A feed-line aerated flotation column Part I: Batch and continuous testwork

A systematic procedure has been developed for feed-line aerated flotation column evaluation in laboratory and plant. Slurry in batch operation is continuously recirculated from the column bottom through an external aerator and then incremental froth products are collected. In continuous operation, a grade-recovery curve is generated by changing feed and gas rate. The selectivity data from these two modes of column operation are compared. perimental procedures are described in this paper with an example application to chalcocite-heazlewoodite separation at INCOʹs Matte Separation plant. The significance of the experimental procedure for column design and scale-up as well as general column testwork is discussed.