In the field of mineral processing, flotation is a key process for separating valuable minerals from gangue, and the type of flotation machine used, as the core equipment, directly affects the beneficiation results. Among them, mechanical agitation and pneumatic agitation flotation machines are the most widely used, each with its own characteristics.

Mechanical agitation flotation machines rely on the high-speed rotation of an impeller to thoroughly mix the pulp and simultaneously draw in air through negative pressure, achieving bubble dispersion. They have a compact structure, are easy to operate, and do not require an external air supply system, making them suitable for various ore conditions, especially in small and medium-sized processing plants. However, due to relying on self-suction of air, the air volume adjustment range is limited, and the impeller wears out relatively quickly, resulting in higher energy consumption.
In contrast, pneumatic agitation flotation machines use an external blower or compressed air system for air supply, supplemented by a low-speed stirring device. This design allows for independent control of the air volume, resulting in more uniform bubble distribution, which helps improve flotation efficiency and concentrate grade. Furthermore, the moderate stirring intensity reduces mechanical wear, and the overall energy consumption is lower, making them more suitable for large-scale processing plants handling large quantities of ore, especially in roughing and scavenging operations.