Flotation Machine Selection Guide

Flotation machine selection depends on the flotation duty, particle characteristics, aeration requirements and process conditions. The following table provides a practical reference for preliminary equipment selection.

Three Factors That Matter

Flotation Duty
Mechanical cells are commonly used for roughing and scavenging. Cleaning stages may use mechanical cells or flotation columns depending on the required concentrate grade and selectivity.

Aeration Requirements
If independent control of air flow is important, a forced-air flotation cell is generally worth considering. Self-aspirated cells can be considered where self-induced aeration is preferred.

Particle Characteristics
Particle size, density and liberation affect flotation performance. Equipment should provide suitable suspension and bubble-particle contact for the actual feed conditions.

Do Not Select by Ore Type Alone

A “gold flotation machine” or “copper flotation machine” is not a complete technical selection criterion.

Even ores containing the same valuable mineral can have different mineralogy, liberation size and flotation kinetics. Final selection should consider flotation test results, required throughput, pulp conditions and circuit design.

Need Help Selecting Flotation Equipment?

Send Y&X your ore type, processing capacity, feed size and flotation requirements. We can assist with preliminary flotation equipment selection and configuration.