The throughput capabilities of various cell designs will vary with the flotation machine's residence time and pulp density.Flotation cells are integral to the flotation process, allowing for the separation of valuable minerals from the gangue material. Their design and features ensure efficient mixing, flotation, and froth removal, contributing to the overall performance and effectiveness of the LMFTM flotation test machine.
Froth remover
The froth 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 flotation cell, allowing them to skim or push the froth towards a collection launder or overflow weir. The froth remover is a crucial component in the flotation process, as it aids in the separation of valuable minerals from the froth layer and ensures efficient froth removal from the flotation cell surface. Proper design, adjustment, and maintenance of the froth remover contribute to the overall performance and effectiveness of the flotation machine in producing high-quality concentrates.
Rotor
The rotor includes mechanisms for air intake, allowing the introduction of air or gas into the flotation cell. This can be achieved through axial or radial openings in the rotor or through separate air supply pipes connected to the rotor. The air intake is crucial for generating the air bubbles required for the flotation process. As the rotor rotates, the impellers create a turbulent flow in the flotation cell, shearing the air or gas into small bubbles. The rotating impellers also help disperse the bubbles throughout the pulp, maximizing the contact between the bubbles and the mineral particles.
Ph meter
pH meter is an important instrument in a flotation machine for monitoring and controlling the pH of the flotation pulp, which is critical for achieving optimal flotation performance and process efficiency. 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 important instrument in a flotation machine for monitoring and controlling the temperature of process streams, which is critical for achieving optimal flotation performance and process efficiency. 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.Flotation machine bottom driven
A bottom-driven flotation machine is a type of flotation cell used in the mineral processing industry to separate valuable minerals from gangue minerals based on differences in their surface properties.
In a bottom-driven flotation machine, the impeller, which generates the air bubbles for flotation, is located at the bottom of the cell.
The impeller is the rotating component responsible for generating air bubbles and agitating the pulp in the flotation cell.
The stator is a stationary component that surrounds the impeller and helps to direct the flow of pulp and air bubbles in the flotation cell.
It also provides support for the rotor and ensures efficient mixing and dispersion of air throughout the cell.
Bottom-driven flotation machines are designed with a cylindrical or rectangular cell shape. The cell may be constructed from steel, polyurethane, or other materials, depending on the specific application and requirements.
Air is introduced into the flotation cell through the impeller, which creates a downward flow of air bubbles through the pulp.
The air bubbles attach to hydrophobic particles, lifting them to the surface of the pulp, where they form a froth layer that can be skimmed off for further processing.
The level of pulp in the flotation cell is carefully controlled to optimize flotation performance.
Once the valuable minerals have been recovered in the froth layer, they are typically removed from the cell using mechanical or pneumatic means.
This may involve scraping the froth off the surface of the cell or using froth paddles to push the froth towards a launder for collection.
Flotation machine FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Applications
Flotation machines are versatile separators used across industries to recover valuable materials and remove impurities.
In mining and mineral processing, they help extract metals like copper, gold, and zinc, as well as
upgrade ores such as phosphate, graphite, and lithium.
They are also applied in coal preparation, oil sands processing, wastewater treatment, and recycling, where they separate pollutants or recover reusable materials.
With their wide range of applications, flotation machines provide efficient and sustainable solutions for resource recovery and environmental management.
Visit our Applications page for our database of specific applications