2736 XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3
with 4 particle size classes, with each size class once again
divided into a floating and non-floating component. The
simulations also included 2 bubble size classes, with the air
being introduced along with the fluidisation water via 16
inlets on the sloping lower walls of the cell. Figure 3 shows
a snapshot of the simulation 8 seconds after the start of the
fresh feed introduction, as well as after 2 minutes when the
cell has approached steady state (note that this is not a true
steady state as the concentrate is not recycled and floatable
material is therefore removed).
Pilot Scale CoarseAir™ Cell
As well as comparisons to the actual laboratory scale cell,
simulations have been carried out to predict the perfor-
mance of pilot scale CoarseAir Cell. This cell has a volume
of approximately 5 m3 and is again fluidised from below,
with feed being introduced via 16 feed ports on two feed
manifolds. Steady state was achieved by virtually recycling
all of the solids leaving via both the concentrate and tail-
ings. The particle and bubble classes used in these simula-
tions were the same as those used in the laboratory scale
simulations. Figure 4 shows the volume concentrations of
Figure 3. Laboratory scale CoarseAir™ cell showing volume fraction solids (LHS) and volume fraction air (RHS). a) Snapshot
after 8 seconds and b) after 2 minutes
Figure 4. Snapshot from simulation at steady state for a pilot scale CoarseAir™ cell showing a) volume fraction attached
flotable material, b) unattached flotable material and c) total solids
with 4 particle size classes, with each size class once again
divided into a floating and non-floating component. The
simulations also included 2 bubble size classes, with the air
being introduced along with the fluidisation water via 16
inlets on the sloping lower walls of the cell. Figure 3 shows
a snapshot of the simulation 8 seconds after the start of the
fresh feed introduction, as well as after 2 minutes when the
cell has approached steady state (note that this is not a true
steady state as the concentrate is not recycled and floatable
material is therefore removed).
Pilot Scale CoarseAir™ Cell
As well as comparisons to the actual laboratory scale cell,
simulations have been carried out to predict the perfor-
mance of pilot scale CoarseAir Cell. This cell has a volume
of approximately 5 m3 and is again fluidised from below,
with feed being introduced via 16 feed ports on two feed
manifolds. Steady state was achieved by virtually recycling
all of the solids leaving via both the concentrate and tail-
ings. The particle and bubble classes used in these simula-
tions were the same as those used in the laboratory scale
simulations. Figure 4 shows the volume concentrations of
Figure 3. Laboratory scale CoarseAir™ cell showing volume fraction solids (LHS) and volume fraction air (RHS). a) Snapshot
after 8 seconds and b) after 2 minutes
Figure 4. Snapshot from simulation at steady state for a pilot scale CoarseAir™ cell showing a) volume fraction attached
flotable material, b) unattached flotable material and c) total solids