Evaluation of flotation process course on the example of sulphide ores

Abstract

The article concerns investigations over the influence of selected parameters of the flotation process course on the values of technological indices of beneficiation process assessment. Following parameters were under evaluation: the pulp density, pulp aeration (measured through the rotational speed of rotor) as well as dosage of flotation reagents. Four technological indices were registered: concentrate recovery, concentrate grade, yield of the concentrate and the tails grade. There were calculated correlation coefficients between selected parameters of flotation process course and the values of technological indices, along with determination of significance of these coefficient, at accepted probability level 0.95. In the next stage of investigations there were determined mathematical models with the concentrate recovery, concentrate grade, yield of concentrate and tails grade as the functions of pulp density, speed of the rotor and dosage of flotation reagent. On the basis of the investigations carried out, it was appeared that the dosage of flotation reagent was of the most significant influence on the values of technological indices of flotation process assessment. The least significant influence, in turn, was obtained for the pulp density.