Flotation
Flotation is possibly the most versatile method of mineral concentration in use today. Although a complex process, it remains the most efficient and most widely used means for the recovery of sulphides, oxides, industrial minerals and coal.
Geology / Mineralogy
These areas are carefully considered and taken into account when designing testwork programmes, especially for complex sulphides or ores with fast floating gangue.
Sampling
AMMTEC is of the belief that sampling is of crucial importance in order to obtain meaningful results. We also place great emphasis on correct sample preparation and storage. All sulphides are stored under refrigeration to minimise oxidation effects.
Batch Flotation
AMMTEC has a large, well equipped flotation laboratory. Controlled potential sulphidisations are accurately and routinely carried out.
Locked Cycle Tests
Locked Cycle Tests are often carried out as a follow up to batch testing and simulate the recycling of cleaner tailings in a continuous plant.Continuous Mini-Plant
For continuous testing, an integrated mini-plant is available comprising milling, classification, thickening, conditioning, roughing, scavenging and cleaning. The mini-plant throughput is in the range of 60 - 150kg/hr. A large range of flotation cells are available from banks of 6 litre cells to 30 litre cells. Software for flowsheeting and mass balancing has been specifically developed.
Column Flotation
AMMTEC operates two column flotation units either alone, or in conjunction with conventional cells. The two 12 metre high columns, 70mm and 110mm in diameter, can be used for roughing, scavenging and cleaning.
Jameson Cell
AMMTEC is an authorised testing facility for the Jameson Cell. Both laboratory and pilot facilities are available.
Rate Tests
Rate tests may be under-taken to measure the rates of flotation of different mineral species. Assessment may also be made in flotation response using various reagents.
Flotation
- Nickel
- Copper
- Complex Sulphides
- Pyrite/Arsenopyrite
- Monazite
- Graphite
- Haematite
- Oxalate
Transportable Pilot Flotation Plant
AMMTEC has a transportable flotation pilot plant enclosed in a 12-metre sea container with a capacity of a nominal 1.5 tonnes per hour. This plant is suitable for:
- Operating in parallel with existing circuits
- Flowsheet design for greenfield and brownfield expansions
- Reagent comparison testing
- Operator training
- Production of concentrates, tailings an intermediate streams for further processing
The plant is equipped with a hydraulic roof lift for ventilation and operator comfort, and with hydraulic levelling jacks. This pilot plant compliments AMMTEC's existing smaller pilot plants, which have treatment rates of between 50 and 250 kg/hour.
Matching Ball Mill(s), Classifiers, Thickener, Filtration and Courier in-stream analyser modules can be included, along with associated materials handling equipment, to make this plant virtually stand-alone.
The plant base configuration is based on Outokumpu cells as follows:
- Rougher/Scavenger cells - 5*2 cell banks @ 150 litres per cell
- Cleaner cells - 2*2 cell banks & 1*4 cell bank @ 50 litres per cell
- Recleaner cells - 1*2 cell bank & 1*4 cell bank @ 10 litres per cell
- Regrind mill
- Float Feed Conditioner - 200 litres capable of HIC
- Air supply blower for flotation cells
- Reagent supply system for up to 15 reagents addition points
- Sample pressure filters
- Slurry pumps for all flotation products
- Outokumpu Particle Size Indicator (PSI)
- Courier 30 on-stream analyser (optional)
The pilot plant can be set up with one technician. Full doors at both ends and half doors along the sides provide good access to all equipment for set-up, operation and maintenance.
Site preparation is minimal – reasonable level compacted surface irregularities can be compensated for with the levelling system. A concrete pad is not required.
Plant electrical hardware and wiring is suitable for most mine sites.
Courier Xp/Ap In-Stream XRF Analyser
AMMTEC has commissioned its Courier In-Stream Analyser and is pleased to be able to offer in-stream XRF analysis for piloting applications. It is for use in Pilot Flotation, Pilot Mixer-Settler SX and Pilot Pulsed Column SX.