Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (Verkhnyaya Pyshma, Russia):

Panshin A. M., Technical Director, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, e-mail: info@ugmk.com

Institute of Material Studies and Metallurgy, Ural Federal University (Ekaterinburg, Russia):

Garifulin I. F., Chief Expert

Maltsev V. A., Director, Professor, Doctor of Engineering Sciences

Viduetsky M. G., Counsellor of Director

Purgin A. P., Chief Expert

The article estimates influence exerted by technology factors on the rate of flotation of sulphides contained in zinc agglomerated cakes by way of approximation of experimental results by modified Beloglazov’s equation:ε(t) = ε_max(1 – e^–kt). The authors have determined relationships between the change in constants of flotation rate of sulphides in zinc agglomerated cake and rotational velocity of flotation machine impeller; duration of agitation in the presence of collector prior to flotation; density of slurry (solid content); consumption of collector (potassium butyl xanthate); consumption of frother (T-80). These relationships show the rotational velocity of flotation machine impeller exerts the highest effect on flotation output. Acceleration of impeller results in dispersion of air into smaller bubbles (positive effect factor) and in increase in the flotation slurry flow rate, which potentiates detachment of mineral particles from air bubbles, as well as deflocculation (negative effect factor). Based on the research findings, the authors conclude on continuing improvement of flotation of zinc agglomerated cakes by means of testing and introducing modern flotation equipment to intensify interaction between solid, liquid and gaseous phases of slurry through treatment of the slurry by air microbubbles, and to decrease the slurry flow velocity and turbulence in process cell of flotation machine.

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