Column flotation cells

Create high-grade concentrates with FLS column flotation cells

Able to produce high-grade concentrates to meet final product specifications, our column flotation cells are ideal in cleaner applications, complementing mechanical cells and improving overall flotation performance. They are also effective for reverse flotation of insoluble silicas from iron ores.

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Key benefits of column flotation cells

  • Enhanced fines recovery

    The column cell’s large height-to-diameter ratio ensures a large collection zone with ample space for target mineral-bubble attachment. Collision and attachment rates are further enhanced by the venturi-style inline sparging systems, which delivers much higher intensity contacting that traditional jet-nozzle spargers.

  • High-grade concentration

    A large collection zone allows the column to operate at much deeper froth depths than traditional mechanical flotation cells for effective washing and cleaning of the concentrate before recovery. But it’s the use of wash water that really permits high upgrading, facilitating the washing clean of floating froth and overflow of high-grade concentrate into the concentrate launders.

  • Easy sparging system maintenance

    The sparging system on FLS column flotation cells – including recirculation pump and spargers – is externally mounted, simplifying maintenance by eliminating the need to enter the tank. Optional sparger isolation valves allow the spargers to be serviced online.

  • Low CAPEX and installation time

    FLS column flotation cells feature a modular construction, with components readily containerised for delivery to site. This minimises engineering costs, simplifies logistics, cuts delivery times, and reduces onsite fabrication times, costs, and safety risks.

Our column flotation cells

FLS froth cameras provide a clear image and analysis of froth movement over the launder, allowing for improved control of the flotation circuit and further optimizing performance. 

Automatically adjust recovery rate based on an algorithm that works with froth cameras and online sample analysers. 

Services of column flotation cells

The experts at the FLS Minerals Testing and Research Centre help fine tune your flotation systems to ensure optimal performance. Equipped with a range of testing and analysis equipment, we determine the optimal sizing, configuration, and operating practices of your flotation circuit. Operating flotation cells are supported by a global network of service centres, offering full-lifecycle technical assistance. Our service engineers travel regularly to sites for equipment inspections and audits, to supervise maintenance, and to deliver tailored training. Meanwhile, FLS spare and wear parts deliver long service life and ensure the performance of your flotation cells does not degrade over time.

Learn more about FLS service centres

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Frequently asked questions

FAQs for column flotation cells

Column flotation cells are a type of flotation device used in mineral processing to separate valuable material from waste (gangue). They are particularly suited to created high-grade concentrate as the final stage in a flotation circuit. 

Column flotation cells feature a deep, stable froth layer for improved recovery rate, and froth washing to improve the final grade of the product. They also generally require less energy than mechanically agitated cells. 

FLS column flotation cells feature a venturi-style sparging system. Air is sheared into the slurry under dynamic pressure changes, providing high-intensity contacting with the bubbles. This method enhanced collision and attachment rates compared to traditional jet-nozzle spargers, greatly improving fines recovery. 

Cross-sectional area and active volume are critical for selecting the appropriate column size for the application. The cross-sectional area helps determine the carry rate (amount of concentrate flowing over the launders divided by the total cross-sectional area) required for the column to perform correctly. The active volume, combined with the feed rate, is used to determine the size and quantity of flotation cells needed in a circuit to achieve the specified recovery rate.

We offer column flotation cells with cross sectional areas of 0.79m2 up to 28.27m2 and operating volumes of 2.5m3 up to 472.5m3.