Meet Kris Ramsay: Helping Mining Operations Unlock More Value From Flotation

Effective flotation relies on a combination of chemistry, operating conditions and process expertise. Understanding how these factors interact can help mining operations assess flotation performance, evaluate reagent effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.

As a supplier of flotation reagents and technical services to the mining industry, IXOM supports customers with metallurgical expertise, diagnostic technologies and operational insights. A recent arrow added to the IXOM quiver is the AngloPlatinum Bubble Sizer, a specialised piece of equipment used to directly measure the bubble characteristics and gas dispersion parameters within operating full scale flotation cells.

For Kris Ramsay, IXOM's Technical Account Manager for Mining & Metals, Bubble Sizer testing provides a practical way to assess flotation conditions and support data-driven process evaluation.

Measuring Flotation Conditions

The Bubble Sizer is used on flotation cells in base metal concentrators and other mineral processing operations that rely on flotation to separate valuable minerals from ore.

The technology enables air bubbles to be sampled directly from an operating flotation cell. A series of specialised pipes extends into the cell, creating an unbroken water column that allows bubbles to be sampled and analysed as they rise through the process.

Images of the bubbles are collected and processed through image analysis software, providing information that cannot be obtained through visual observation of the flotation cell.

"Flotation cells are slurry-filled environments, so you can't simply look inside and see what's happening," says Kris. "The Bubble Sizer gives us the ability to measure and understand the bubble population within the cell, which provides information about how the flotation circuit is operating."

Why Bubble Size Matters

In flotation, air bubbles transport valuable minerals to the surface. Reagents known as collectors make target mineral particles hydrophobic, allowing them to attach to rising air bubbles and separate from the slurry.

Bubble size influences the amount of surface area available for mineral attachment. A greater number of smaller bubbles typically provides more surface area than fewer larger bubbles, making bubble size distribution an important consideration when assessing flotation performance.

Bubble Sizer testing can provide data relating to air rates, surface area flux and frother performance. These measurements support evaluation of reagent dosing, aeration and flotation circuit operating conditions.

"The equipment can generate a lot of information very quickly," says Kris. "The data helps us assess flotation conditions, reagent performance and operating parameters within the circuit."

Combining Technology with Metallurgical Expertise

The Bubble Sizer is a specialised diagnostic tool used to collect flotation data. Kris combines those measurements with metallurgical knowledge and operational experience gained from more than ten years of operational experience in base metal flotation, including Bubble Sizer testing, data analysis and site support.

Working alongside customers, he helps interpret results in the context of ore characteristics, flotation chemistry and plant operating conditions.

Flotation circuit assessments, frother evaluations, process investigations and troubleshooting activities all benefit from this combination of measurement, interpretation and operational understanding.

"Every concentrator is different," says Kris. "The Bubble Sizer provides the measurements. Experience helps put those measurements into context alongside the operating conditions, ore characteristics and chemistry."

Building Capability Across Site Teams

Kris regularly works with metallurgists, operators and technical teams to demonstrate testing techniques, explain flotation principles and support interpretation of results.

"It's very much a learn-by-doing piece of equipment," he says. "Hands-on involvement in the testing process helps people become familiar with the measurements and how they can be applied within their operation."

This approach supports knowledge sharing and capability development across site teams while helping operations build a stronger understanding of flotation performance.

Combining Chemistry, Technology and Technical Support

Bubble sizing forms part of IXOM's approach to supporting mining customers.

Alongside flotation reagents and frothers, IXOM provides access to metallurgical expertise, diagnostic technologies and operational support. These capabilities assist customers in evaluating flotation performance, assessing reagent effectiveness and investigating process behaviour using plant data.

Meet Kris and the Bubble Sizer at MillOps

IXOM's Mining & Metals team will be attending the MillOps Conference from 19-21 October, where visitors can meet Kris Ramsay and discuss Bubble Sizer testing, flotation diagnostics and flotation circuit performance.

The team will be available to talk about reagent evaluation, process assessment, flotation chemistry and the practical application of bubble sizing within mineral processing operations.