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Effect of some operational variables on bubble size in a pilot-scale mechanical flotation machine

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Abstract

This work aims to provide a relationship of how the key operational variables of frother type and impeller speed affect the size of bubble (D 32). The study was performed using pilot-scale equipment (0.8 m3) that is up to two orders of magnitude larger than equipment used for studies performed to date by others, and incorporated the key process variables of frother type and impeller speed. The results show that each frother family exhibits a unique CCC95-HLB relationship dependent on n (number of C-atoms in alkyl group) and m (number of propylene oxide group). Empirical models were developed to predict CCC95 from HLB associated with other two parameters α and β. The impeller speed-bubble size tests show that D 32 is unaffected by increased impeller tip speed across the range of 4.6 to 9.2 m/s (representing the industrial operating range), although D 32 starts to increase below 4.6 m/s. The finding is valid for both coalescing and non-coalescing conditions. The results suggest that the bubble size and bubble size distribution (BSD) being created do not change with increasing impeller speed in the quiescent zone of the flotation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mining and Mineral Resources Division, Department of Business Administration, Chinalco China Copper Corporation Limited, Beijing, 100082, China

    Wei Zhang  (张炜)

  2. Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A OC5, Canada

    Wei Zhang  (张炜), J. E. Nesset & J. A. Finch

Authors
  1. Wei Zhang  (张炜)
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  2. J. E. Nesset
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  3. J. A. Finch
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wei Zhang  (张炜).

Additional information

Foundation item: Project supported by the Collaborative Research and Development Program of NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) with Industrial Sponsorship from Vale, Teck Cominco, Xstrata Process Support, Agnico-Eagle, Shell Canada, Barrick Gold, COREM, SGS Lakefield Research and Flottec

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Zhang, W., Nesset, J.E. & Finch, J.A. Effect of some operational variables on bubble size in a pilot-scale mechanical flotation machine. J. Cent. South Univ. 21, 1077–1084 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-014-2039-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-014-2039-8

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