Laboratory Flotation Test Procedure for Mineral Processing

Laboratory flotation testing is an essential bench-scale mineral processing experiment. It is widely adopted to evaluate ore floatability, verify reagent formulas, optimize process parameters, and provide reliable data support for industrial beneficiation plant design and production adjustment.

1. Sample Preparation Crush and split raw ore samples, then grind the materials to the target fineness to achieve sufficient monomer mineral liberation for subsequent flotation separation.
2. Pulp Preparation Weigh qualified ore powder, mix with clean water, and pour the pulp into the laboratory flotation cell to configure the required pulp concentration.
3. pH Value Adjustment Add pH regulators to adjust the pulp to the optimal pH range according to ore properties and flotation requirements, stabilizing the flotation environment.
4. Reagent Conditioning Sequentially add regulators, activators, depressants, collectors and frothers. Maintain fixed stirring time after each reagent addition to ensure full reagent adsorption on mineral surfaces.
5. Aeration & Flotation Start the flotation machine, adjust impeller speed and aeration volume. Hydrophobic target minerals adhere to air bubbles and rise to form a stable mineralized froth layer.
6. Froth Skimming & Collection Skim froth continuously within the specified flotation time. Collect flotation concentrate and residual tailings separately.
7. Dewatering & Analysis Filter, wash, dry and weigh concentrates and tailings. Test ore grade and calculate yield, recovery rate and other core beneficiation indicators.
8. Parameter Optimization Carry out contrast tests with different grinding fineness, reagent dosage, pulp density, pH value and flotation time to screen out the best industrial flotation process parameters.

Crushing & Grinding → Pulp Preparation → pH Adjustment → Reagent Conditioning → Aeration Flotation → Froth Collection → Dewatering & Analysis → Process Optimization

This standard laboratory flotation procedure applies to bench tests of copper, gold, lead-zinc, fluorite, iron ore and other non-ferrous and non-metallic minerals. It supports mineral floatability evaluation, reagent selection and whole-process beneficiation scheme verification for mining laboratories and research institutes.