XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3 2817
Feed Solids Concentration
The effect of solids concentration on Jameson cell perfor-
mance is complex. It does not substantially impact residence
time as in conventional flotation cells. However, it could
affect bubble formation in the downcomer (e.g., changing
jet surface roughness and pulp viscosity), air entrainment at
high solids concentration, and stability and mobility of the
froth phase (Runge et al. 2012).
Vacuum Pressure
The vacuum pressure provides an indication of the amount
of air entrained into the downcomer, i.e., the air flow
rate. When carrying capacity is not limited, reducing the
vacuum pressure increases the air flow rate and recovery
until a maximum is reached above which flooding occurs
(Atkinson, Conway &Jameson 1993). Vacuum pressure is
typically maintained between –5 and –25 kPa. Operating
in the lower range of vacuum pressure might be required
in scavenging to achieve the desired recovery performance.
Wash Water
The use of wash water can aid in minimizing entrainment
of particles to the concentrate. It is defined as a wash water
ratio, that is, the ratio of the wash water flow to the water
flow in the concentrate (Evans, Atkinson &Jameson 1995).
Large wash water ratios in scavenging may destabilize the
froth and result in lower recovery. Lower ratios, however,
could limit the effectiveness of gangue removal, impacting
the concentrate grade.
Froth Depth
The froth phase in a Jameson cell can be controlled simi-
larly to that of columns and conventional cells. Froth depth
impacts overall recovery via its impact on froth residence
time and, therefore, froth recovery (Ata 2012). Shallow
froth depths are generally used where high recovery is nec-
essary, with deeper froth depths employed to maximize
concentrate grade (Evans, Atkinson &Jameson 1995).
Frother Dosage
Frother type and dosage affect air entrainment and the bub-
ble size generated in the downcomer. Higher dosages result
in better air entrainment and smaller bubble size. There is
a maximum frother dosage beyond which the bubbles are
so small that they do not easily disengage in the pulp zone,
which results in loss of the pulp-froth interface and selec-
tivity (Carr, Harbort &Lawson 2003, Evans, Atkinson &
Jameson 1995). Frothers also play an essential role in con-
trolling the froth, impacting froth stability and mobility.
Due to poorer froth stability, frother is anticipated to be
required in scavenging.
Figure 1. Schematic of the Jameson cell and its main zones (Glencore Technology 2023)
Feed Solids Concentration
The effect of solids concentration on Jameson cell perfor-
mance is complex. It does not substantially impact residence
time as in conventional flotation cells. However, it could
affect bubble formation in the downcomer (e.g., changing
jet surface roughness and pulp viscosity), air entrainment at
high solids concentration, and stability and mobility of the
froth phase (Runge et al. 2012).
Vacuum Pressure
The vacuum pressure provides an indication of the amount
of air entrained into the downcomer, i.e., the air flow
rate. When carrying capacity is not limited, reducing the
vacuum pressure increases the air flow rate and recovery
until a maximum is reached above which flooding occurs
(Atkinson, Conway &Jameson 1993). Vacuum pressure is
typically maintained between –5 and –25 kPa. Operating
in the lower range of vacuum pressure might be required
in scavenging to achieve the desired recovery performance.
Wash Water
The use of wash water can aid in minimizing entrainment
of particles to the concentrate. It is defined as a wash water
ratio, that is, the ratio of the wash water flow to the water
flow in the concentrate (Evans, Atkinson &Jameson 1995).
Large wash water ratios in scavenging may destabilize the
froth and result in lower recovery. Lower ratios, however,
could limit the effectiveness of gangue removal, impacting
the concentrate grade.
Froth Depth
The froth phase in a Jameson cell can be controlled simi-
larly to that of columns and conventional cells. Froth depth
impacts overall recovery via its impact on froth residence
time and, therefore, froth recovery (Ata 2012). Shallow
froth depths are generally used where high recovery is nec-
essary, with deeper froth depths employed to maximize
concentrate grade (Evans, Atkinson &Jameson 1995).
Frother Dosage
Frother type and dosage affect air entrainment and the bub-
ble size generated in the downcomer. Higher dosages result
in better air entrainment and smaller bubble size. There is
a maximum frother dosage beyond which the bubbles are
so small that they do not easily disengage in the pulp zone,
which results in loss of the pulp-froth interface and selec-
tivity (Carr, Harbort &Lawson 2003, Evans, Atkinson &
Jameson 1995). Frothers also play an essential role in con-
trolling the froth, impacting froth stability and mobility.
Due to poorer froth stability, frother is anticipated to be
required in scavenging.
Figure 1. Schematic of the Jameson cell and its main zones (Glencore Technology 2023)