R = (C c) / (F f)F and C: feed and concentrate mass flow rates; f and c: metal contents on the same basis.
Use when: Metallurgical recovery; multiply by 100 for a percentage.
Mineral concentration by flotation
Linking surface chemistry, bubbles and selective separation of minerals.
What is happening?
Flotation separates particles according to their ability to attach to bubbles. Reagents modify the surface of certain minerals while the foaming contributes to the formation of a foam carrying the concentrate.
pH, particle size, agitation and air influence the process. Metal recovery should be compared to concentrate grade: recovering more mass can also result in more gangue.
The formulas, with their conditions.
F = C + T ; Ff = Cc + TtT: reject; t: content of the rejection.
Use when: Two-product balance in steady state and on a consistent basis.
Where is this principle used?
sulfide concentrator
Enrich copper, lead or zinc ores.
Industrial mineral processing plant
Separate phases according to their buoyancy.
What to observe in the experiment
Vary a collector dose and simultaneously compare concentrate content and metal recovery.
References and readings
This sheet explains the principles and their assumptions. Educational simulation can simplify the process; an industrial model requires suitable data and validation.
Have you understood the essentials?
Only one correct answer per question. Answer all three questions, then view the answer key.
Intu Lab · Understanding sheet · Kimba Christian