DELKOR’s MAXGen-Equipped BQR Flotation Cells Are Gaining Ground in the Mineral Processing Space
Bernice J. Hicks
3 min read
Posted by Daniel Gleeson on May 31, 2022
TAKRAF Group says it is seeing strong demand for its new generation DELKOR BQR flotation cell, now equipped with the MAXGen mechanism for class-leading metallurgical performance across a wide range of feedstocks.
Its MAXGen-equipped cells were first applied commercially in a cement plant in India, to maximize limestone recovery. In other more recent orders, the cells are being applied to a range of products with the technology selected for both its superior metallurgical performance, as well as DELKOR’s ability to provide a cost-effective, customized solution, the company said.
The series of recent orders includes 12 BQR flotation cells for a fluorspar processing plant in Spain. Here the cells are fitted with eDART internal dart valves for the larger cells and external pinch valves for the small cell. eDART valves are known worldwide for their superior and safe design, TAKRAF said.
Five BQR flotation cells are also used for iron ore processing in Honduras.
As part of an economically viable package, the cells were supplied with a reagent system and fan, as well as conductivity-type level sensors for precise foam level detection and control, TAKRAF said.
The company also shipped 11 BQR flotation cells for two gold mines in Australia.
Special features of this application included a dual outlet foam discharge box with dart plugs to divert foam to different pipelines depending on the metal quality of the foam. In addition, adjustable foam lips allow for foam discharge flexibility into the chutes. Given the high ultraviolet (UV) levels of the environment, UV resistant paint was provided to protect the rubber liner, the company added.
In South Africa, four BQR flotation cells for the recovery of iron ore from a concentrator tailings stream of zinc, lead, silver and copper have been installed.
During this operation, an integrated cell bypass system with external dart valves and a back pressure pipe were included in the flotation circuit. The bypass system allows a cell to be bypassed for maintenance without having to completely shut down the circuit, while the rest of the cells can continue to operate with a proportionally reduced flow, TAKRAF explained. Back pressure piping provides constant sludge level management in the last cell, resulting in superior circuit metallurgical performance.
Finally, six BQR flotation cells were supplied for a nickel restart project in Australia. Features include a dual outlet foam dump box with dart caps, adjustable foam lips and a gearbox drive for the largest cell. UV resistant paint has also been supplied to protect the rubber liner.
Rajiv Krishnamurthy, Sales Manager – Europe DELKOR Products, said: “Our MAXGen mechanism is the result of extensive research and development. Our mechanism provides superior recoveries with higher mineral content, as well as faster flotation kinetics, which is achieved by generating favorable bubble size distribution and energy efficient hydrodynamics in the cell.
“Other outstanding benefits include the rotor and stator configuration, which allows the rotor to operate at a lower peak speed, reducing operating costs with lower power consumption and wear. These benefits also go a long way in supporting our group’s sustainability efforts. »
He concluded: “The demand for our next-generation cells demonstrates both the excellence of our in-house developed technologies, as well as the commitment of our global team to providing our customers with a solution that exactly meets their needs. These projects are an excellent benchmark for DELKOR and serve to solidify our next-generation flotation cells as the world’s leading flotation technology.
