The hydrodynamic Jameson Cell uses static downcomers to eliminate the mechanical systems of conventional flotation equipment, and increase the reliability of the flotation circuit. The commercially operating Jameson Cell at Cleveland Potash achieves efficient fine particle selectivity from tertiary cyclone underflow. The single stage Jameson Cell replaces the entire original 370 m~3 Slimes Flotation circuit; equipment footprint is thereby reduced by 80 percent. Net operational savings of 209,985 pa pounds are verified by the additional site revenue gained from increased potash recovery and by the 80 percent cost savings in both the ongoing maintenance and the energy drawn. Coarse potash +850 mu m recovery from standard flotation rougher concentrate is achievable in a pilot Jameson Cell indicating a future possible potential of increasing the plant recovery at a premium product size. Associated improvements of concentrate debrining, centrifuging, and drying are envisaged whilst simultaneously reducing the mass load to regrinding. Fine graphite selectivity is commercially achieved from an inefficiently classified primary cyclone overflow thereby enhancing plant recovery of 98 percent C and ensuring an entire operation's economic viability. Pilot tests have shown positive application of the downeomer to zircon roughing, galena flotation from fluorspar, and fluorspar cleaning. For galena and fluorspar duties, high grade concentrates are produced by the Jameson Cell in a greatly reduced number of stages when compared with the conventional equipment in current operating use. Further site work is essential to clarify the application of the Jameson Cell to zircon and fluorspar duties. The numerous intrinsic and extrinsic attributes of the Jameson Cell lend themselves to the consistent production of a rising, non-turbulent, mineral loaded froth available for continuous Cashing. This significant froth characteristic should greatly Assist the profitable achievement of product grade for many ther industrial mineral applications.
展开▼
