Understanding copper flotation in the JKHFmini: A small-scale fluidised bed cell
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Laboratory batch flotation testing on small samples in conventional cells, such as the Denver flotation cell, is well-established and standardized. On the other hand, the JKHFmini (a small-scale fluidised bed flotation cell) is a newly developed flotation cell that requires testing to validate it and understand the factors affecting its operation. This work aims to elucidate how the operating variables of the JKHFmini affect flotation performance and compare the flotation outcomes to those obtained in a full-scale HydroFloat® unit. Flotation tests were performed using an experimental design and conducted in parallel with surveys of a full-scale HydroFloat® circuit, and the results were compared. The results show that increasing the water flow rate during operation improved copper recovery, but excessive water flow caused unselective gangue recovery. Recovery also increased with airflow but plateaued beyond an optimal point. It was demonstrated that the JKHFmini exhibits good repeatability while achieving high preferential recovery of the valuable mineral. Compared to the full-scale HydroFloat®, the JKHFmini produced copper recoveries of similar magnitude, although the mass recoveries obtained in the JKHFmini were significantly higher.
Source: Minerals Engineering
Authors: Bellson Awatey, Isabella Verster, Kym Runge
Institution: The University of Queensland
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,220
Funder: Australian Research Council
OpenAlex ID: W4415483314