There are three general principles of flotation operation: First, operate according to the requirements of product quantity and quality; second, operate according to changes in ore properties; and third, maintain the relative stability of the flotation process, because only a stable process can achieve stable process indicators. Generally, when the ore properties are relatively stable or change very little, various operating conditions and process indicators should be kept as stable as possible. However, if the ore properties change significantly, the original operating conditions become inappropriate, causing a decline in indicators, then various operating conditions need to be changed.

Based on years of production experience, Chinese flotation plants have summarized the “three degrees and one accuracy” operating method. The “three degrees” refer to accurately controlling the grinding fineness, flotation concentration (mass fraction), and pulp pH during the production process; the “one accuracy” refers to accurately administering flotation reagents. Some flotation plants have summarized specific operational guidelines in their production practice, such as the “Three Diligences, Four Accuracy, Four Goods, Two Timely Actions, and One Immovable Action” operating method. “Three Diligences” refers to diligently observing foam changes, diligently measuring concentration, and diligently adjusting. “Four Accuracy” means accurate reagent preparation and addition, accurate observation of grade changes, accurate identification of the causes of changes, and accurate control of foam skimming volume. “Four Goods” refers to good coordination between flotation and reagent stations, good coordination between flotation and grinding, good coordination between flotation and sand pumps, and good coordination between mixed flotation and separate flotation. “Two Timely Actions” means timely research and timely handling of problems. “One Immovable Action” means not arbitrarily moving the flotation machine gate. These operational experiences have yielded good results. Of course, these experiences are derived from specific conditions, and in actual application, they should be adopted judiciously according to the actual production situation of the plant.