Inflatable Flotation Machine

Overview of Aerated Flotation Machine
Inflatable flotation machine is the core sorting equipment in modern ore dressing process, which realizes the efficient separation of minerals through the synergistic effect of external gas supply system and mechanical stirring. This type of flotation machine adopts the working principle of combining forced inflatable and mechanical stirring, which has the technical advantages of large inflatable volume, uniform bubble dispersion, and sufficient slurry stirring, etc. It is especially suitable for processing coarse particles, high density and difficult to select minerals, and has become the mainstream equipment for non-ferrous metal, ferrous metal and non-metallic ore separation.

Typical structure
Inflatable flotation machine is mainly composed of the following core components:

• Tank system:

  • Adopting "U" type or ladder type tank design.

  • Anti-mineral accumulation structure to minimize sand sedimentation at the bottom

  • Wear-resistant rubber or polyurethane lining

• Mixing device:

  • Large diameter conical impeller

  • Radial or umbrella stator

  • Intermediate air disperser

• Aerating system:

  • External blower for air supply

  • Gas flow regulator

  • Microporous gas distributor

• Control system:

  • Automatic liquid level adjustment

  • Intelligent control of filling volume

  • Motor frequency conversion speed regulation

Working Principle

• Slurry preparation: the grinding products and chemicals are fully adjusted and fed into the flotation tank.

• Gas slurry mixing:

  • External blower forced air supply

  • Impeller rotation disperses air bubbles

  • Air disperser secondary air distribution

• Mineralization process:

  • Hydrophobic minerals adhere to air bubbles

  • Formation of mineralized foam layer

• Separation and discharge:

  • Scraper scraping out concentrate foam

  • Tailings are self-flowing or pumped out

Technical Advantages

• Performance advantages:

  • Large adjustable range of filling volume (0.3-2.5m³/m²-min)

  • Uniform bubble size (0.8-2mm)

  • High suspension capacity for coarse particles

  • Suitable for high-density mineral sorting

• Economic advantage:

  • Energy saving 30-50% than traditional flotation machine

  • 10-20% lower consumption of chemicals

  • Low maintenance cost

  • 40% longer service life

Typical Model Comparison

Selection Guide

• Selection according to processing scale:

  • Small-scale processing plant: 2-8m³ single tank series

  • Medium-sized plant: 10-20m³ series

  • Large-scale processing plant: 30-40m³ series

• Selection according to mineral characteristics:

  • Coarse particles: large impeller high inflatable type

  • Fine grains: high speed micro bubble type

  • High density: strong stirring anti-subsidence type

• Select according to process requirements:

  • Roughing: high capacity type

  • Selection: High selectivity type

  • Sweeping: high recovery type

Maintenance points

• Daily inspection:

  • Impeller wear (monthly)

  • Smoothness of filling line (weekly)

  • Bearing lubrication status (daily)

• Regular maintenance:

  • Impeller stator replacement (12-18 months)

  • Tank lining overhaul (24 months)

  • Control system calibration (6 months)

• Common Troubleshooting:

  • Insufficient filling: check fan/clean air line

  • Unstable liquid level: calibrate sensor/adjust valve

  • Strange noise and vibration: check the bearings / impeller balance

Aerated flotation machine, as the key equipment of modern ore dressing process, is developing continuously in the direction of high efficiency, intelligence and green. In the future, it will realize virtual debugging through digital twin technology, optimize process parameters with the help of big data analysis, and provide more efficient, energy-saving and environmentally friendly sorting solutions for mineral processing plants.