Flotation device comprising a fluid distribution element for generating a flow that is directed at the foam collecting unit

A flotation device, comprising:

• a housing having a flotation chamber receiving a suspension with a surface, and at least one inlet for the suspension;
• at least one froth collecting unit, disposed on top of the housing, receiving and discharging a froth product;
• and
• at least one fluid distribution element, disposed at an adjustable vertical position above the at least one inlet in the flotation chamber, delivering a fluid and generating a flow directed toward the at least one froth collecting unit, at least some of the fluid being injected directly into the suspension adjacent to the surface of the suspension.

A method for discharging a froth product formed in a flotation device having a housing with a flotation chamber, comprising:

• at least partially filling the flotation chamber with a suspension from at least one inlet in the housing;
• gassing the suspension to form the froth product from gas bubbles and solid particles attached thereto, the froth product accumulating on a surface of the suspension;
• adjusting a vertical position of at least one fluid distribution element in the flotation chamber as a function of a fill level of the suspension in the flotation chamber;
• producing, by the at least one fluid distribution element, a flow of a fluid toward at least one froth collecting unit disposed on top of the housing, at least some of the fluid being injected directly into the suspension adjacent to the surface of the suspension;
• and
• discharging the froth product via the at least one froth collecting unit.