Eriez® Flotation, the global leader in specialized flotation equipment, announces a cooperative agreement with Weir Minerals, the premier international authority in particle classification, pumping technology, wear-resistant linings and other related mill circuit products. The companies will closely work together to design and develop revolutionary coarse particle flotation (CPF) systems to advance mining operations throughout the world.
“Coarse particle flotation represents a paradigm shift that facilitates more efficient separation using less energy and water while producing safer tailings,” says Eric Bain Wasmund, Ph.D., Professional Engineer, Vice President of Eriez Global Flotation Business. “This cutting-edge technology is a step-change improvement over conventional flotation systems.”
According to Eriez, top tier global mining companies have already implemented combined offerings from Eriez and Weir Minerals to develop coarse particle flotation circuits. “The cooperation between Weir and Eriez allows both companies to reduce the technical risk as mining companies adopt CPF on an even larger scale than today,” says Ricardo Garib, Division President of Weir Minerals.
Eriez designed the HydroFloat® Separator for coarse particle mineral concentration, delivering the capacity of a density separator while maintaining the selectivity of a flotation device. Using a novel aeration system to disperse fine bubbles into a fluidized-bed environment, the HydroFloat Separator significantly increases the selective recovery of coarse particles by applying flotation fundamentals to gravity separation. CPF solutions improve efficiency and make better use of resources, which supports mining companies’ environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) initiatives.