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Outokumpu is the world leader in flotation technology.

We set new
standards for superior flotation performance: aeration and mixing, froth
manipulation and recovery for every flotation task. Our solutions are
tailor-made for each customer, including flotation packages with support
services, modular process sections and even whole concentrators for base
and precious metals and industrial minerals.

Flotation technologies

stainless | copper | technology


Top performance is the bottom line

Staying on top of flotation today In addition, our froth management


The Outokumpu requires a partner who helps you technology and particle-size-specific
achieve profitable operations through flotation lead the field for optimizing
factor
superior operational performance. recovery in every application. We are
The Outokumpu factor is the ready to serve you at any time in
competitive advantage we give our Innovative, optimized whichever corner of the world you
customers by helping them enhance solutions operate.
the performance of their processes,
Outokumpus need for easy-to-use,
products and services. It is a factor Flotation mechanism
cutting-edge technology in our own
our customers rely on to help them as best matches your
operations has led to the development of
overcome even the most demanding application
many innovative products and processes.
challenges; giving them the edge
We offer you a competitive advantage Simple adjustment is not sufficient when
in business.
with our flotation technology which it comes to extreme applications with
has evolved through continuous R&D coarse or fine particles. Therefore, we
and experience. Forty years in business developed a special solution for both.
prove our commitment to customers as Our different flotation mechanisms
well as the operational reliability and optimize mixing, the amount of air and
performance of our equipment. bubble size to match your application.
Our automation and analyzer
solutions offer operators the perfect
tools to enhance flotation performance.

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z Free-Flotation mechanism
mixing for coarse and
medium-size particles
The energy-saving Free-Flotation
mechanism keeps the slurry
in motion without excessive
turbulence. Coarse particle contact
with air bubbles is maintained
by strong and gentle mixing to
permit maximum recovery
by minimizing bubble-particle
detachment.
z Easy start-up under full load
z Multi-Mix mixing for fine and The unique, downward-tapering
medium particles rotor enables fast start-up under load
The Multi-Mix mechanism after a scheduled or unscheduled z Special launder designs
maximizes bubble and particle shut-down. High-capacity internal launders,
contact in the shear zone between double launders or flexible high-
the rotor and stator. The strong Froth management capacity radial launders recover
shear forces produce sufficient leads to high recovery the concentrate quickly, thereby
energy for fines to break through the Another flotation challenge is to keep reducing drop-back, especially
water film barrier on the air bubbles. the froth in constant motion to ensure of the coarsest particles.
high recovery or to make maximum-
z Optimum aeration at any elevation concentrate grade. Our flotation units z Air consumption according
The supercharged Outokumpu feature patented froth crowders to to demand
flotation mechanism ensures flexibly manipulate the froth and keep We have developed an effective
optimum aeration at any operating it in continuous motion. FrothCon technique to determine the required
elevation. further enhances the effectiveness of flotation air demand. This ensures
the cell by controlling the operational that the optimum amount of air is
parameters. supplied to each cell.

Chile

Successful site tests and TankCell installations have proven that the cells are easy to operate. Control tools,
especially the air control, are very good and the metallurgy is excellent. Operating and maintenance costs are
also low. Heavy-duty manufacturing of all flotation units and top-quality components are highly appreciated.

Assistance and services used most often include training of operators and maintenance staff, proposals for
inspections and preventive maintenance activities as well as spare parts recommendations. We also make
suggestions for process improvements. Our customers appreciate that we work as partners with them and give
them the service they need. We know the process and can really assist them.
TankCell flotation units
superior performance

TankCell units as unit reactors meet proven time and again to be by far
all the requirements set for superior the lowest. High reliability and low
flotation performance. They are easy maintenance enable trouble-free
to operate, low on power and air operation, contributing to a rapid
consumption and allow for a flexible return on investment.
layout. Further, the TankCell family Our flotation units are built to last.
comprises the widest size range on the Components and electrical equipment
market. are selected for maximum operating
life. For instance, our rotors and stators
Maximum return on have proven to be the most wear-
investment resistant available. The wide range
We have a simple goal to maximize of available cell sizes permits plant
your return on investment. Our design design to be compact, economical
philosophy is to provide you with and efficient, without fear of short
the best long-term investment. As circuiting, even for todays high-
operators, we understand the value of tonnage operations. Fewer units mean
every 1% in throughput, grade and substantial savings in construction
recovery. costs, piping, cables, instrumentation
Over the lifetime of the Outokumpu and auxiliary equipment.
flotation units, operating costs have

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Technically on top field controllers and performs a variety Service across time
We set new standards for superior of additional functions. It can be linked zones
flotation performance: aeration and to the Outokumpu family of analyzers Providing rapid service response is
mixing, froth manipulation and recovery and any plant process control system. important to us. It enables us to fulfill
for every flotation task. Operational your needs for high flotation system
safety is one of the primary design availability and reduce production
criteria and it also applies to the choice losses. We have highly-trained
of components. All units carry the CE personnel dedicated to serve you in all
mark. Reducing environmental impact major time zones.
is always the starting point in the
design of all Outokumpu systems. Our
equipment is designed for the highest
operational cleanliness.

Link to high-level
automation
We can assist you in every step of your
automation development, based on
our highly recognized achievements
in process control and automation.
We offer a unique control solution
for flotation units FrothCon. It
provides local process information
to operators at the flotation cells.
Simultaneously, it is a ready-made
structure for higher-level control.
As a stand-alone control system,
FrothCon replaces conventional

Canada

We value the Outokumpu flotation units because they suit the specific purpose and have a metallurgically
beneficial design, meeting or exceeding metallurgical expectations in terms of grade and recovery. Operation
is trouble-free. Compared with competitor units, the Outokumpu units operate at low power consumption.

As a company, our expertise in recommending the cells, cell sizes and cell placement is recognized, along with
our design and application competence. Similar application references, quality of after-sales performance and
on-site service are highly appreciated by our customers.
SkimAir flotation units
profit-makers in the grinding circuit

Outokumpu is known as a forerunner Flash Roughing


in bringing new technologies to the Flash Roughing is recovery-driven.
market. No one comes close when SkimAir operates using Dual Outlet
it comes to understanding and Technology, which has world-wide
utilizing particle dynamics and froth patent coverage, to produce a lower-
management. Our flotation approach grade concentrate at a high recovery.
focuses on flexibility and circuit Flash Roughing can comprise two
optimization. Our various types of stages: the SkimAir unit is used as
flotation mechanisms have proved the rougher, and a special TankCell is
capable of handling all kinds of flotation closely linked as the cleaner.
processes. Reliability and ease of use are
the keys to our continued success.

Flash Flotation
In conventional Flash Flotation, we look
for grade. The Outokumpu SkimAir
flotation unit is used as a stand-alone
cell in a one-stage process for producing
a high-grade concentrate.

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Outokumpu SkimAir
Flash Flotation or Flash Roughing
by the SkimAir flotation unit takes
place in the grinding stage.

z Minimal overgrinding
The SkimAir unit floats the
valuable liberated particles from
the circulating load of the grinding
process while still relatively coarse.
These liberated particles are not
ground further and do not enter
the main flotation process as slime
particles with poor recovery.

z Improved overall recovery


SkimAir recovers considerable Flash Roughing flowsheet.

amounts of valuable minerals,


resulting in a more stable feed to
the conventional flotation circuit. z Increased mill throughput z Improved dewatering
This creates extra capacity and Along with flotation improvements, Dewatering improves because the
improved control in the existing the grinding mill throughput can final concentrate P80 is coarser due
flotation process. A lower-grade be increased due to the controlled to the elimination of fines.
concentrate with high recovery can high density of the SkimAir
be obtained and blended with the underflow.
higher grade SkimAir concentrate
to increase the overall plant recovery.

Australia

Outokumpu is number one in Australia due to the development, successful testing and installation of large
TankCell units. The largest Flash Flotation SkimAir cells have also been developed and successfully installed
for the Australian market.

Our locally-based technical and engineering team, operating with ISO 9001 certification, can quickly respond
to customers and engineering companies. This applies to bid requests as well as solving on-site issues. Our
quotations have general arrangement drawings in electronic form for further processing as initial plant layouts.
All under control

Outokumpu offers the widest range Flotation package with


of flotation solutions available to meet support services
all application needs. Each flotation
unit can be delivered complete with a We deliver flotation systems to meet
customized package of our automation your specific requirements; automation
or on-stream analyzers. and analyzers can be included. We
provide supervision services for
Outokumpus range of installation, commissioning and start-
flotation equipment up, and training of plant personnel
is an essential part of the package.
z TankCell for rougher, scavenger Comprehensive after-sales service
and cleaner flotation and consultation are proof of our
z SkimAir for conventional Flash commitment to your continuous
Flotation or Flash Roughing in operational performance. Each delivery
the grinding circuit focuses on maximizing the use of local
z Conventional flotation for rougher, resources.
scavenger and cleaner flotation

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Modular process z Optimized air consumption By connecting one of the Outokumpu
sections TankCell units have an optimized Courier analyzers through a
Sub-assembled process sections are froth surface area based on the process control system or directly to
cost-effective and fast to bring into mineralogy and kinetics in each case. FrothCon, the operator can browse
operation. These modules are practical A TankCell unit typically uses less added process assay information
for transportation, and easy to assemble air than its conventional counterpart. online on FrothCon displays.
and install in the field; customized FrothCon provides a ready-made
automation and analyzers are included. z Optimized froth-carrying capacity solid basis for high-level control, such
Supervision services and training TankCell units are designed to as the Outokumpu Proscon advanced
complete the package. handle maximum carrying rate and process control system.
lip loadings for the specified task.
Outokumpu TankCell
The cylindrical Outokumpu TankCell z Flexible plant layout
excels in performance as a rougher, The wide range of cell sizes from
scavenger or cleaner and currently leads 5 m3 to gigantic 500 m3 and the
the world in flotation technology. We symmetrical design allow a flexible
use our knowledge of froth crowding layout.
and froth transport characteristics to
adapt the basic design to the demand z Choice of automation level
of different flotation duties. The modular stand-alone PLC-
based FrothCon replaces
z Superior mixing and minimized conventional field controllers.
short circuiting Through easy-to-use graphical
The cylindrical TankCell operates FrothCon displays, the operator
as an ideal mixer and maximizes can follow control loop status, trends
the number of collisions between the and make set point adjustments for
mineral particles and air bubbles, as flotation air and slurry levels next to
well as reducing short circuiting. the flotation cells.

The CIS countries

Outokumpu has had long experience of modernizing existing plants in the CIS. The company has also
delivered complete new plants, comprising equipment for flotation, thickening and filtration as well as related
automation and analyzers. Years of experience in this market have facilitated timely deliveries and smooth co-
operation.

Our designers and specialists all have plant metallurgical backgrounds from similar ore processes. We have
a long tradition in equipment manufacturing, which is complemented by easy railway transportation from
Finland to the CIS.
Proven to be superior

Market leader
Outokumpu is the technology and
market leader. Our continuous
R&D and proven ability to
commercialize novel technologies as
well as improvements have resulted
in us holding an over 50 % share of the
market.

The best, all the time


We have experience beyond others. Our
audits have contributed to optimized
plant performances. From the 1970s
onwards, Outokumpu has developed
solutions for many specific flotation Case study: superior size-by-size recovery of TankCell.
tasks, from base metals to paper de-
inking to oil separation. Most efficient
We have offered solutions to many technology available
difficult operational tasks. For instance,
TankCell is known to have the
in a case study of size-by-size specific
fastest flotation kinetics available; this
recovery of a plant the curve was shifted
has been proven by full-scale tests in
by Outokumpu flotation technology to
South America, Canada, Europe and
a new upper level, as shown in the chart
Australia. In the flotation kinetics case
above. In some size fractions recovery
study, Outokumpu TankCell was able
increase was over 20 percentage units.
to make the required reduction with 10
The total plant recovery was improved;
minutes retention time, which is much
payback time for the improvement was
faster than competitors 15 minutes
only weeks.
retention time.

Case study: fast kinetics of TankCell.


We offer you a long-term
partnership through local
presence, supported by a global
network of professionals. We
provide flotation packages,
modular process sections or
whole concentrators.
3007EN. Libris, Helsinki, Finland. April 2004.

Outokumpu is a dynamic metals and


technology group. Focusing on our core
competences, that is, extensive knowledge of
metals and metals processing, we aim to be
leaders in all of our key businesses: stainless
steel, copper and technology. Customers in a
wide range of industries use our metals, metal
products, technology and services worldwide. E-mail: info.technology@outokumpu.com

www.outokumpu.com

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