Industrial application of a modified pilot-scale Jameson cell for the flotation of spodumene ore in high altitude area

The Jameson flotation cell is widely known to be efficient at fine coal recovery. However, it may be inefficient if the design parameters are not changed along with the difference in mineral floatability and working environment. In this paper, a pilot-scale Jameson Cell was modified for improving flotation separation of spodumene in high altitude area with low atmospheric pressure. The modified design parameters were the method of forming micro-bubbles by using a micro-porous tube instead of inducing air by the highly pressurized pulp, and the installation of a shower nozzle with three chokes at the end of downcomer. Micro-bubbles were formed by pressurized air passing through the micro-porous tube. Mineralization energy and dynamic turbulence intensity in separation tank were increased when the pressurized pulp passed through the chokes. Through these modified designs, the effects of low atmospheric pressure on generating micro-bubbles were eliminated, and the mineralization rate was improved in high altitude area. The usability and performance of this modified Jameson Cell was firstly assessed and confirmed on flotation of spodumene by a pilot-scale plant. The Li2O concentrate grade reached 4.60% with a recovery of 57.42% after a one rougher stage. Comparing with traditional mechanical flotation machine, the Li2O concentrate grade from the modified Jameson Cell increased by about 0.6% and the recovery increased by about 15%. Meanwhile, the power consumption per ton decreases from 227 kW * h/t to 1.81 kW * h/t. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.