The operational proof-of-concept for the flotation cell class of 500 m3 and larger is discussed in this paper.
Two different sites are used as case studies and metallurgical and hydrodynamic performance is evaluated as the means of comparison. Frother selection criteria are also discussed and a redesign on standard practices for scaling up to full-scale from lab and pilot-scale is proposed. Additionally, the potential for capital and operational cost savings from the use of large cells is examined, by comparing these to more traditional and conservative smaller cell selections. This cost comparison covers economies-of-scale benefits and the potential for more efficient plant layouts.
CITATION:Walshe, M, Mattsson, T, Bourke, P and Grau, R, 2019. Large Mechanical Flotation Cells Advantages and Scale-Up Considerations, in Proceedings MetPlant 2019, pp 176191 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).