Flotation is a separation process that exploits natural and induced differences in surface properties of the minerals, whether the surface is readily wetted by water, that is, is hydrophilic, or repels water, that is, is hydrophobic. If hydrophobic the mineral particle can attach to air bubbles and be floated.
Although many different machines are currently being manufactured and many more have been developed and discarded in the past, it is fair to state that three distinct groups have arisen: mechanical, column, and reactor/separator machines.
- Mechanical flotation cell
