Project Leader:

Pablo Bustos, Senior Metallurgic Engineer 

Challenge:

Column flotation is the stage where the final Cu grade is obtained by means of pneumatic cells in the ore concentration process. This process uses column cells that, with a froth wash system, keeps fine gangue particles from entering the concentrate. Due to the deficit of water, the froth wash system uses process water, that contains suspended fine material and dirt, clogging the wash system pipes and affecting the CuT grade (%).

Solution:

It is proposed developing a sprinkler system that, by means of an irrigation system producing fine, disperse droplets, scattered by means of a diffusor, allows to improve water distribution carrying out a more homogeneous, higher flow wash, thus avoiding pipes to get clogged. A prototype has already been tested in Minera Los Pelambres.

Objectives:

1. Improving a prototype, completing its development, and documenting solution. 

2. Assessing a copyright strategy regarding re-design.