Froth flotation is an important concentration process that selectively separates hydrophobic valuable minerals from hydrophilic waste gangue. In its simplest form, froth flotation is a method where minerals can be “skimmed” from the surface of “slurry” that is “foamed” with the assistance of specific chemicals, water, and air bubbles.
The following is a diagram of a typical froth flotation process –
While the froth flotation process certainly can require significant investment – in equipment, specialty chemicals, etc. – it offers significant flexibility to the mine to tailor the process to their specific ore. Of the options available to a mine, the collector, modifier, frother, and flotation cell design are the major elements that can be adjusted.
The perfect combination of chemicals and flotation cell design is the key for a high-efficiency flotation process. Further, this ability to make refinements and adjustments to multiple elements of the process is part of what gives froth flotation an advantage over other processes.
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