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Flotation machines from LITech

… for precise and reliable test results

The LITech Laboratory Flotation Machine is designed to produce precise and reliable test results. It is ideal for simulating production processes and operations on a laboratory scale.
The device is extremely versatile and has the following features:

  • Interchangeable impellers and flotation cells with volumes of 0,5 l, 1,75 l, 3 l, 5 l and 7 l.
  • Fine adjustment of the air flow within the cell.
  • Robust 0,75 kW three-phase motor with a solid-state inverter that allows connection to a conventional 230 V/50 Hz single-phase socket.
  • Variable spindle speed range from 200 to 2000 rpm.

Several configurations for agitator and diffuser arrangements are available. The flotation machine can also be used for attrition testing, mixing, and stirring operations. All wetted metal parts are made of 316 stainless steel, the cells are made of clear acrylic, and the impellers are made of polyurethane.

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Operating Principle

This benchtop laboratory apparatus is used to determine the reagent content in production flotation cells and for metallurgical testing. It is versatile and is used in metallurgical laboratories for stirring, abrasion, and mixing tests that are reproducible in a production environment.

The stepless speed control with digital impeller speed display ensures maximum accuracy, optimal control, and repeatability. The unit is equipped as standard with integrated pressure and volume controls for the air supply, including indicators.

The test cells and the associated stirrers are available as optional components.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Hydrophobic vs. hydrophilic

  • Hydrophobic particles (water-repellent) adhere to air bubbles.
  • Hydrophilic particles (water-attracting) remain in the water.

Bladder binding

  • If air bubbles are generated by agitators or centrifugal devices, they rise through the treated suspension (“pulp”).
  • Hydrophobic particles “stick” to the bubble surface and are carried along in the rising foam.

Separation as foam

  • A foam or foam-mineral phase forms at the top, which is sucked or skimmed off.
  • The remaining water with the hydrophilic residual particles is drained away.

mineral processing

  • Separation of sulfide, oxide and mineralization (e.g. copper, lead, zinc).
  • Recovery of fine-particle minerals (< 100 µm).

Recycling & Wastewater

  • Oil separation in industrial wastewater.
  • Recovery of valuable materials such as fibers or plastic particles.

Wastewater treatment technology

  • Removal of suspended solids and micro-pollutants using micro- or nanobubbles (DAF – dissolved air flotation).

Cell/boiler: Container for pulp and air supply
Rotor/Stator: Mechanically generated flow to mix the air
Air intake: Supply of compressed air or vacuum
Foam extraction: Skimming or suctioning off the loaded foam
Chemical dosing: Addition of collector and foaming reagents

Mechanical cells, such as the Wemco or Denver type, use a rotor that vigorously mixes the mixture of water, solid particles, and added air (pulp). This creates tiny air bubbles, to which hydrophobic particles attach. These mineral-laden bubbles rise to the surface and form a foam phase that can be skimmed off.

Hydraulic flotators (also known as pressure flotators, e.g., Dorr-type) operate without rotating parts. They dissolve air in the water under high pressure and introduce the resulting bubbles into the sediment. These fine bubbles also attach to mineral particles, transporting them to the separator as foam.

Flotation columns are long, slender cylinders with very low turbulence. In them, air bubbles rise evenly and slowly through the suspension, achieving particularly high purity and precise separation of the finest particle fractions (< 50 µm). They are preferred when high product quality and gentle particle handling are required.

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Klaus Ebenauer

Ing. Klaus Ebenauer

info@litechgmbh.com
+43 1 99 717 55