Column Flotation Cell

As an integral part of a flotation circuit, column flotation is highly effective in producing high-quality
product, offering superior recovery of fine materials. Through proper column sizing and design,
this technology complements mechanical cells and improves overall flotation circuit performance.

FLSmidth’s column flotation technology is Key benefits

rooted in the original EIMCO Pyramid™ brand, ▪ Maximised product recovery through ideal
with a supply legacy dating back to the 1980s. hydrodynamic environment
Our modernised product line offers improved
metallurgical performance and modular, ▪ Improved material grade due to effective
customisable designs through our froth washing
configure-to-order (CTO) program, designed ▪ High contact with lowest energy input, via
to fit the individual needs of each process. innovative sparger system
▪ Reduced CAPEX costs, shorter delivery times and
Our unique column flotation design utilises
enhanced circuit functionality through modular
externally mounted spargers to facilitate bubble
particle contacting in a high-shear environment. CTO design
Through froth washing, our Column Flotation Cells ▪ Improved froth recovery, reduced utility and
offer advanced performance and consistently pumping demands, from optimised column
produce a high-grade product. cell design elements

WE DISCOVER POTENTIAL
 Column flotation
principles

The design elements of column flotation make it unique among flotation techniques;
considerations include froth washing effects, froth recovery, residence time, cross-sectional area
requirements, aspect ratio and column sparging. Primary contacting occurs among relatively quiescent
plug flow conditions within the vessel to promote recovery – specifically for coarser particle sizes.
Secondary, external, high intensity contacting promotes bubble-particle collision, which result
in attachment rates that optimise fine particle recovery.

Column flotation produces very Wash water

well-defined, deep and stable
froth layers that are washed with Wash pan
the application of percolating
water from above, displacing
gangue particles such as silicates
and carbonates. Thorough washing Froth
results in superior final product quality.

The high aspect ratio of the tank

creates a quiescent primary contact Overflow
hydrophobic material
zone, where plug-flow hydrodynamics
under reduced mixing conditions Feed
promote the recovery of slower
floating minerals.
Feed
FLSmidth columns feature distributor
venturi-style inline spargers. As the
slurry is pumped into the slurry header,
it distributes evenly between the
spargers. The air header injects air
individually into each sparger.

Air is sheared into the slurry under

dynamic pressure changes, providing
high-intensity contacting with the
bubbles. Compared to traditional
jet-nozzle insertion style spargers, Sparger Air distribution
this method enhances collision and pump header
attachment rates, greatly improving Air supply
fines recovery. Slurry distribution
header
Air
The externally mounted sparging
system, including a recirculation Sparger
high shear contacting
pump and spargers, offers ease of Air / slurry
maintenance by eliminating the need
to enter the tank. Optional sparger
Underflow
isolation valves allow the spargers to hydrophilic material
be serviced online.
 Sparger innovation:
pressure, power, performance
FLSmidth column cells feature external, venturi-style, inline Proper sparger and pump selection is as important to column
contacting spargers for high-energy contact between air and flotation as rotor selection is to mechanical cells. Improper sizing
floatable material. As mixtures of slurry and air pass at high can cause metallurgical shortcomings or excessive energy
velocity through enlarged- and reduced-area sections of the consumption. Because of this, we have invested in developing
spargers, they experience pressure shocks. These drastic comprehensive sizing tools, verified by direct onsite test work
pressure changes result in flashing of dissolved gases, producing and a close partnership with our KREBS® pump division, to deliver
ultrafine bubbles ideally suited to fine particle flotation. a fully integrated flotation solution for your process needs.

All KREBS pump products are designed and manufactured for

the highest level of efficiency and quality. The original millMAX™
pump revolutionised the slurry pump industry with its patented
“wear ring” suction-side sealing system. This system minimises
wear by maintaining suction-side clearances within the pump to
reduce internal recirculation and eliminate grinding between the
impeller and suction liner. Operators can maintain constant flow,
pressure and efficiency as the pump wears, without having to
increase the pump speed. Maintaining the pump speed
throughout the life of the pump significantly extends the life of
all wet-end parts and reduces power consumption. The wear
ring feature gained rapid acceptance in the mining industry,
enabling us to expand our range of pumps to what it is today.
Like all pumps in the KREBS family, the millMAX-e pump includes
the wear ring feature in addition to tight internal clearances and
a hydraulically advanced impeller, ultimately delivering the most
Because flashing is an aggressive hydrodynamic phenomenon efficient pump for column sparging applications.
with the power to erode metal surfaces, we manufacture our
spargers from a composition of highly wear-resistant materials.

Virtual sparger performance data used in our proprietary

sparger system sizing software ensures optimal sparger selection
and supply.
 Effective column sizing
and selection

In concert with our other flotation technologies,

we offer optimised flotation circuits by selecting
the ideal unit operation for your application to
produce maximum product at the required grade,
while reducing your CAPEX and operational costs.

Achieving superior metallurgical performance

requires close attention to proper column sizing
and design. Our unique combination of
field-proven technology and experienced flotation
professionals provides us with fundamental
understanding of column cell operation, which, in
turn, allows us to effectively size each column and
select functional features to ensure proper
operation and integration into your flow sheets.
This integration can extend as far as inclusion
of expert control systems, resulting in enhanced
overall flotation circuit operation and performance.
 Configurable standard and
configured-to-order (CTO)
We offer flotation columns based on a Water
Internal Air Supply Installed Feed Max Wash
standardised design criteria, with all design Diameter Air Demand Pressure Power Capacity Water
Supply
(Am3/h*) Pressure
elements optimised and pre-engineered. (m) (kPa) (kW) (t/h) (m3/h)
(kPa)
The selection and supply of equipment on a
MIN MAX
"configured-to-order” (CTO) basis, rather than
1 25 45 650 15 5 7 275
an "engineered-to-order" approach, allows for
optimised supply costs and expidited delivery 1.5 60 95 650 18.5 12 15 275
timing. Customised products are available 1.75 75 130 650 22 16 25 275
where standard offerings are not suitable. 2 100 170 650 30 21 30 275
Contact an FLSmidth flotation specialist for
2.5 160 265 650 30 33 45 275
guidance on the appropriate supply approach.
2.75 190 320 650 37 40 55 275

3 230 385 650 37 47 65 275

3.5 310 520 650 45 64 85 275

4 400 680 650 75 84 115 275

4.5 510 860 650 75 106 145 275

5 630 1060 650 110 131 175 275

5.5 770 1290 650 110 158 215 275

*Actual air flow at site conditions

*Note: Capacities and

utility requirements in
the table above are
based on typical copper
cleaner applications.
Actual values are
application-specific.
Contact FLSmidth for
precise application
information.

5.5m 1.0m
diameter diameter

FLSmidth A/S Minerals Technology Center www.flsmidth.com

Vigerslev Allé 77 7158 S. FLSmidth Drive
Copyright © 2020 FLSmidth. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
DK-2500 Valby Midvale, UT 84047-5559 FLSmidth is a (registered) trademark of FLSmidth.
Copenhagen USA This brochure makes no offers, representations or
warranties (express or implied), and information and
Tel. +45 36 18 10 00 Tel. +1 801 871 7000
data contained in this brochure are for general
Fax +45 36 30 18 20 E-mail: info.slc@flsmidth.com reference only and may change at any time.
E-mail: info@flsmidth.com
M 11-20 2000-7-ENG