<P> Mechanical cells use a large mixer and diffuser mechanism at the bottom of the mixing tank to introduce air and provide mixing action . Flotation columns use air spargers to introduce air at the bottom of a tall column while introducing slurry above . The countercurrent motion of the slurry flowing down and the air flowing up provides mixing action . Mechanical cells generally have a higher throughput rate, but produce material that is of lower quality, while flotation columns generally have a low throughput rate but produce higher quality material . </P> <P> The Jameson cell uses neither impellers nor spargers, instead combining the slurry with air in a downcomer where high shear creates the turbulent conditions required for bubble particle contacting . </P> <P> The following steps are followed, following grinding to liberate the mineral particles: </P> <Ol> <Li> Reagent conditioning to achieve hydrophobic surface charges on the desired particles </Li> <Li> Collection and upward transport by bubbles in an intimate contact with air or nitrogen </Li> <Li> Formation of a stable froth on the surface of the flotation cell </Li> <Li> Separation of the mineral laden froth from the bath (flotation cell) </Li> </Ol>

Froth-floatation process is used for the concentration of