As part of our celebration around this important 25-year milestone, we’d like to share some highlights regarding the MAXGen mechanism patent for our new generation DELKOR BQR Flotation Cells.
In essence, our MAXGen mechanism results in improved particle-bubble interaction and faster flotation kinetics within the cell, which results in superior metallurgical performance. Not only does this assist in maximizing metal recovery, but it can also result in fewer cells actually being required with significant capex and opex benefits.
Flotation technologies for mineral enrichment have been in use for more than a century Basically, a flotation cell enables collisions between bubbles and reagent-treated particles in the slurry in order to recover minerals of interest. External blowers supply air to the cell, which is then sheared into smaller bubbles by the motor-driven flotation mechanism and dispersed into the slurry.
In 2014, DELKOR kicked off a Research & Development (R&D) program to enhance BQR cell performance. Initial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis revealed opportunities for better hydrodynamics and reduced power consumption. Over 300 rotor and stator designs were tested, leading to the innovative MAXGen mechanism. Using high-speed cameras and various analytical and programming platforms, the team were able to optimize bubble size distribution and improve particle-bubble interaction, together with faster flotation kinetics within the cell. All of this results in improved mineral recoveries and more efficient and sustainable mining operations. The MAXGen mechanism is now patented globally and has proven its effectiveness across a number of global installations in various mineral commodities.
“Our new generation DELKOR BQR Flotation Cells, now with our MAXGen mechanism, received very rapid market acceptance around the world, with various operations in Australia, Europe and India confirming its superior performance”, says Dr. B. Venkoba Rao, Vice President R&D at DELKOR India.
You can find more information about our BQR flotation cells here: BQR Flotation Cells. Alternatively, please contact us directly at: info@takraf.com.
Stay tuned for upcoming posts of our monthly content series.
Innovation out of tradition – It pays to talk to a specialist!