Syensqo, previously part of Solvay group, has announced the launch of its Transfoamer™ product line, which it describes as the first groundbreaking frother innovation in more than 65 years. Well suited for coarse particle recovery, Transfoamer™ frothers are based on a novel technology that changes froth strength in response to pH, “leading to more efficient copper recovery from even the most challenging ores, a critical need as copper demand grows in response to electrification and the energy transition.”
“As ore grades decline, many mining companies are grinding coarser particles to push tonnage or save energy,” says Ricardo Capanema, Global Marketing and Business Development Director, Mining Solutions at Syensqo. “Mines often use a blend of strong and weak frothers, which results in a steady froth but prevents the frother from performing at peak potential. Our new single-frother solution addresses this limitation and overfrothing issues common in the cleaner stage.”
Transfoamer™ frothers Syensqo says start as strong and robust frothers in the rougher circuit. Then, in response to pH, they ‘switch’ to weaker frothers in the cleaner circuit, where less froth is needed. This unique property it says is particularly attractive for use in bulk copper and molybdenum flotation. For more challenging ore types, Transfoamer™ frothers can be further tailored with the Syensqo Cube connected dosing unit to optimise efficiency and recovery. Additionally, Transfoamer™ frothers do not build up or recirculate, which improves circuit stability.
Syensqo’s Transfoamer™ technology is already in use commercially in Latin America, where its ability to promote fast kinetics and mobility of value minerals it says has resulted in improvements to throughput, recovery and energy consumption. Transfoamer™ products are also available in North America as well as in parts of Asia-Pacific, and will be introduced in other regions as demand arises.
Syensqo additionally commented to IM: “We always want to keep pace with new flotation cell technologies and design our flotation chemistry accordingly. In fact, you’ll find us collaborating with partners like leading universities and equipment suppliers. Through these collaborations, we’ve been able to find chemistry that creates synergies with these new flotation cell technologies. We’ve also developed our own chemical technologies to help promote coarse particle flotation. When mines process coarse particles, they require stronger flotation reagents in the rougher stage, but that strength can be detrimental to downstream operations in the cleaner circuit. Innovation can play a key role here.”
Transfoamer™ frothers will be showcased by Syensqo at its Booth #1109 during MINEXCHANGE, the 2024 SME Annual Conference and Expo, from February 25 to 28 in Phoenix, Arizona.