FLOTATION
flow streams. It also produces an energy
dissipation rate that enhances the bubble-
particle attachment. The patented rotor/stator
makes energy dissipation more uniform, which
results in a higher probability of bubble to
particle contact during the flotation process,
dramatically improving attachment rates. The jet
exiting the rotor is distributed across a larger
surface area than in traditional machines and this
causes an even flow distribution that increases
the wear life of the mechanism, as well as
reducing downtime for repairs. On top of the
even wear patterns, the rotor can also be run in a
reverse direction to further increase the life cycle
of the mechanism.
“The nextSTEP rotor/stator provides a step
change in flotation, metallurgical performance
and energy efficiency,” Weber explains: “It has
the lowest operating power of any forced-air
flotation mechanism on the market.”
n 15-40% less energy consumption, while
maintaining or improving recovery
n Engineered to fit a variety of machine sizes,
ranging from the smallest 5 m 3 cell up to the
660 m 3 SuperCell machine
n Interchangeable with FLSmidth's Dorr-Oliver ®
forced-air flotation mechanisms
n Installation of the nextSTEP mechanism can
be carried out during scheduled maintenance
downtime because the components of the
system are common items that must be
replaced periodically within ongoing flotation
operations
n The design is applicable across all mineral
applications and can also be retrofitted into
cells from other suppliers. An energy saving
of 18% was obtained in a copper plant by
exchanging the existing rotor/stator in a cell
from another supplier with the nextSTEP
mechanism
n Analysis of the wear characteristics after nine
months in operation indicates that the wear
life of the nextSTEP will exceed the industry
benchmark of two years.
Updating an old plant
In 2010, riding the wave of rising copper prices,
as today, RTB Bor had ambitious goals to
increase ore production from the then 8.1 Mt to
over 10.6 Mt through a series of upgrades and
production improvements. RTB Bor, along with
many other companies in Serbia, looked to
modernisation as a way to dramatically increase
throughput and efficiency to reach international
s