What is the role of flotation froth in the flotation process?

The theoretical basis of the flotation machine is basically same, that is, the hydrophobic characteristics of the ore surface is active as the positive hydrophobic (aerophilic or oil) characteristics by flotation reagent, then the ore grain aggregates at the liquid-gas or water-oil interface. There is one thing that plays a big role in the whole flotation process, that is flotation froth. But what is the role of flotation froth?

The V-belt of motor drives the impeller to rotate, which produces the centrifugal effect to form the negative pressure, then the flotation froth is generated under the centrifugal effect of impeller when the plenty of air is inhaled. The main purpose is to enrich those hydrophilic minerals, improve the mineral processing precision and decrease the difficulty of mineral processing. For example, it is easier to separate copper, lead ore though flotation process, which achieves high-quality and high-efficient separation.

These froths play a very important role in the froth flotation process. Just because of these froths that the ore particles or ore powder can be attached to the sticky froth, then these froths carry the ore particles out of the slurry and reach the washing stage for removing the ore particles. Finally, the concentrate is obtained, and the whole froth flotation is done.

The ore particles in the slurry contact and collide with the froths, and those ore particles with good floatability selectively adhere to the froths and are carried up into the mineralized foam layer (compose of gas-liquid-solid three phases). After the mechanical scrape or overflow from the slurry surface, the mineralized foam layer is dehydrated into concentrate products. Those gangue particles that cannot float are discharged with the slurry from the bottom of the flotation tank as tailings.

There is another indispensable thing in the froth flotation, namely flotation reagents. The role of the reagent is to increase the stability of the mineralized froth during the flotation, and allow air dispersion and froth formation to proceed independently. Besides, it increases the hydrophobicity of the natural mineral surface and strengthens the separation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic particles. Of course, different flotation reagents are used for different minerals. Only with the most suitable reagent, the recovery rate of minerals can be improved greatly, and the cost of mineral processing can be reduced to a minimum, so as to obtain the greater benefits.

In addition, a good flotation machine also plays a significant role. Good flotation machine can produce finer froth, and the adhering effect of useful minerals will be better. Thus, the good mineral processing effect can be achieved with a small mineral processing cost.