FLOTATION CELLS WITH DEVICES TO ENHANCE RECOVERY OF FROTH CONTAINING MINERAL VALUES

摘要

The present invention provides a flotation cell that includes a tank and an impeller rotatably disposed in the tank for suspending solids and dispersing air in a pulp phase or slurry in the tank, thereby generating froth from the pulp phase. A plurality of substantially radially oriented stationary baffle plates are disposed in the tank for reducing angular momentum of the froth while enhancing radial momentum thereof. Each of the baffle plates extends essentially through the entire layer of froth and the pulp phase or slurry. In another aspect, a plurality of radially oriented launders in fluid communication with a circumferential launder are disposed in the tank. A secondary launder, concentric with the central launder may also be placed in the tank. The radial launders are in fluid communication with the central launders and the secondary launder. This network of launders allows froth to collect at various points throughout the flotation cell, thereby increasing the froth collection efficiency.