XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3 2849
that the current SPH simulator does not account for froth
formation or bubble coalescence effects.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of funnels as retrofit designs was proposed to redi-
rect the water flows toward the centre of the flotation tank,
to decrease the entrainment of fine particles. The effect of
two different funnel designs on froth stability and metal-
lurgical performance was assessed. Air recovery experi-
mental measurements in a single-species system showed
that all funnels generate an improvement in froth stability,
however, experiments in a two-species system showed the
opposite effect, highlighting the importance of mineral-
ogy and chemistry on froth stability. Metallurgical results
showed that Funnel 2 resulted in an improvement in grade
and a reduction in entrainment. Funnel 2 consists of a 30°
inclined funnel, with an external diameter equal to the tank
thus leaving no space for particle flow near the walls, and
with a series of holes with a honey-comb mesh pattern for
air, liquid, and particle motion. SPH simulations evidenced
that Funnel 2 may prevent entrainment by reducing the
bubble swarms near the lip. Although further work with
extensive simulation validation and repetitions under dif-
ferent operating conditions is required, this work shows
promising results for the use of retrofit design modifica-
tions to reduce entrainment and enhance fine flotation.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors acknowledge funding from the European
Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme
Fine Future under Grant Agreement No. 821265. The
honeycomb mesh system used in Funnel 2 is based on the
design proposed by Dr Isobel Mackay during her PhD, and
her support is here acknowledged.
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