IF Type flotation machine
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Pneumomechanical flotation machines of the IF type are state-of-the-art devices designed to conduct flotation of useful minerals, including non-ferrous metal ores and coal. They are the result of research and design work carried out at the Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals in Gliwice. The IF type flotation machines can be used in the flotation of pulp with a wide range of solids concentration, as well as in the enrichment of minerals with a high specific gravity. IF type flotation machines can operate as single-chamber flotation machines, but are most commonly assembled into multi-chamber flotation machines. Depending on the technological concept and location, the individual chambers are arranged in a straight line or in any broken line. The chambers of the flotation machines are cylindrical with capacities ranging from 1 m3 to 100 m3. Thanks to the technologies used, the service life of the IF flotation machines has been considerably extended.
The design of the aerator (rotor + calming unit) enables the flotation process to be carried out at a low peripheral rotor speed depending on the properties of the ore to be enriched. The distinguishing feature of the IF type flotation machines is the low specific power consumption.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
The feed material for flotation is fed to the flotation tank via a sending box, which is optionally installed inside or outside the machine, depending on the properties of the material to be floated and the location of the machine foundation. The froth product (concentrate) is withdrawn from the machine via receiving troughs arranged around the perimeter and radially at the top of the chamber. Depending on the capacity of the flotation machines and the type of flotation, 4-8 radial troughs are used. Flotation tailing are collected using waste boxes optionally installed outside or inside the flotation machine. The outflow of flotation tailing is regulated by a “plug and socket” valve. The movement of the plug is optionally controlled by pneumatic or electric actuators.
AUTOMATION DESCRIPTION
The flotation machines type IF are equipped with reliable automatic control systems, such as:
– system regulating the quantity of air fed to the flotation machine,
-system to regulate the level of slurry in the flotation machine,
It is also possible to equip these machines with a system for regulating the dosage of flotation reagents.
The machine control centres are located in control cabinets equipped with PLC microprocessor controllers.
These cooperate with the measuring and actuating devices installed in the facilities, which enables optimum automation of the technological process. All control cabinets are equipped with touch-screen operator panels allowing full control of the process and an overview of flotation parameters.
The automation and control systems installed in the IF machines are adapted to work in an Ethernet network.
Drawing of an IF flotation machine
Drawings shows flotation machine IF type in which both feed box and tailing box are external.
1. Flotation cell
2. Feed box external
3. Tailing box (external)
4. Aerator
5. Drive’s service platform
6. Concentrate peripheral through
7. Concentrate radial gutter
| MACHINE MODEL | IF-10 | IF-20 | IF-30 | IF-45 | IF-48 | IF-57 | IF-100 |
| Overall dimension ⌀ A | 3250 | 4060 | 4300 | 4900 | 5300 | 5300 | 6550 |
| Overall dimension ⌀ B | 2800 | 3220 | 3760 | 4300 | 4750 | 4750 | 5800 |
| Overall dimension C | 3718 | 5930 | 5100 | 6500 | 6000 | 6000 | 7070 |
| Electric motor rated power [kW] | 30 | 30 / 37 | 45 | 45 | 55 | 110 / 132 | |
| Effective volume of the chamber | 10 | 20 | 30 | 45 | 48 | 60 | 100 |
| Maximum process air flow rate [Nm3/h]. | <300 | <480 | <480 | <840 | 840 | <1200 | <1800 |
| Pressure of process air [Mpa]. | 0,03 – 0,06 | ||||||
| Air pressure in the automation system [Mpa]. | 0,4-0,6 | 0,4-0,6 | 0,4-0,6 | 0,4 | 0,4 | 0,4-0,6 | 0,4-0,6 |
| Total weight [kg] | 6275 | 11200 | 13100 | 18600 | 19500 | 22000 | 27690 |