Copper process · 08 / Recover the mineral
Flotation
In froth flotation, selected mineral particles attach to air bubbles and move into the froth, which is collected separately. Rougher, scavenger and cleaner duties occupy different positions in the selected circuit. Concentrate is an intermediate product, not refined copper metal.
What arrives
Conditioned copper-bearing slurry
What leaves
A concentrate-bearing froth stream and remaining slurry
Equipment and support
Loading component explorer.
- Agitator drive
Turns the mixing mechanism in this illustrative mechanical cell.
- Mixing mechanism
Mixes slurry and disperses air in the selected cell design.
- Air system
Supplies air to the selected flotation arrangement.
- Level measurement
Measures the relevant process interface for the selected cell.
- Discharge valve
Regulates an outlet within the approved level-control arrangement.
- Froth and launder
Collects the concentrate-bearing froth for the downstream circuit.
Sources and equipment-specific detail
No typical motor ratings, throughput or operating targets are assumed. Supply nameplate and application information for an equipment-specific discussion. The cable tool retains its existing limitations.
- Copper extraction and beneficiation
EPA technical background: crushing, grinding, flotation and process boundaries. Historical reference, not a site design.
- Mechanical flotation mixing
An equipment example for mixing. Cell mechanisms and air arrangements vary.
- Flotation air and level control
An equipment reference for air and level concepts, without adopting model-specific ratings.