If the flotation pulp contains a large amount of slime, it will have a series of adverse effects on flotation. The main effects are:
(1) It easily gets mixed into the froth product, reducing the concentrate grade;
(2) It easily adheres to the surface of coarse particles, affecting the flotation of coarse particles;
(3) It adsorbs a large amount of reagents, increasing reagent consumption;
(4) It makes the pulp sticky, worsening the aeration conditions.
The technological measures to solve this problem are:
(1) Use a thinner pulp to reduce its viscosity, which can reduce the inclusion of slime in the froth product;
(2) Add a dispersant to disperse the slime and eliminate its harmful effects on the surface of other minerals;
(3) Add reagents in stages and batches to reduce the consumption of reagents by slime;
(4) Deslim the flotation material before flotation. A commonly used desliming method is hydrocyclone classification desliming.