Metso Outotec says it is launching its groundbreaking Concorde Cell™ flotation technology to provide efficient fine and ultra-fine particle recovery.

This Planet Positive technology sets a new benchmark in high-intensity pneumatic flotation, reducing plant operation costs and contributing to sustainability of operations through minimised energy and water consumption per tonnes of metal produced, the OEM said.

Back in August, Metso Outotec said it would supply Concorde Cell technology to a “major nickel producer” in Western Australia as part of its concentrator modernisation. It later turned out that this was for BHP Nickel West at the Mount Keith operation where the concentrator capacity is being increased from 10.5 Mt/y to 12 Mt/y, and ultimately 15 Mt/y.

The patented Metso Outotec Concorde Cell technology is the first fine and ultra-fine flotation solution for more finely disseminated and complex orebodies that have previously been inaccessible, according to the company.

Antti Rinne, Vice President, Flotation at Metso Outotec, said: “The need to process more finely disseminated and complex ore grades, as well as the declining ore grades and the demand for improved flotation selectivity, all bring new challenges to minerals processing flowsheets. The new Concorde Cell technology helps flotation circuits overcome these challenges and recover the previously unachievable ore value.”

The Concorde Cell forced-air Blast Tubes treat 100% of fresh feed combined with tailings recycling for improved performance, allowing, Metso Outotec, says finer grinding to get extra liberation without the risk of valuable particles lost into tailings. It also provides a very high shear environment with increased bubble surface area flux for faster flotation kinetics, plus optimised froth recovery and improved selectivity, the company said.

“Combining the well-proven TankCell® technology with Concorde Cells is a low-risk and high-benefit approach for minerals processing flowsheets,” Rinne said. “The cell produces very high shear and extremely fine bubbles, which increases recovery in particles under 20 microns.”

The offering also includes Blast Tube retrofit kits for upgrading the metallurgical performance of self-aspirated pneumatic flotation cells to the Concorde Cell technology. In addition, Metso Outotec says it can provide a complete slurry handling package for the Concorde Cell, including pumps, spare parts, as well as optimisation and maintenance services.