Modernização de células de flotação autoaspiradas com a tecnologia ar forçado

Abstract

The mechanical and metallurgical evaluation of flotation circuits, through sampling campaigns, kinetic tests, simulations and modeling, identifies the fastest and most economical way to improve flotation performance and, therefore, the operating profit of mining companies. The present study, in addition to reviewing the fundamentals/principles of flotation, flotation machines, reagents and lab tests, presents adequate solutions and technologies, with a focus on the modernization of self-aspirated flotation cells with forced air technology, to update the operations of existing flotation plants and improve their metallurgical performance, energy efficiency and availability. The high sanding rate of self-aspirated cells and their difficulty in supplying constant and uniformly distributed air to the process environment can be solved by upgrading the mixing mechanism to forced air technology. A successful case study for copper and gold (modernization of 10 flotation cells of 160m³ with forced air technology) was used as a basis to support the central theme of this research. Sampling campaigns and simulations were carried out before project implementation and indicated that an increase in residence time would be achieved with the retrofit of the flotation cells, which would lead to an increase in the metallurgical recovery of copper and gold. After the implementation of the new forced air type flotation equipment (new mixing mechanism and donut launder), the overall performance of the rougher-scavenger section improved in all aspects, mechanically and metallurgically. Gains were observed in the metallurgical recovery of copper and gold, as well as reductions in energy consumption, sanding levels and noise levels.