Patent ID: 9079192
Filing Date: 2015-07-14
Classification: B03D,G01F

Abstract:
1. A method of using a flotation machine that is used in metallurgical processes, the flotation machine foaming hydrophobic particles from an aqueous slurry that contains these particles, and the flotation machine includes a flotation cell ( 1 ) and a rotor ( 2 ), which is inside the flotation cell and in which the rotor is rotated at a mixing power that maintains a suspension in the slurry and mixing of air with the slurry to form foam, and the mixing power is controlled by adjusting the rotational speed of the rotor, characterized in that the rotor is rotated at the lowest possible first rotation speed which, in terms of metallurgy, is selected so as to have an adequate mixing power to maintain a suspension and form foam and, at the same time, to be small enough to allow the accumulation of solid matter on the bottom of the cell; the amount of the solid matter accumulated on the bottom of the cell is determined; the determined amount of said solid matter is compared with a predetermined limit value; if the determined amount of the solid matter exceeds the predetermined limit value, the rotation speed of the rotor is increased to a second rotation speed, which is higher than the first rotation speed and which is adequate to remove the solid matter accumulated on the bottom of the cell; and the second rotation speed is maintained, until the amount of solid matter is below the predetermined limit value, and the rotation speed is reduced to the first rotation speed.