Modeling and optimization of the hydroaerodynamic regime in the transport – secondary concentration zone in column flotation machines

Based on the results of modeling of aero-hydrodynamic regime in the area of transportation and secondary concentration of the foam product of copper ore flotation, approaches to optimizing the design parameters of column pneumatic flotation machines have been selected. To remove grains of non-metallic minerals mechanically deposited in the foam layer, it is proposed to achieve maximum "discharge" of excess inter-bubble fluid.Visiometric studies using mineral luminophores have established patterns of secondary concentration processes. The dependences of the mass fraction and extraction of copper into concentrate on the density of the water-mineral fraction of the foam product were determined. The calculation results show that the required duration of the secondary concentration process is provided when the height of the foam transportation zone is from 1.2 to 1.4 m.Designs of column flotation devices with an average foam chute arrangement which ensure stabilization of the aero-hydrodynamic regime and equal-speed unloading of the foam product are proposed.The selected design parameters of column pneumatic flotation machines have been tested and recommended for use in a new series of devices of the KFM series.