Abstract
The collection zone residence time distribution (RTD) of mechanical self-aerated flotation cells was characterized for liquid and solid per size class (−45 µm, +45–150 µm and +150 µm). It was found that a single large industrial cell with a volume of 130 to 250 m3, now used in plant operations, can be well represented by an LTST (large and small tank-in-series) model plus dead time. From a scale-up point of view, results showed a similar mixing behavior for industrial cells ranging from 130 to 250 m3. Also, single mechanical cells showed a similar mixing pattern (RTD) when compared to large pneumatic flotation columns. It was confirmed that for practical purposes, the mixing condition in a flotation bank of three or more cells in series can be well described by the classical N tanks-in-series model.
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Yianatos, J., Bergh, L., Tello, K. et al. Residence time distribution in single big industrial flotation cells. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 25, 46–52 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403385
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403385