Direct hydraulic drive for large flotation cells

摘要

A flotation apparatus for floating minerals from fluid containing minerals in particulate form. The flotation apparatus includes a hydraulic motor directly connected to a drive shaft for driving a rotor located in the flotation cell, the hydraulic motor being powered by a hydraulic power pack having dual gear pumps to circulate hydraulic fluid at pressures of up to 2900 psi to drive the hydraulic motor. The dual gear pumps include a smaller gear pump for developing high pressure at low flow for quick, soft start of the flotation apparatus. Once started, the larger pump automatically takes over to provide high flow at lower pressure to develop rotor speed of approximately 160 RPM.