FLOTATION
BGRIMM-MAT’ s microfine-particle flotation patent builds on proven commercial uptake in China
Chinese flotation technology leader BGRIMM Machinery and Automation Technology Co Ltd( BGRIMM-MAT) told IM that it has reinforced its position in fine-particle( ≤0.03 mm in general) mineral processing with a newly disclosed Chinese patent and several technical innovation awards related to fine-size flotation. BGRIMM-MAT Senior Sales Engineer Gabrielle Yu:“ The WXF flotation cell technology addresses a persistent industry challenge: as mineral resources become finer-grained, conventional flotation cells can suffer from weaker particle-bubble collision efficiency, lower recoveries, and more difficult froth handling. The equipment applies high-intensity, locally constrained turbulence; staged air dispersion; and an optimised froth-removal arrangement.”
She adds:“ Rather than simply increasing energy input, the design makes better use of energy in the zone where bubbleparticle collision and attachment occur. In theoretical terms, the defining characteristics of the equipment are micro-bubbles, high turbulence, and low cross-sectional load. This distinction is central to recovering difficult ultrafine fractions while keeping froth transport manageable.”
The structure of the WXF flotation cell is shown in the attached image, highlighting its unique tank-body and agitator-system design. The flotation machine offers a complete range of specifications from 2 m ³ to 70 m ³ for large-scale industrial use. Each model has undergone rigorous mineral-processing tests and industrial commissioning, and its performance parameters are highly stable.
Yu says market traction is already established. According to an official achievement disclosure by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission( SASAC), BGRIMM-MAT’ s
The new BGRIMM-MAT WXF flotation cell
microfine-particle mineral recovery equipment has been applied in microfine phosphate, fluorite, and sulphur recovery projects in China, with a cumulative installed base of 172 units. The disclosure also confirms that the equipment integrates four patent achievements and is designed for strong process adaptability, high recovery, and reliable mechanical performance.
BGRIMM-MAT’ s commercial proposition is supported by a demonstration project for the beneficiation and recovery of fine-grained ilmenite at the Piao Shuiya Processing Plant in Sichuan province, China. The mill produces 1.2 Mt of iron concentrate annually; its tailings( P90 = 0.025 mm) are sent to the Piaoxiaoyan Processing Plant for titanium recovery, at a productivity of approximately 700 t of titanium concentrate per day, with about 650,000 t of fine-grained titaniferous iron ore previously lost in the tailings.
Following the introduction of BGRIMM WXF flotation cells, the plant achieved efficient recovery of fine-grained minerals from feed ore characterised by a nominal particle size of approximately 0.025 mm- thereby raising the overall mineral recovery rate to 80 % and elevating the titanium grade in the concentrate to 43 %. The upgrade delivered substantial economic benefits.
Yu:“ The results demonstrate that constrained, high-turbulence energy input can convert difficult ultrafine feeds into saleable concentrates. They are not, however, presented as guaranteed plant outcomes: actual performance remains ore-specific and dependent on feed characteristics, circuit configuration, and operating practice.”
For project owners and engineering partners, the business case rests on three points: proven deployment across multiple fine-particle mineral applications in China; a growing installed base; and a technology path that targets recovery of material traditionally lost in fine tailings.
BGRIMM-MAT adds that it offers equipment supply, process development, and project-specific testing to support adoption.
International Mining | OCTOBER 2026