COLUMN AND NON-TRADITIONAL FLOTATION

Conventional, mechanical flotation has long been considered the workhorse of the flotation industry. However, column and other non-traditional flotation approaches continue to provide benefit where traditional processes fall short. This benefit is best demonstrated in applications treating ultrafine material where the use of smaller bubbles and froth washing provide increased capacity and a high-grade product. Several technologies now exist which incorporate this approach. At the other end of the particle size distribution, flotation in a fluidized-bed offers the opportunity to improve the recovery of particles in excess of 3 mm. This technology is well suited for applications where liberation is achieved at relatively coarse sizes, which is common for the potash, phosphate and diamond industries. This approach can also significantly reduce the quantity of material that requires grinding or regrinding given that this technology can provide throwaway reject. This chapter reviews the design and guidelines for flotation of fines with column flotation as well as provides up-to-date information on the flotation of ultracoarse particles using new technology. Operating guidelines for these high-efficiency flotation technologies have also been provided.