A comparison of two flotation circuits

Two rougher-cleaner-cleaner/scavenger (R-C-CS) circuits, one with CS tails sent to final tails, designated open, and the second with CS tails recycled to the rougher, designated closed, are compared. The open structure by isolating roughing from cleaning which aids process control appears to be favoured. Linear circuit analysis was used to address whether structural differences also play a role. The solution for circuit recovery was taken for the case of equal stage recoveries which permits separation to be assessed using the differential, designated sharpness of separation. When circuit recovery exceeded ca. 50% the open circuit gave higher separation than the closed which may contribute to the open being favoured. An argument for equal stage recoveries is advanced.