Metso accelerates flotation innovation
Metso has opened a new separation laboratory and pilot area at its research centre in Pori, Finland, bringing expanded research and development services for its customers.
The latest development at the research centre is the new coarse particle flotation (CPF) cell, which introduces a novel deep-froth pneumatic design that eliminates the need for fluidised beds, set for launch in 2026 following industrial-scale testing.
Metso Plus flotation technologies, such as the Concorde Cell and FloatForce+, were validated at Pori before their launch and both are now referenced globally across a range of commodities.
The FloatForce+ rotor-stator system for TankCell flotation cells are setting a new benchmark for flotation performance while retaining the qualities of its predecessor. The Concorde Cell is a high-intensity pneumatic flotation cell able to selectively float fines and ultrafines, which were previously unrecoverable.
The opening of the laboratory supports Metso’s strategy as a leading partner in developing advanced flotation and beneficiation solutions for the global minerals industry.
Metso flotation vice president Antti Rinne says the new laboratory in encompasses the company’s latest flotation technologies for the beneficiation of fine and ultrafine but also coarse particles.
“It has been expanded with a Concorde Cell laboratory unit, that can be modularised for more complex test work and research and development (R&D) and auxiliary equipment for swifter sample preparation and processing,” he said.
“This will allow us to deliver high-quality test work faster and develop complete flowsheets for the flotation plants of tomorrow. With a fully integrated beneficiation and assays lab, we can handle a larger volume of testing while maintaining the highest standards.”
With about 180 experts, extensive lab and pilot plant facilities, the centre provides unique testing capabilities for process development, equipment selection and optimisation.
Globally, Metso’s research infrastructure spans several strategic locations around the world supporting bench to pilot-scale testing, process simulation and optimisation across mining, aggregates and metallurgical processes.