The SIMINECIS Hybrid Flot solution combines a

pneumatic spray-in principle with a column method

to create an innovative method for non-iron ore
flotation. The pneumatic part creates very small
gas bubble sizes and inserts high kinetic energy.
This results in the increased recovery of fine par-
ticles. The column method part creates bigger
bubble sizes combined with lower kinetic energy
insertion to capture coarser particles. An agitat-
ing apparatus as used in conventional cells is not
needed. Short retention times of the pulp in the
machine and new, additional drain gutters reduce
the risk of losing already captured particles.
Alternatively, the Siemens Cell can be covered
with a hood to enable gas recovery.

The challenge
Increase recovery and selectivity:
The flotation process is the heart of every mine –
it determines the profitability of the mine. The per-
formance of the separation process is measured by
the concentrate grade and recovery. However, the
inverse relationship between concentrate grade and
recovery leads to a trade-off between recovery and
grade. Achieving a high recovery while at the same
time maximizing metal concentrations poses the
crucial challenge. A further difficulty in the efficiency
of flotation is the recovery of fine particles.
Such improvements of the flotation process result in
increased profits and savings of natural resources.

Our solution
One of the principal differences between the Good reasons for SIMINECIS Hybrid Flot
Siemens Cell and conventional cells is the mixing
쮿 High separation quality
of feed pulp (slurry) and gas (air or nitrogen) in
mixing chambers of the ejector system before it is 쮿 Two flotation principles in one cell
sprayed into the cell. This considerably enhances 쮿 Low energy consumption
the frequency of contact between the gas bubbles 쮿 Low water demand
and very fine particles as well as the ability of the
particles to stick to these bubbles.
Furthermore, the Siemens Cell does not have an
impeller system. This means no wear and friction at
the rotor/stator system. Another consequence is the
ability to create finer gas bubble sizes and no energy
demand for impeller drive. By trend, the Siemens
Cell Technology shows significantly lower gas con-
sumption.

SIMINECIS Hybrid Flot

Improve recovery

Mining Technologies

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 Reference Minera Los Pelambres
The tests with the first Pilot Cell in the
selective copper-molybdenum process
showed an increase of molybdenum
recovery of more than 2 % of the total
process. However, results depend on feed
load and operation mode.
The recovery increase is shown especially
in the fine particle fractions (particle
sizes < 10 μm and < 25 μm), but also in
coarser particle size fractions (>75 μm).
The molybdenum concentration could be
enriched from a typical concentration in
the molybdenum plant in the feed pulp
by close to 40 % in the concentrate prod-
uct of the Siemens Cell, with the use of
just a single cell.
The selectivity of the total process could
also be increased by reducing the copper
content in the molybdenum concentrate. Water consumption Cell capacity
Water consumption in a flotation process The nominal volume flow capacity of one
Economic values and effects generally depends among other things SIMINECIS Hybrid Flot cell as installed at
on energy balance on the total solids content that can be Pelambres ranges between 100 m³/h to
processed. 400 m³/h pulp feed. Depending on the
Besides the improved performance as
SIMINECIS Hybrid Flot can be operated at solids content in the feed pulp, this can
described above, there is also savings
solids contents of up to 50 %, which is equal approximately 70 – 300 tons/h of
potential from lower energy consump-
more than other pneumatic cells can be dry material.
tion thanks to the omission of an impeller
system as well as lower gas consumption operated with. Water consumption can The test runs at Pelambres were conducted
compared to conventional technology. therefore be kept down with Siemens in a range of about 150 m³/h to 220 m³/h
Cells. feed pulp. The actual installation of a
A reduced energy and gas consumption
SIMINECIS Hybrid Flot can be equipped second SIMINECIS Hybrid Flot at Pelambres
compared to conventional technologies
with additional spray water systems, but allows the cells to be operated parallel to
at comparable capacities and the signifi-
they are not obligatory for best perfor- each other. This will allow a doubling of
cantly higher recovery rates result in a
mance as it is, for example, in the case of the capacity.
very positive overall balance.
column cells. A further possibility is the serial operation.
In this case, the recovery is expected to
increase even further without significantly
lowering the selectivity.
Completely Integrated Solutions
Completely Integrated Solutions bundle our entire range of products
and services for your plant.
In particular, they help you by
쮿 Optimizing the entire process chain – with plant solutions including
technology, automation, electrical engineering and environmental technologies
쮿 Connecting all IT levels of your company – with IT and management
solutions from production to the planning level
쮿 Supporting you throughout the life cycle – from consulting through
commissioning and training onward to modernization.

Siemens AG © Siemens AG 2008 SIMINE is a trademark of Siemens AG.

Industry Sector All rights reserved CIS = Completely Integrated Solutions
Industry Solutions Order No.: E10001-M5-A30-V1-7600
The information provided in this brochure contains merely
Mining Technologies Printed in Germany general descriptions or characteristics of performance which
Schuhstr. 60 Dispo No.: 21662 K No.: 28400 in case of actual use do not always apply as described or
91052 Erlangen, Germany GB 080878 12081.5 which may change as a result of further development of the
E-mail: mining@siemens.com Subject to change without prior notice products. An obligation to provide the respective charac-
teristics shall only exist if expressly agreed in the terms of
contract.

www.siemens.com/mining

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