What Is SF Type Self Suction Flotation Cell?
SF Type Self Suction Flotation Cell, also known as SF Flotation Machine or self-suction flotation cell, is a mechanical agitation flotation equipment used for separating valuable minerals from ore slurry through the froth flotation process. It is mainly applied in mineral processing plants for the beneficiation of copper, lead-zinc, gold, molybdenum, iron ore, graphite, fluorite, and other metallic and non-metallic minerals.
The SF flotation cell combines air suction, slurry suction, and flotation functions in one unit. The rotating impeller generates negative pressure to automatically draw air and slurry into the chamber, creating sufficient mixing and bubble dispersion for mineral separation. In a complete beneficiation plant, SF flotation cells are usually installed after grinding, classification, and conditioning processes, and are widely used in roughing, scavenging, and cleaning circuits. Depending on plant capacity and process requirements, SF models are available in different cell volumes, with industrial units commonly configured from several cubic meters to more than 10 m³ per cell.If you want to learn more, click “What is a Flotation Cell?”
How Does Self Suction Flotation Cell Work?
SF Type Self Suction Flotation Cell works through the combined action of impeller agitation, air suction and mineral flotation. During operation, the rotating impeller creates negative pressure inside the impeller chamber, automatically drawing air through the hollow shaft while circulating slurry from the tank. This self-suction design enables continuous pulp mixing and air dispersion without requiring an external air supply system.
Slurry Mixing and Air Suction
The motor drives the impeller to rotate, creating a pressure difference in the impeller chamber. The upper blades draw air into the flotation cell, while the lower blades circulate slurry from the tank bottom to maintain particle suspension and reduce coarse particle settling.
Bubble-Mineral Attachment
The impeller disperses the incoming air into fine bubbles and mixes them evenly with the slurry. Under the action of flotation reagents, valuable mineral particles attach to the bubble surfaces and form mineralized bubbles for separation.
Froth Collection and Recovery
The mineralized bubbles rise to the surface and form a froth layer, which is removed by the scraper mechanism as concentrate. Remaining slurry continues through the flotation circuit for further separation, with multiple SF cells commonly arranged in series for roughing, scavenging and cleaning operations.
Structure of SF Type Self Suction Flotation Cell
SF Type Self Suction Flotation Cell is composed of an impeller-stator system, air-slurry circulation system, flotation tank and transmission unit, forming a complete flotation structure.
Worm gear reduction motor
It drives the shaft of the froth skimmer on the flotation machine tank surface, causing the scraper blade to rotate and skim the concentrate froth off the liquid surface. It is a component of the froth skimming system.
Scraper shaft, scraper blades, and pulley assembly
This assembly constitutes the froth-skimming mechanism of a flotation machine; the red component is a pulley, the long shaft serves as the main spindle for the skimmer, and the steel plate acts as the skimming blade. A motor drives this shaft via a belt to perform continuous froth skimming.
Impeller and stator assembly
Key wear parts (agitation and aeration components): The rotating impeller generates negative pressure to draw in air and agitate the slurry, while the perforated outer disc serves as the stator (cover plate), stabilizing slurry flow and shearing air bubbles—making it the “heart” of the flotation machine.
Flotation machine tank
The main body of the machine consists of a shell that holds the slurry and serves as the reaction zone for flotation; the main shaft agitation mechanism and the froth skimming device are mounted above the tank. The SF flotation machine features a forward-inclined U-shaped tank design.
Specifications
The following specification table provides detailed information for each SF flotation machine model, helping customers compare different configurations and select the suitable equipment according to their processing requirements.
| Model | Effective Volume (m³) | Impeller Diameter (mm) | Impeller Speed (r/min) | Processing Capacity (m³/min) | Impeller Motor | Scraper Motor | Tank Dimensions (mm) | Weight (t) | Air Suction Volume (m³/m·min) | ||
| Model | Power (kW) | Model | Power (kW) | ||||||||
| SF-0.37 | 0.37 | 296 | 386 | 0.2–0.4 | Y90L-4 | 1.5 | Y801-4 | 0.55 | 700×700×750 | 0.47 | 0.9–1.0 |
| SF-0.65 | 0.65 | 350 | 400 | 0.3–0.9 | Y132S-6 | 3 | Y90L-6 | 1.1 | 900×900×900 | 0.93 | 0.9–1.0 |
| SF-1.2 | 1.2 | 450 | 312 | 0.6–1.2 | Y132M2-6 | 5.5 | Y90L-6 | 1.1 | 1100×1100×1100 | 1.37 | 0.9–1.0 |
| SF-2.8 | 2.8 | 550 | 270 | 1.5–3.5 | Y160L-6 | 11 | Y90L-6 | 1.1 | — | 2.13 | 0.9–1.0 |
| SF-4 | 4 | 650 | 220 | 2–4 | Y200L-8 | 15 | Y100L-6 | 1.5 | 1850×2050×1200 | 2.58 | 0.9–1.0 |
| SF-8 | 8 | 760 | 191 | 4–8 | Y250M-8 | 30 | Y100L-6 | 1.5 | 2200×2900×1400 | 4.13 | 0.9–1.0 |
| SF-10 | 10 | 760 | 191 | 5–10 | Y250M-8 | 30 | Y100L-6 | 1.5 | 2200×2900×1700 | 4.49 | 0.9–1.0 |
| SF-16 | 16 | 850 | 169–193 | 5.0–16 | — | 45 | — | — | — | 7.415 | 0.9–1.0 |
| SF-20 | 20 | 730 | 186 | 5.0–20 | — | 30×2 | — | — | — | 9.823 | 0.9–1.0 |
Advantages
SF Flotation Cell is designed for efficient mineral separation with integrated air suction, slurry circulation, and flotation functions. Its self-suction structure, optimized impeller system, and wear-resistant components provide stable flotation performance, lower energy consumption, and easier maintenance.
Applications
SF Type Self Suction Flotation Cell is mainly applied in roughing and scavenging circuits of mineral processing plants. With its integrated air suction, slurry suction, and flotation functions, it is suitable for the separation of various metallic and non-metallic minerals, including sulfide ores, precious metals, and industrial minerals.If you’d like to learn more, click on “Types of Flotation Cells for Mineral Processing.”
SF Flotation Cell in Flotation Plant Process
SF Type Flotation Cell is typically installed after grinding, classification, and conditioning processes as the main flotation equipment for mineral separation. It is widely applied in roughing, scavenging, and cleaning circuits, using its self-air suction and slurry suction design to provide continuous pulp aeration and mixing without external air supply systems.
In a flotation plant, multiple SF Flotation Cells can be connected in series to complete continuous separation operations. The self-suction structure simplifies flotation circuit arrangement and allows flexible horizontal installation. SF cells can also be combined with JJF flotation cells to form flotation machine groups, which are commonly used for optimizing flotation layouts in medium and large beneficiation plants.
Projects Show
How to Choose the Right SF Type Flotation Cell?
Based on our project experience, SF Type Flotation Cell selection starts with the required processing capacity and flotation circuit design. The cell volume and quantity should match the plant throughput and flotation stages. For example, SF-2.8, SF-4, and SF-8 models are commonly used in small and medium beneficiation plants, while larger plants may require SF-10, SF-16, or combined flotation configurations. The final selection should be based on slurry flow, residence time, and the requirements of roughing, scavenging, and cleaning circuits.
Below are the selection recommendations summarized by our engineers:
Confirm Processing Capacity
Choose the flotation cell model according to the required ore processing capacity and plant scale.
Check Ore Characteristics
Select the cell based on ore type, particle size, mineral properties, and flotation difficulty.
Choose the Right Cell Volume
Match the flotation cell volume with slurry flow rate and required flotation residence time.
Consider Flotation Stage
Rougher, cleaner, and scavenger flotation require different flotation performance and configurations.
Evaluate Mixing and Aeration Performance
Choose equipment with stable agitation, uniform air dispersion, and efficient mineral-bubble contact.
Consider Energy Consumption
Select a flotation cell with efficient power usage to reduce long-term operating costs.
Check Wear Resistance and Maintenance
Prioritize durable impellers, stators, and easy-maintenance designs for continuous operation.
Select Based on Test Results
Use mineral processing tests to determine the suitable SF flotation cell model and configuration.
Choose an Experienced Manufacturer
Work with a professional flotation equipment supplier for proper selection and process optimization.
Why Choose Zhongyi?
Zhengzhou Zhongyi Mining Machinery Co., Ltd has been specializing in mining and mineral processing equipment manufacturing since 2010. Based in Zhengzhou, China, the company provides SF flotation cells, crushing equipment, screening equipment, and complete mineral processing solutions for different mining applications.
With 3 manufacturing bases covering more than 300 acres, Zhongyi Mining has established complete production capabilities, including CNC machining, laser cutting, welding, and equipment assembly. The company follows the ISO9001 quality management system and applies strict quality control throughout equipment design, manufacturing, and delivery.
In addition to supplying individual flotation machines, Zhongyi Mining provides technical support from equipment selection and process design to installation guidance and commissioning. With experience in mineral processing projects, we work with customers to develop practical flotation solutions based on ore characteristics, production capacity, and plant conditions.
Request a Customized Solution
Partner with Zhongyi for SF Type Self Suction Flotation Cell solutions engineered for reliable mineral recovery, low energy consumption and stable operation in copper, gold, lead-zinc and other mineral beneficiation plants.
Customized XJK Flotation Machine Solutions
SF flotation cell selection and configuration depend on ore properties, processing capacity, and the existing plant layout. China Zhongyi Mining provides customized equipment recommendations based on actual project conditions, including flotation cell model selection, process arrangement, and equipment configuration. Our technical team can support projects from single flotation equipment supply to complete mineral processing plant solutions.
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FAQs
What is an SF Type Self Suction Flotation Cell?
SF Type Self Suction Flotation Cell is a mechanical agitation flotation machine designed for mineral separation through the froth flotation process. It integrates air suction, slurry suction, and flotation functions in one unit. The impeller creates negative pressure to draw air and slurry into the chamber, providing continuous mixing and bubble dispersion for the recovery of valuable minerals.
What minerals can be processed by SF Flotation Cell?
SF Flotation Cells are suitable for processing a wide range of metallic and non-metallic minerals, including copper, gold, lead-zinc, molybdenum, iron ore, graphite, and fluorite. The actual application depends on mineral properties, feed conditions, and flotation requirements. Proper equipment selection helps match the flotation process with the characteristics of different ores.
What are the advantages of SF Flotation Cell compared with other flotation machines?
The main advantage of SF Flotation Cell is its self-suction design, which combines air intake, slurry circulation, and flotation functions in one machine. Compared with flotation systems requiring additional air supply equipment, SF cells offer flexible installation and simpler circuit arrangement. They are commonly used where reliable operation and practical process configuration are required.
How to choose the right SF Flotation Cell model?
The correct SF Flotation Cell model should be selected according to processing capacity, ore characteristics, slurry conditions, and flotation circuit design. Important factors include required cell volume, number of units, feed size, and flotation stages. Engineers usually evaluate the complete process flow rather than selecting equipment only based on production capacity.
Can SF Flotation Cells be used for roughing, scavenging, and cleaning stages?
Yes. SF Flotation Cells can be applied in roughing, scavenging, and cleaning circuits depending on the beneficiation process design. Multiple units are usually arranged in series to provide sufficient flotation time and continuous mineral separation. The final configuration depends on ore properties, target recovery requirements, and plant production capacity.
Does SF Flotation Cell require an external air blower?
No. SF Flotation Cell adopts a self-air suction structure, where the rotating impeller generates negative pressure to automatically draw air into the flotation chamber. This eliminates the need for external air supply equipment in suitable applications and helps simplify the flotation circuit layout while reducing auxiliary equipment requirements.
Can SF Flotation Cell be combined with JJF Flotation Cell?
Yes. SF Flotation Cell is often combined with JJF Flotation Cell to form a flotation machine group. In this configuration, SF cells typically work as suction cells, while JJF cells operate as direct-flow cells. This arrangement allows flexible flotation circuit design and is commonly used in medium and large beneficiation plants.
What information is needed to select a suitable SF Flotation Machine?
To recommend a suitable SF Type Flotation Cell, customers should provide basic project information, including ore type, processing capacity, feed size, slurry concentration, existing flotation process, and plant layout. Based on these conditions, engineers can evaluate the required flotation volume, equipment quantity, and suitable configuration for the specific application.
