A comparative evaluation of the leading advanced flotation technologies

A comparative evaluation has been conducted using three leading advanced flotation technologies, which utilize different types of bubble-particle attachment environment. Based on a statistical evaluation of the test data the Packed-Column technology, which provides a near plug-flow flotation environment due to the presence of corrugated packing material in the cell, produced the best separation performance due to its ability to support an extremely deep froth zone. However, because of the absence of an air sparging system and the consequent larger bubbles, the froth carrying capacity was the minimum with the Packed-Column technology. On the other hand, the throughput capacity achieved by the Jameson Cell technology, which has a self air-inducing co-current system that provides an intimate bubble-particle attachment environment characterized by an extremely high air fraction and ultrafine bubbles, was found to be maximum. The Microcel™ technology achieved its maximum carrying capacity while providing a high energy recovery with a reasonably low reagent consumption.