Outotec SEAP Customer eNewsletter 2/2015 9

GIVE YOUR FLOAT CELLS THE BUBBLES THEY DESERVE! 5 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOUR FLOAT MECHANISM..

Flotation is a key process in most beneficiation plants. If your cells are not operating at the optimal level due to old or outdated equipment, overall plant performance will eventually suffer. Similarly, changes in ore deposits may require a circuit reconfiguration – so review audit of your float cells can lead to vastly superior new designs, resulting in better bubbles and better performance.

Outotec has a handy online FloatForce calculator to quickly evaluate potential savings from the FloatForce mechanism. Simply input some key data and the calculator will do the rest. More information is available here...

Since 2008, Outotec has supplied an improved flotation mechanism (FloatForce®) to both new and existing operations. Almost 100 concentrators around the globe are now running over 1800 new FloatForce mechanisms. There is often interest regarding this new mechanism, so below are the top five questions asked by sites.

1. I don’t have an Outotec float cell – can I still retrofit with the FloatForce mechanism?YES. FloatForce can be retrofitted to other supplier’s float cells. However, it’s important for us to assess the site conditions to ensure our equipment provides superior performance. In addition, FloatForce is fully interchangeable with our previous design (MultiMix). The FloatForce rotor and stator design matches the previous MultiMix bolt pattern and there is no need for adapter plates or major changes to the tank floor.

2. Can FloatForce increase product recovery?YES. FloatForce has already increased product recovery at various operations. It is however, highly dependent on the site conditions. Outotec can assist with metallurgical testwork and modelling/simulation packages to predict product recovery improvements.

3. Does FloatForce cost more?NO. FloatForce has a lower life of mine (LOM) operating cost when compared to MultiMix. The FloatForce design has components with different wear profiles and the high

wearing components generally cost less than the equiva-lent MultiMix. As a result, most operations experience a reduction in their LOM operating costs.

4. If there is improved pumping performance with

FloatForce, why does it not consume more power?It’s all down to the years of R&D investment which has lead to an optimised design that separates air dispersion and slurry mixing. Thus, Floatforce delivers improved pumping performace, but it is also more energy efficient. FloatForce is installed at lower rotor tip speeds than MultiMix. This results in less drag and most operations observe a 15% to 25% reduction in energy consumption.

5. Does FloatForce require more air?NO. FloatForce operates in the same air flow rate range as MultiMix. Superficial gas velocity rates (Jg) of 1.2 to 1.8m/s are targeted during normal operation and there is no need to upgrade the existing blower or compressor plant.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

SHERWIN.MORGAN@OUTOTEC.COM