A study on optimization of the conditions for flotation of the slime of Wuhushan Coal Preparation Plant based on response surface

The 10^# coal for flotation at Wuhushan Coal Preparation Plant is taken as the object of study, and the process links of the flotation circuit is optimized using response surface method. First, single-factor test is made to set the pulp density, dosage of collector, dosage of frother and aeration quantity respectively in an appropriate range of 80~120 g/L, 800~1 200 g/t, 120~200 g/t and 0.15~0.35 m³/(m²·min). And then, the response surface test is designed according to Box-Behnken design principle to explore the influence on flotation effect produced by various factors and their interactions. Through the study, a quadratic polynomial regression mathematic model of concentrate yield with concentrate ash as response value is developed for making multi-parameter combinatorial optimization of the conditions in flotation of the 10^# coal. As indicated by test result, under the condition of ensuring the concentrate yield, and requiring the concentrate ash to be less than 10%, the pulp density should be less than 80 g/L, and the dosages of the collector and frother and aeration quantity should preferably be set at 800 g/t, 200 g/t and 0.15 m³/(m²·min) respectively. And for increase of the concentrate yield in flotation of the 10^# coal, it is required to increase the dosage of frother and reduce the feed pulp density, dosage of collector and quantity of aeration.