The cell action at this point is very quiet and the mineral-laden concentrate moves forward and is quickly removed by the paddle shaft (note direct path of mineral). In this zone, the mineral-laden air bubbles separate from the worthless gangue, and the middling product finds its way back into the agitation zone through the recirculation holes in the top of the stationary hood.ģ) Concentrate Zone: In the concentrate or top zone, the material being enriched is partially separated by a baffle from the spitz or concentrate discharge side of the machine. Blowers are not needed, for sufficient air is introduced and controlled by the rotating impeller of the Denver “Sub-A.” In locating impeller below the stationary hood at the bottom of the cell, agitating and mixing is confined to this zone.Ģ) Separation Zone: In the central or separation zone the action is quite and cross currents are eliminated, thus preventing the dropping or knocking of the mineral load from the supporting air bubble, which is very important. This thorough mixing of air, pulp and reagents accounts for the high metallurgical efficiency of the “Sub-A” (Fahrenwald) Flotation Machine, and its correct design, with precision manufacture, brings low horsepower and high capacity. These exceedingly small, intimately diffused air bubbles support the largest number of mineral particles. This action thoroughly mixes the pulp and air, producing a live pulp thoroughly aerated with very small air bubbles. This creates a positive suction through the ejector principle, drawing large and controlled quantities of air down the standpipe into the heart of the cell. The space between the rotating blades of the impeller and the stationary hood permits part of the pulp to cascade over the impeller blades. As the pulp cascades over the impeller blades it is thrown outward and upward by the centrifugal force of the impeller. Its design and construction are proved by universal acceptance and its supremacy is acknowledged by world-wide recognition and use.ġ) Mixing and Aeration Zone: The pulp flows into the cell by gravity through the feed pipe, dropping directly on top of the rotating impeller below the stationary hood. The design of Denver “Sub-A” flotation cells incorporates all of the basic principles and requirements of the art, in addition to those of the ideal flotation cell. The reliability and adaptations to all types of flotation problems account for the thousands of “Sub-A” Cells in plants treating many different materials in all parts of the world. The “Sub-A” (Fahrenwald) Flotation Machines have continuously demonstrated their superiority through successful performance. While many types of agitators and aerators will make a flotation froth and cause some separation, it is necessary to have flotation cells with the correct fundamental principles to attain high recoveries and produce a high grade concentrate. How do flotation cells and machine work for the mineral processing industry will be better understood after you read on. The DR flotation machine competes with Wemco and Outotec (post-outokumpu) flotation cells but are all similar is design.
Recent flotation research indicates that any two substances physically different, but associated, can be separated by flotation under proper conditions and with the correct machine and reagents. Non-metallics as well as metallics now being commercially recovered include gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron, manganese, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, graphite, phosphate, fluorspar, barite, feldspar and coal. More ores are treated using froth flotation cells than by any other single machines or process. Regulation of Mechanically Agitated Flotation Cells.
Sub-aeration and Denver “Sub-A” Flotation Cells Minerals Separation Sub-aeration Flotation Cells.