Cyclonic-static micro-bubble flotation column

A cyclonic-static micro-bubble flotation column (FCSMC) was developed for mineral separation, particularly for whole flotation circuits. The FCSMC featured multiple mineralisation steps, including countercurrent mineralisation, cyclone mineralisation and pipe flow mineralisation in a single column, through which the mineralisation energy, mineralisation rate and dynamic turbulence intensity gradually increased to compensate for the decrease in the floatability of mineral particles. It thus led to highly efficient mineralisation as well as a sufficient retention time fine mineral recovery. The usability and performance of the FCSMC was assessed and further confirmed by lab-, pilot- and industrial-scale units based on magnetite ore. The iron concentrate grade reached 69% with a recovery of 95%.