National University of Science and Technology «MISiS» (Moscow, Russia):
Shekhirev D. V., Professor, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, shekhirev@list.ru
Smaylov B. B., Engineer;
Muraitov D., Graduate Student;
Dumov A. M., Associate Professor, Candidate of Engineering Sciences

The possibilities of an approach based on nonhomogeneity of material description through mineral particles distribution with respect to floatability (flotation rate, flotation rate constant) are demonstrated. Such an approach suggests that each flotability fraction is related to first-order flotation rate. Particle mineralogical characteristics, its morphology do not definitively determine its flotability under a given reagent regime, therefore, floatability distributions calculation is still actual. Material distribution with respect to floatability is most often approximated by formulas known from the probability theory, in doing so, it is important to select the range of flotation rate values. The authors have developed a calculation method based on the introduction of a constant-flotation-rate scale and distribution description by piecewise constant function, providing for stable calculation of distributions consisting of 6 or 12 fractions. The methods for flotation flow sheets metallurgical results calculation prediction on the basis of floatability distributions range are being improved. Among them, the analysis of laboratory flotation kinetics of process samples taken from starting and final products of all operations is used. Through comparison of material distributions with respect to floatability under different reagent regimes, reagents’ special effects upon floatability are distinguished. On the basis of the separated components floatability ranges’ analysis, the authors explain the cause of lack of concentrate grade increase in cleaning operations notwithstanding the great difference in recovery of separated components in rougher flotation. Through comparison of floatability ranges in flotation flow sheet prior and following reagents’ dosing, the character of material transitions between flotability fractions is determined. This offers the possibility to model flotation flow sheet’s metallurgical results in two consecutive circuits with different configuration. In both cases a good agreement between the experimental and computational data was achieved.
The work was performed with the financial support from the Federal Targeted Programme «Research and development in the trends of priority growth areas of the science and technology sector of the Russian Federation for 2014–2020», Project RFMEF157514X0085.

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