ME - Mash the elephant
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Luleå tekniska universitet - Avdelningen för Mineralteknik och Metallurgi |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 498 000 |
| Project duration | April 2020 - November 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Swedish mining and metal producing industry - SIP Swedish Mining Innovation |
| Call | Towards a sustainable development in the mining and metal extraction industry |
Purpose and goal
Improve the flotation responses of fine and ultrafine particles by implementing nanobubbles which created in various conditions based on hydrodynamic cavitation.
Expected results and effects
Size by size analyses of the flotation concentrate indicate that adding nanobubbles to the system can improve the flotation responses (recovery and grade) of ultrafine particles. It was indicated that kinetic of process was improved. Moreover, the nanobubble flotation could reduce variation in the flotation responses, and made the system much more stable. Using reagents for the nanobubble generation may improve the selectivity and can be considered for different flotation steps such as cleaner tanks.
Planned approach and implementation
In general, two series of flotation tests were considered. 1- Conventional 2- Conventional + Nanobubbles. Flotation conditions were designed based on the recommendation of our industrial partners (Boliden and LKAB). All experiments were considered at least two different size fraction feeds: -150 micron and -38 micron. For the flotation kinetic assess, concentrate took after different intervals: 1, 3, 5 and 7min. All test were performed in a 2 litter Outotec flotation machine, and repeated twice. XRF and particle size analyses were provided for all the produced concentrates.