Flotaatiosäiliö

Flotaatiosäiliö, often translated as flotation cell or flotation tank, is a piece of industrial equipment used primarily in the mining and mineral processing industries for the separation of valuable minerals from waste rock. This process, known as froth flotation, relies on the differences in hydrophobicity between different mineral particles. In essence, a flotation cell is a container where finely ground ore is mixed with water and specific chemical reagents.

The core principle involves introducing air into the mixture, which creates bubbles. The reagents are designed to selectively attach to the surface of the desired mineral particles, making them hydrophobic (water-repellent). These hydrophobic particles then adhere to the air bubbles and rise to the surface of the liquid in the flotation cell, forming a froth. This froth, containing the concentrated valuable minerals, is then skimmed off the top. Unwanted gangue minerals, which remain hydrophilic (water-attracting), do not attach to the bubbles and settle to the bottom of the cell, allowing for their separation.

Flotation cells come in various designs, including mechanical agitation cells and pneumatic cells, each with its own advantages for specific ore types and processing requirements. The size and configuration of flotation cells are also critical factors, with large-scale operations employing numerous cells in a sequential arrangement to maximize recovery. This technology is fundamental to the economic viability of many mining operations worldwide, enabling the efficient extraction of minerals like copper, lead, zinc, and gold.