WO2004080600A1 - Measuring froth stability - Google Patents
Measuring froth stability Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2004080600A1 WO2004080600A1 PCT/AU2004/000311 AU2004000311W WO2004080600A1 WO 2004080600 A1 WO2004080600 A1 WO 2004080600A1 AU 2004000311 W AU2004000311 W AU 2004000311W WO 2004080600 A1 WO2004080600 A1 WO 2004080600A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- froth
- cell
- column
- stability
- measuring
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
- B03D1/00—Flotation
- B03D1/14—Flotation machines
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
- B03D1/00—Flotation
- B03D1/02—Froth-flotation processes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
- B03D1/00—Flotation
- B03D1/02—Froth-flotation processes
- B03D1/028—Control and monitoring of flotation processes; computer models therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
- B03D1/00—Flotation
- B03D1/02—Froth-flotation processes
- B03D1/04—Froth-flotation processes by varying ambient atmospheric pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
- B03D1/00—Flotation
- B03D1/02—Froth-flotation processes
- B03D1/06—Froth-flotation processes differential
Definitions
- the present invention relates to recovering valuable material from mined minerals by means of froth flotation of a slurry of the mined materials.
- the present invention relates particularly to a method of measuring froth stability in a cell of a flotation circuit for recovering valuable material from a slurry of mined minerals containing valuable material and gangue material .
- the present invention also relates to an apparatus for measuring froth stability.
- the present invention also relates to a method of controlling the operation of a flotation cell using froth stability as a control parameter for the method.
- a froth is a three phase structure comprising air bubbles, solids and water.
- the bubbles are defined by a thin water film or lamellae, which separates two bubbles, while the intersection of three lamellae results in the formation of a narrow water channel called a Plateau border.
- the entire froth is therefore made up of a continuous network of narrow water channels in which water and solid particles can flow.
- the solids contained in the froth are either valuable material attached to lamellae or a mixture of valuable material and gangue material contained freely within the Plateau borders .
- a froth is a highly dynamic system in which solids and water movement is governed by the following processes :
- froth stability is understood herein to mean the ability of bubbles in a froth to resist coalescence and bursting.
- a more stable froth will have less coalescence and bursting events, a smaller mean bubble size and may carry more water. All of these factors will ultimately determine the structure and volume of the froth (water, solids and air) carried over the cell weir into the 5 concentrate launder and therefore the recovery of attached and unattached (carried in Plateau border) particles - in other words, the valuable material recovery and concentrate grade.
- Each of these variables can change rapidly or gradually over time and can significantly influence froth stability and the overall flotation performance.
- the present invention provides such a method.
- a method of measuring froth stability (as described herein) of a froth in a cell of a flotation circuit for a slurry of a mined mineral containing valuable material and gangue material which method includes a step of measuring one or more than one froth stability parameter using a measurement column arranged to extend downwardly through the froth in the cell to a location below an interface between the froth and the slurry in the cell.
- the froth stability parameter may be any parameter that provides information on the stability of the froth in the cell that can (a) be measured directly by means of the column or (b) be derived from measurements made using the column.
- the method includes washing the column to collapse the froth in the column to the pre-determined starting height, for example the interface between the slurry and the froth, and thereafter repeating the above- described measurement step and measuring one or more than one froth stability parameter.
- an apparatus for measuring froth stability of a froth in a flotation cell in a plant and for controlling operating conditions of a flotation cell which includes:
- a method of controlling the operation of a flotation cell which includes the steps of:
- froth stability data is understood herein to mean data that is directly measured by means of the column or is derived from directly measured data.
- the method includes repeating the measurement of the froth stability during the course of the operation of the cell and adjusting operating conditions of the cell based on the froth stability data.
- the model may be any suitable model that relates froth stability and the performance of the cell (in terms of recovery of valuable material and concentrate grade) to assess the cell performance.
- the model may be a fundamental model derived from theoretical considerations.
- the model may be based on comparing measured froth stability data and data on the historical operation of the cell.
- One particular model is a model that is being developed by the applicant.
- the model relates froth stability and the performance of the cell (in terms of recovery of valuable material and concentrate grade) .
- the model is a fundamental model and is based on foam physics and interprets the effect of froth structure on flotation.
- the model links the flow rate of valuable material, gangue material, and water to froth structure.
- the mass flow rate of valuable material, gangue material, and water are related to the flow rate of bubble surface area and the total volumetric flow rate of Plateau borders overflowing the weir. These last two parameters can be estimated through analysis of video images of the overflowing froth.
- testwork program carried out at the applicant's mine involved the use of a column 30cm square by 165cm high constructed of perspex.
- the objective of the program was to investigate how to measure froth stability parameters.
- the column was inserted into the pulp phase to a depth of 30cm and an operator manually recorded the level of the rising froth with time.
- the data was entered into a spreadsheet and the appropriate parameters were calculated.
- Figure 1 shows a typical column froth height versus time curve generated during the testwork.
- the graph has raw data as well as a "fitted model" for the data.
- the fitted model is a separate model to the previously described model .
- the fitted model has the form shown in equation (1) where H 0 is the maximum height the froth reaches and ⁇ is a fitted stability parameter.
- Figure 2 and 3 are graphs of column froth height versus time for selected operating conditions.
- the instantaneous rise velocity can be calculated from the froth stability curve and the superficial gas velocity can be measured, then the instantaneous bursting fraction (1- ⁇ ) can be calculated for a given froth height.
- a x is the fraction of airflow retained in the froth at a froth height of zero.
- ⁇ is the dynamic froth stability factor
- the above-described testwork determined how to measure two particular froth stability parameters, namely the maximum height attained by the froth in the column and the rate or velocity of movement of froth up the column from a pre-determined starting height to a maximum height of the froth in the column.
- Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram of an apparatus for measuring froth stability in a flotation cell in a plant and for controlling operating conditions of a flotation cell.
- the main, but not only, operating conditions that can be adjusted in response to froth stability measurements include reagents (frother, collector, pH modifier or other modifier) , air rate, pulp density, particle size and ore blend.
- the apparatus includes a column (6) that is constructed from 300mm diameter perspex pipe with a wear resistant and replaceable HDPE extension piece (9) which, in use, is inserted into the pulp in a cell. While the original column used in the testwork at the applicant's mine was square, it is anticipated that a circular column will provide better movement of the froth as there is no interference from the corners. Having said this, a square column would still suffice.
- the column (6) is constructed in a number of sections so the measurement height of the column can be reduced if necessary.
- Figure 5 illustrates a grid esh walkway above the cell on which to secure the column (6) . This may not always be the case and an alternate securing arrangement may be required.
- the column (6) is secured to the gridmesh via a securing plate (7) and the depth that the column is inserted into the pulp can be adjusted slightly via the level adjustment bolts (8) .
- the adjustable length tie down bars are required to minimise any bending of the column as a result of the pulp movement at the base .
- tie down bars may not be required.
- the froth height inside the column (6) is measured by an ultrasonic level sensor, although any other suitable means of continuously monitoring the froth level will suffice.
- the froth height data is monitored by a commercially available Citect monitoring and control system, which collects the data and performs the calculation of the froth stability parameters described previously.
- Froth stability data is supplied to the above- described model that relates froth stability and the performance of the cell (in terms of recovery of valuable material and concentrate grade) and the model assesses the cell performance and, if required, initiates adjustments to selected operating conditions of the cell to improve the cell performance.
- a water solenoid valve (2) is actu ⁇ ited to wash down the froth.
- the measurement sequence, data input to the model, and adjustment of cell operating conditions is then repeated.
- the sequence requires a 20-60 minute period and can be repeated on a continuous or periodic basis during the operation of the cell.
- the measurement sequence period may be any suitable period.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DK04719877.5T DK1613434T3 (en) | 2003-03-13 | 2004-03-12 | Measurement of foam stability |
AT04719877T ATE509704T1 (en) | 2003-03-13 | 2004-03-12 | MEASURING FOAM STABILITY |
PL04719877T PL1613434T3 (en) | 2003-03-13 | 2004-03-12 | Measuring froth stability |
EP04719877A EP1613434B1 (en) | 2003-03-13 | 2004-03-12 | Measuring froth stability |
AU2004218778A AU2004218778A1 (en) | 2003-03-13 | 2004-03-12 | Measuring froth stability |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2003901142 | 2003-03-13 | ||
AU2003901142A AU2003901142A0 (en) | 2003-03-13 | 2003-03-13 | Measuring froth stability |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2004080600A1 true WO2004080600A1 (en) | 2004-09-23 |
Family
ID=31500186
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU2004/000311 WO2004080600A1 (en) | 2003-03-13 | 2004-03-12 | Measuring froth stability |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1613434B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE509704T1 (en) |
AU (3) | AU2003901142A0 (en) |
DK (1) | DK1613434T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2371311T3 (en) |
PL (1) | PL1613434T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004080600A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200507463B (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100276342A1 (en) * | 2007-10-04 | 2010-11-04 | Imperial Innovations Limited | Method of froth floation control |
WO2012089651A1 (en) * | 2010-12-28 | 2012-07-05 | Akzo Nobel Chemicals International B.V. | Amine-containing formulations for reverse froth flotation of silicates from iron ore |
CN103221139A (en) * | 2010-11-19 | 2013-07-24 | 帝国创新有限公司 | Method and apparatus for froth flotation control |
CN103260766A (en) * | 2010-11-16 | 2013-08-21 | 科技资源控股有限公司 | Controlling froth flotation |
WO2013170296A1 (en) * | 2012-05-14 | 2013-11-21 | Technological Resources Pty. Limited | Controlling froth flotation |
CN103596695A (en) * | 2011-05-23 | 2014-02-19 | 帝国创新有限公司 | Method and apparatus for froth flotation control |
CN113393432A (en) * | 2021-06-09 | 2021-09-14 | 紫金矿业集团股份有限公司 | Intelligent froth flotation detection system |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1287274A (en) | 1968-09-26 | 1972-08-31 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Automatic control apparatus for the thickness of a layer of froth in a flotation cell |
US4552651A (en) | 1983-11-14 | 1985-11-12 | Conoco Inc. | Control of froth cell performance through the use of differential bubbler tubes |
SU1717237A1 (en) | 1989-07-05 | 1992-03-07 | Институт Горной Механики Им.Г.А.Цулукидзе | Device for adjusting flotation |
WO2001034304A1 (en) | 1999-11-12 | 2001-05-17 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Froth flow measurement system |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU548578B2 (en) * | 1981-08-28 | 1985-12-19 | Nauchno-Proizvodstvennoe Obiedinenie "Sojuztsvetmetavtomatica" | Froth flotation |
FR2677768B1 (en) * | 1991-06-11 | 1994-08-05 | Agronomique Inst Nat Rech | DEVICE FOR CHARACTERIZING THE FOAMING PROPERTIES OF AN AT LEAST PARTIALLY SOLUBLE PRODUCT. |
CN1399579A (en) * | 1999-11-24 | 2003-02-26 | 奥托库姆普联合股份公司 | Monitoring and control of froth flotation plant |
-
2003
- 2003-03-13 AU AU2003901142A patent/AU2003901142A0/en not_active Abandoned
-
2004
- 2004-03-12 AT AT04719877T patent/ATE509704T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2004-03-12 EP EP04719877A patent/EP1613434B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-03-12 WO PCT/AU2004/000311 patent/WO2004080600A1/en active Application Filing
- 2004-03-12 DK DK04719877.5T patent/DK1613434T3/en active
- 2004-03-12 PL PL04719877T patent/PL1613434T3/en unknown
- 2004-03-12 ES ES04719877T patent/ES2371311T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-03-12 AU AU2004218778A patent/AU2004218778A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2005
- 2005-09-28 ZA ZA200507463A patent/ZA200507463B/en unknown
-
2010
- 2010-08-24 AU AU2010212522A patent/AU2010212522B2/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1287274A (en) | 1968-09-26 | 1972-08-31 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Automatic control apparatus for the thickness of a layer of froth in a flotation cell |
US4552651A (en) | 1983-11-14 | 1985-11-12 | Conoco Inc. | Control of froth cell performance through the use of differential bubbler tubes |
SU1717237A1 (en) | 1989-07-05 | 1992-03-07 | Институт Горной Механики Им.Г.А.Цулукидзе | Device for adjusting flotation |
WO2001034304A1 (en) | 1999-11-12 | 2001-05-17 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Froth flow measurement system |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
DATABASE WPI Week 199305, Derwent World Patents Index; Class J01, AN 1993-043448, XP003012279 * |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100276342A1 (en) * | 2007-10-04 | 2010-11-04 | Imperial Innovations Limited | Method of froth floation control |
CN104668105A (en) * | 2007-10-04 | 2015-06-03 | 帝国创新技术有限公司 | Method of froth flotation control |
US8893893B2 (en) * | 2007-10-04 | 2014-11-25 | Imperial Innovations Limited | Method of froth flotation control |
CN103260766A (en) * | 2010-11-16 | 2013-08-21 | 科技资源控股有限公司 | Controlling froth flotation |
US20130306571A1 (en) * | 2010-11-16 | 2013-11-21 | Technological Resources Pty. Limited | Controlling froth flotation |
US9764258B2 (en) * | 2010-11-16 | 2017-09-19 | Technological Resources Pty. Limited | Controlling froth flotation |
CN103221139A (en) * | 2010-11-19 | 2013-07-24 | 帝国创新有限公司 | Method and apparatus for froth flotation control |
US8701892B2 (en) | 2010-12-28 | 2014-04-22 | Akzo Nobel Chemicals International B.V. | Amine-containing formulations for reverse froth flotation of silicates from iron ore |
WO2012089651A1 (en) * | 2010-12-28 | 2012-07-05 | Akzo Nobel Chemicals International B.V. | Amine-containing formulations for reverse froth flotation of silicates from iron ore |
AU2011351526B2 (en) * | 2010-12-28 | 2016-06-02 | Akzo Nobel Chemicals International B.V. | Amine-containing formulations for reverse froth flotation of silicates from iron ore |
CN103596695A (en) * | 2011-05-23 | 2014-02-19 | 帝国创新有限公司 | Method and apparatus for froth flotation control |
WO2013170296A1 (en) * | 2012-05-14 | 2013-11-21 | Technological Resources Pty. Limited | Controlling froth flotation |
CN113393432A (en) * | 2021-06-09 | 2021-09-14 | 紫金矿业集团股份有限公司 | Intelligent froth flotation detection system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1613434B1 (en) | 2011-05-18 |
PL1613434T3 (en) | 2012-02-29 |
EP1613434A1 (en) | 2006-01-11 |
DK1613434T3 (en) | 2011-09-05 |
AU2004218778A1 (en) | 2004-09-23 |
AU2010212522B2 (en) | 2013-10-24 |
AU2003901142A0 (en) | 2003-03-27 |
ES2371311T3 (en) | 2011-12-29 |
ZA200507463B (en) | 2006-12-27 |
AU2010212522A1 (en) | 2010-09-16 |
ATE509704T1 (en) | 2011-06-15 |
EP1613434A4 (en) | 2007-07-04 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
AU2010212522B2 (en) | Measuring froth stability | |
US20140110311A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for froth flotation control | |
AU2016368685B2 (en) | System and method for determining concentration | |
RU2490071C2 (en) | Method of foam-flotation adjustment | |
AU2011330923B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for froth flotation control | |
US4804460A (en) | Column flotation | |
US20150136664A1 (en) | Controlling froth flotation | |
Bhondayi | A study of flotation froth phase behaviour | |
Asplin et al. | The effect of surfactant concentration on batch flotation mineral flux and froth structure | |
AU2011331910B2 (en) | Controlling froth flotation | |
Gorain | Optimisation of flotation circuits with large flotation cells | |
Welsby et al. | A continuous pilot-scale flotation rig for the systematic study of flotation variables | |
Bergh et al. | Economic impact of spargers degradation in flotation columns | |
Park et al. | Amenability testing of fine coal beneficiation using laboratory flotation column | |
Prabhakar et al. | Beneficiation of sillimanite by column flotation—a pilot scale study | |
Tshibwabwa | Measurement and modelling of bubble size in flotation froths | |
Vermaak et al. | A simple process control model for spiral concentrators | |
Araya et al. | Characterization of frother effects on gas dispersion in a Jameson cell | |
Musara | Coal flotation: statistical comparison of a pilot flotation column and a batch mechanical cell | |
McKay et al. | Purposeful instrumentation for effective flotation control | |
Bhondayi | Measurements of particle loading on bubbles in froth flotation | |
YIANATOS | COLUMN FLOTATION | |
Ofori et al. | Assessment of the Controlling Factors in Turbo Flotation by Statistical Analysis |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
DPEN | Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101) | ||
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2004218778 Country of ref document: AU |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2005/07463 Country of ref document: ZA Ref document number: 2004719877 Country of ref document: EP Ref document number: 200507463 Country of ref document: ZA |
|
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2004218778 Country of ref document: AU Date of ref document: 20040312 Kind code of ref document: A |
|
WWP | Wipo information: published in national office |
Ref document number: 2004218778 Country of ref document: AU |
|
WWP | Wipo information: published in national office |
Ref document number: 2004719877 Country of ref document: EP |