Bubble-Particle Attachment Probability on Coarse Particles Flotation

Abstract

In this research, results are reported on the effect of impeller speed and air flow rate on flotation recovery for quartz particles of -590+212 μm. It is found that maximum flotation response was observed at impeller speed of 1100 rpm and 15 L/h air flow rate. For either more quiescent (impeller speed < 1100 rpm) or more turbulent conditions, flotation recovery decreased steadily. Furthermore, amount of attachment probabilities is calculated using suitable equation. According to this study, with decreasing particle size, air flow rate and impeller speed, probability of attachment increased and with increasing contact angle, probability of attachment increased. For various air flow rates, impeller speed and particle size, collision angle has been calculated. Maximum collision angle obtained at 72.82º with 15 L/h air flow rate, particle size of 256 μm and impeller speed of 700 rpm and minimum collision angle obtained at 64º with 45 L/h air flow rate, particle size of 256 μm and impeller speed of 1300 rpm. In this study, maximum attachment angle, θ_cr, was 39.33º around 75 L/h air flow rate, particle size of 256 μm, contact angle of 90º and impeller speed of 1300 rpm and minimum attachment angle was 0.13º with 15 L/h air flow rate, particle size of 545 μm, contact angle of 60º and impeller speed of 1300 rpm.