A flotation optimiser is a tool used in mineral processing to improve the efficiency of the flotation process by optimising parameters and variables, maximizing mineral recovery and concentrate grade while minimizing costs.
The effectiveness of a collector relies on the surface properties of the valuable minerals and the undesired gangue minerals. Typically, collectors are designed to strongly attach to the valuable mineral surfaces, making them water-repellent or hydrophobic. However, the presence of clay, other sulfide minerals, or oxidation processes can alter these surface properties and diminish the collector's ability to adsorb. To overcome this issue, biopolymers can be used to disperse these obstructive minerals, enhancing the effectiveness of the reagents and resulting in a greater recovery of valuable minerals.
Further reading | Optimising flotation circuit at a lead-zinc mine
In certain situations, the flotation cell may contain copper ions due to factors such as low-pH processing water or oxidation processes. Pionera products possess unique properties that prevent the activation of gangue mineral surfaces by copper ions. This, in turn, prevents the adsorption of the collector. As a result, fewer gangue particles will float, leading to improved concentrate grades, particularly during the cleaner stages of the process.
Further reading | Depression of copper activated pyrite at a lead-zinc mine