Abstract
A study was carried out to determine the effect of
water quality on flotation performance. The experimental test work
comprised of batch flotation tests using Denver lab cell for a period
of 10 minutes. Nine different test runs were carried out in triplicates
to ensure reproducibility using different water types from different
thickener overflows, return and sewage effluent water (process water)
and portable water. The water sources differed in pH, total dissolved
solids, total suspended solids and conductivity. Process water was
found to reduce the concentrate recovery and mass pull, while
portable water increased the concentrate recovery and mass pull.
Portable water reduced the concentrate grade while process water
increased the concentrate grade. It is proposed that a combination of
process water and portable water supply be used in flotation circuits
to balance the different effects