Metso pioneers ultra-fine flotation technology

Metso Outotec is launching groundbreaking Concorde Cell flotation technology for efficient fine and ultra-fine particle recovery. This innovative solution ‘sets a new benchmark in high-intensity pneumatic flotation’.

The patented Metso Outotec Concorde Cell technology is said to be the first fine and ultra-fine flotation solution for more finely disseminated and complex ore bodies that have previously been inaccessible. It reduces plant operation costs and contributing to sustainability of operations through minimised energy and water consumption per tonne of metal produced.

‘The need to process more finely disseminated and complex ore grades, as well as the declining ore grades and the demand for improved flotation selectivity, all bring new challenges to minerals processing flowsheets. The new Concorde Celltechnology helps flotation circuits overcome these challenges and recover the previously unachievable ore value,’ says Antti Rinne, vice president flotation at Metso Outotec.

The Concorde Cell forced-air Blast Tubes treat 100% of fresh feed combined with tailings recycling for improved performance, allowing finer grinding to get extra liberation without the risk of valuable particles lost into tailings.

‘Combining the well-proven TankCell technology with Concorde Cells is a low-risk and high-benefit approach for minerals processing flowsheets. The cell produces very high shear and extremely fine bubbles, which increases recovery in particles under 20 microns,’ explains Rinne.

Benefits of the technology include:

• Superior recovery of fine and ultra-fine particles
• Very high shear environment with increased bubble surface area flux for faster flotation kinetics
• Optimized froth recovery and improved selectivity
• Forced air allowing wider process control and stability for further flotation optimization

The offering also includes Blast Tube retrofit kits for upgrading the metallurgical performance of self-aspirated pneumatic flotation cells to the Concorde Cell technology. In addition, Metso Outotec can provide a complete slurry handling package for the Concorde Cell, including pumps, spare parts, as well as optimisation and maintenance services.