Introduction to KYF & CLF Cylindrical Flotation Cells
A) KYF Flotation Cells
KYF flotation cells are designed to provide excellent operational features such as ease of operation, energy efficiency, low air consumption, flexible layout and configuration, simple structure, and easy maintenance. These cells exhibit high efficiency and performance. Additional specifications of this type of flotation cells include the following:
- Structure design based on CFD simulation technology
- Capability of manufacturing up to a maximum volume of 320 m³
- External aeration system (with air flow rate ranging from 0.5 to 1.4 m³/m².min)
- Automatic process control system
Main features of KYF flotation cells include:
- Utilization of dual internal launders for foam flow
- Dual foam flow discharge outlets
- Unique air distribution system with an impeller
- Dart valve mechanism (for pulp flow discharge) outside the cell
- Foam phase level control using ultrasonic or laser systems
- Oval-shaped design of the cell’s lower section to eliminate dead zones
- Use of liners made from special rubber or polyurethane materials
Dual internal launders for foam along with the dual discharge outlets facilitate the rapid transfer of foam flow from inside the cell to the foam discharge paths. When necessary, radial launders are employed to reduce the load on the foam edge. This leads to faster concentrate recovery and reduces the probability of coarse particle detachment from air bubbles. Additionally, design and placement of a vertical shaft on the foam-carrying pipes results in a more efficient discharge of the foam phase.
The unique impeller and air distributor system is capable to simultaneously improve the flotation performance of both fine and coarse mineral particles. The pre-conditioning that occurs inside the impeller chamber can significantly enhance the recovery of fine minerals, while higher elevation transfer zones are ideal for the enrichment of coarse particles. Meanwhile, the air bubbles are reduced to finer sizes and are uniformly distributed throughout the entire flotation cell.
In addition, the external dart valve system and foam level control of the cell include a manual control dart valve and a pneumatic or electric control valve. Depending on the customer’s requirements, the foam level can be controlled using ultrasonic or optical/laser technology.
The interior of the cell is lined with vulcanized butyl rubber. The rubber coating thickness at the lower part of the cell, which experiences more wear, is 6±1 mm, while at the sidewall sections, where wear is less, it is 3±1 mm. The lifespan of the cell lining is a minimum of 5 years. Depending on the characteristics of the feed material and the customer’s requirements, rubber or polyurethane can also be used as the lining for the impeller system (rotor and stator).
The process circuit (cell bank/layout) is equipped with an integrated automatic control system. Key features of this control system include automatic monitoring/control of cell levels, control of airflow rate, bearing temperature control, and automatic lubrication of the bearings.
-
B) CLF Flotation Cells
The CLF flotation cell is specifically designed for the flotation of industrial slag, tailings, and coarse particles. The industrial applications of this cell have demonstrated that the CLF flotation cell features an advanced design, safety, stability, reliability, and excellent performance.
This flotation cell is divided into two types: square and cylindrical. The square cells are further categorized into suction cells and DC cells. The volume of these cells ranges from 2 m³ to 40 m³. The suction and DC cells together form a combined unit.
The CLF flotation cell can be used in various stages, including rougher, scavenger, and cleaner. It is divided into two zones: aerated (internal cell zone) and non-aerated (external circulation channel). The pressure difference between the pulp in the aerated and non-aerated zones can be utilized to enhance pulp circulation within the cell, ensure suspension of heavy mineral particles, minimize the impeller mixing power, and address the conflict between the weak mixing force needed for heavy minerals and the easy settling of coarse particles.
The CLF-40 cylindrical flotation cell, the largest size of this type, is made from Q235B carbon steel. To prevent sand accumulation and facilitate the movement of coarse and heavy particles to the center of the cell, allowing their return to the impeller region for reprocessing and minimizing pulp short-circuiting, the lower part of the tank is designed with an inverted cone-shaped structure.
In this cell, the internal tank, perforated plate, and false bottom form the return section. Thus, a circulation path is created between the return section and the outer part of the cell, such that finer mineral particles flow through the circulation channel, forming a pulp circuit and returning to the impeller area. The guide section of the unit is designed to be detachable from the cell, facilitating easier maintenance and overhauls.
In this cell, a perforated plate is installed, which increases the feed rate through the perforated areas. This setup creates a layer of suspension of heavy mineral particles above the perforated plate, with the heavier minerals settling in the shallower regions, thereby generating optimal hydrodynamic conditions for the flotation of these materials in the upper part of the cell. The gap distance between the grids depends on factors such as mineral density, pulp concentration, particle size distribution, airflow rate, and the pulp circulation of the processed minerals. The perforated plate is angled, with uniform spacing and a horizontal arrangement. This plate is designed to be detachable to facilitate maintenance and the replacement of the impeller, stator, and other components.
The air intake system of the cell can be divided into a top air inlet (for large-volume cells) and a side air inlet at the top (for small-volume cells). Each cell is equipped with a gas volume control valve to adjust the gas flow according to various operating conditions.