Estudio del proceso de flotación cleaner en división Chuquicamata, Codelco.
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Date
2025
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Universidad de Concepción
Abstract
La presente investigación se enfocó en el análisis del proceso de flotación cleaner en la División Chuquicamata de CODELCO, con el objetivo principal de maximizar la recuperación de cobre y optimizar los parámetros operacionales de la planta concentradora. A través del estudio de datos históricos y la realización de pruebas de laboratorio, se identificaron las principales áreas de pérdida de cobre, prestando especial atención al impacto de variables como el pH, la dosificación de reactivos y el porcentaje de sólidos en la eficiencia del proceso.
Los resultados indicaron las pérdidas principales de Cobre están presentes tanto en la flotación Rougher A-2 tanto como flotación cleaner con un 64% de pérdidas acumuladas entre estos dos procesos. Se observó que un ajuste del pH en un rango de 11,0 a 11,5 incrementó la recuperación de cobre hasta un 97% en el proceso cleaner, se determinó que un porcentaje de sólidos entre 25% y 30% es óptimo para mejorar la eficiencia en el proceso cleaner debido a las mejores recuperaciones en relación a porcentaje de sólidos más altos.
Los datos sugieren que el uso de reactivos, como el xantato isobutílico y/o el espumante experimental aero, en combinación con un ajuste preciso del pH, podría incrementar significativamente la eficiencia del proceso.
En base a estos hallazgos, se recomienda:
1. Estandarizar el pH operativo en un rango de 11,0 a 11,5 para maximizar la recuperación de cobre.
2. Realizar pruebas industriales que validen el uso de reactivos adicionales, como el xantato isobutílico y espumantes como el aero que mejoren el colchón de espuma y la estabilidad de esta.
3. Mantener el porcentaje de sólidos entre 25% y 30% para el proceso cleaner y entre 17% y 23% para el proceso scavengher, asegurando un equilibrio óptimo entre recuperación de cobre y reducción de ganga.
Este estudio proporciona una base sólida para futuras optimizaciones en la flotación cleaner de Chuquicamata, ofreciendo recomendaciones aplicables a nivel industrial para mejorar la rentabilidad y eficiencia del proceso de concentración de cobre.
This research focused on analyzing the cleaner flotation process at CODELCO's Chuquicamata Division, with the main objective of maximizing copper recovery and optimizing the operational parameters of the concentrator plant. Through the study of historical data and laboratory testing, the main areas of copper loss were identified, with special attention to the impact of variables such as pH, reagent dosage, and solids percentage on process efficiency. The results indicated that the primary copper losses occur in the Rougher A-2 and cleaner flotation stages, accounting for 64% of the accumulated losses between these two processes. It was observed that adjusting the pH within a range of 11.0 to 11.5 increased copper recovery up to 97% in the cleaner process. Additionally, it was determined that maintaining a solids percentage between 25% and 30% is optimal for improving cleaner flotation efficiency due to better recoveries compared to higher solids percentages. The data suggest that the use of reagents, such as isobutyl xanthate and/or the experimental frother Aero, in combination with precise pH adjustments, could significantly enhance process efficiency. Based on these findings, the following recommendations are proposed: 1. Standardize the operational pH within a range of 11.0 to 11.5 to maximize copper recovery. 2. Conduct industrial trials to validate the use of additional reagents, such as isobutyl xanthate and Aero frothers, which improve the foam layer and its stability. 3. Maintain solids percentages between 25% and 30% for the cleaner process and between 17% and 23% for the scavenger process, ensuring an optimal balance between copper recovery and gangue reduction. This study provides a solid foundation for future optimizations in Chuquicamata's cleaner flotation process, offering recommendations applicable at an industrial level to enhance the profitability and efficiency of the copper concentration process.
This research focused on analyzing the cleaner flotation process at CODELCO's Chuquicamata Division, with the main objective of maximizing copper recovery and optimizing the operational parameters of the concentrator plant. Through the study of historical data and laboratory testing, the main areas of copper loss were identified, with special attention to the impact of variables such as pH, reagent dosage, and solids percentage on process efficiency. The results indicated that the primary copper losses occur in the Rougher A-2 and cleaner flotation stages, accounting for 64% of the accumulated losses between these two processes. It was observed that adjusting the pH within a range of 11.0 to 11.5 increased copper recovery up to 97% in the cleaner process. Additionally, it was determined that maintaining a solids percentage between 25% and 30% is optimal for improving cleaner flotation efficiency due to better recoveries compared to higher solids percentages. The data suggest that the use of reagents, such as isobutyl xanthate and/or the experimental frother Aero, in combination with precise pH adjustments, could significantly enhance process efficiency. Based on these findings, the following recommendations are proposed: 1. Standardize the operational pH within a range of 11.0 to 11.5 to maximize copper recovery. 2. Conduct industrial trials to validate the use of additional reagents, such as isobutyl xanthate and Aero frothers, which improve the foam layer and its stability. 3. Maintain solids percentages between 25% and 30% for the cleaner process and between 17% and 23% for the scavenger process, ensuring an optimal balance between copper recovery and gangue reduction. This study provides a solid foundation for future optimizations in Chuquicamata's cleaner flotation process, offering recommendations applicable at an industrial level to enhance the profitability and efficiency of the copper concentration process.
Description
Tesis presentada para optar al título de Ingeniero Civil Metalúrgico
Keywords
Cobre, Flotación (Minerales), Mina Chuquicamata (Chile)