The size and distribution patterns of bubbles within a laboratory-scale coarse-particle flotation column were examined using a high-speed camera-based dynamic measurement system.The effects of operational parameters s...The size and distribution patterns of bubbles within a laboratory-scale coarse-particle flotation column were examined using a high-speed camera-based dynamic measurement system.The effects of operational parameters such as superficial water velocity,air-flow rate,and frother dosage on bubble-size and distribution characteristics were investigated.This study aims to provide theoretical support for enabling fluidized-bed flotation within coarse-particle flotation columns.The results show that negative pressure for air inspiratory and bubble formation is generated by passing a high-speed jet through a throat,and the greatest number of bubbles are observed under natural inspiratory state at an air-liquid ratio of 1:3-1:2.5.Increasing the air-flow rate transforms the bubble diameter distribution from a peaked distribution to a more uniform distribution.Furthermore,the frother narrows the range of bubble-size distribution.A positive correlation exists between the bubble Sauter diameter and air-flow rate,with the bubble Sauter diameter bearing a negative correlation with the superficial water velocity and frother concentration.展开更多
The flotation kinetics of different size fractions of conventional and nanobubble(NB) flotation were compared to investigate the effect of NBs on the flotation performance of various coal particle sizes. Six flotation...The flotation kinetics of different size fractions of conventional and nanobubble(NB) flotation were compared to investigate the effect of NBs on the flotation performance of various coal particle sizes. Six flotation kinetics models were selected to fit the flotation data, and NBs were observed on a hydrophobic surface under hydrodynamic cavitation by atomic force microscope scanning. Flotation results indicated that the best flotation performance of size fraction at-0.125+0.074 mm can be obtained either in conventional or NB flotation. NBs increase the combustible recovery of almost all the size fractions, but they increase the product ash content of-0.25+0.074 mm and reduce the product ash content of-0.045 mm at the same time. The first-order models can be used to fit the flotation data in conventional and NB flotation, and the classical first-order model is the most suitable one. NBs considerably enhance flotation rate on coarse size fraction(-0.5+0.25 mm) but decrease the flotation rate of the medium size(-0.25+0.074 mm). The improvement of flotation speed on fine coal particles(-0.074 mm) is probably the reason for the improved performance of raw sample flotation.展开更多
Frothers facilitate the reduction of bubbles size by preventing bubbles coalescence and produce more stable froths.The collision probability of the bubbles and particles substantially increases by decreasing bubble si...Frothers facilitate the reduction of bubbles size by preventing bubbles coalescence and produce more stable froths.The collision probability of the bubbles and particles substantially increases by decreasing bubble size.For the same volume system,fewer bubbles result from a distribution of large-sized bubbles,and more bubbles result from a distribution of small-sized bubbles.In this research,fundamental two-phase frother characterization parameters were aimed to link with three-phase coal and talc flotation behavior.For this purpose,the effect of single and dual frother systems on inhibiting bubble coalescence was investigated with methyl isobutyl carbinol(MIBC),isooctanol(2 ethyl hexanol),pine oil,and Dowfroth 250.Based on the results of single frothers,isooctanol at the lowest critical coalescence concentration(CCC)value of 6×10^(−6) achieved the smallest bubbles with Sauter mean diameter of 0.80 mm.By blending Dowfroth 250 and pine oil,the bubbles size decreased significantly,reaching 0.45 mm.While the highest recoveries in coal flotation were obtained in single and frother blends where the bubbles size was measured as the smallest in two-phase system,and such a relationship was not found for talc flotation.展开更多
In operating flotation plants, the viscosity of the pulp can vary significantly. Consequently, the resulting impact on bubble size is of interest as many plants experience seasonal changes in water temperature, or par...In operating flotation plants, the viscosity of the pulp can vary significantly. Consequently, the resulting impact on bubble size is of interest as many plants experience seasonal changes in water temperature, or particle size changes as ore hardness, mineralogy and throughput fluctuate. However, given its importance in flotation, there existed no mathematical relationship linking bubble size created in flotation machines to the key process variable of fluid viscosity. In this study, a program of investigation to develop such a model was utilizing a pilot-scale mechanical flotation machine, to investigate the effect of water viscosity due to temperature on bubble size distribution. The bubble sizes were determined using a specific bubble viewer and imaging technology. The temperature itself was varied as a method for introducing significant viscosity change. The viscosity-temperature effect introduced a correspondingly significant change in the water viscosity（1619 to 641 μPa·s）. It is suggested that a considerably stronger relationship may exist, yielding D32 versus（μ/μ20）0.776, and hence viscosity becomes an important design consideration for plants operating where pulp temperature fluctuations, very small particles or high solid fractions are present.展开更多
Effect of frothers in preventing bubble coalescence during flotation of minerals has long been investigated.To evaluate the performance of a frother,an apparatus to measure the bubble size is a basic necessity.McGill ...Effect of frothers in preventing bubble coalescence during flotation of minerals has long been investigated.To evaluate the performance of a frother,an apparatus to measure the bubble size is a basic necessity.McGill Bubble Size Analyzer(MBSA) or bubble viewer that has been developed and completed by McGill University's Mineral Processing Group during the last decade is a unique instrument to serve this purpose.Two parameters which are thought to influence the bubble size measurements by McGill bubble viewer include water quality and frother concentration in the chamber.Results show that there is no difference in Sauter mean(D32) when tap or de-ionized water was used instead of process water.However,the frother concentration,in this research DowFroth 250(DF250),inside the chamber exhibited a pronounced effect on bubble size.Frother concentration below a certain point can not prevent coalescence inside the chamber and therefore caution must be taken in plant applications.It was also noted that the frother concentration which has been so far practiced in plant measurements(CCC75-CCC95) is high enough to prevent coalescence with the bubble viewer.展开更多
The size of bubbles created in the flotation process is of great importance to the efficiency of the mineral separation achieved.Meanwhile,it is believed that frother transport between phases is perhaps the most impor...The size of bubbles created in the flotation process is of great importance to the efficiency of the mineral separation achieved.Meanwhile,it is believed that frother transport between phases is perhaps the most important reason for the interactive nature of the phenomena occurring in the bulk and froth phases in flotation,as frother adsorbed in the surface of rising bubbles is removed from the bulk phase and then released into the froth as a fraction of the bubbles burst.This causes the increased concentration in the froth compared to the bulk concentration,named as frother partitioning.Partitioning reflects the adsorption of frother on bubbles and how to influence bubble size is not known.There currently exists no such a topic aiming to link these two key parameters.To fill this vacancy,the correspondence between bubble size and frother partitioning was examined.Bubble size was measured by sampling-for-imaging(SFI)technique.Using total organic carbon(TOC)analysis to measure the frother partitioning between froth and bulk phases was determined.Measurements have shown,with no exceptions including four different frothers,higher frother concentration is in the bulk than in the froth.The results also show strong partitioning giving an increase in bubble size which implies there is a compelling relationship between these two,represented by CFroth/CBulk and D32.The CFroth/CBulkand D32 curves show similar exponential decay relationships as a function of added frother in the system,strongly suggesting that the frother concentration gradient between the bulk solution and the bubble interface is the driving force contributing to bubble size reduction.展开更多
This work aims to provide a relationship of how the key operational variables of frother type and impeller speed affect the size of bubble （D32）. The study was performed using pilot-scale equipment （0.8 m^3） that ...This work aims to provide a relationship of how the key operational variables of frother type and impeller speed affect the size of bubble （D32）. The study was performed using pilot-scale equipment （0.8 m^3） 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 a and ft. The impeller speed-bubble size tests show that D32 is unaffected by increased impeller tip speed across the range of 4.6 to 9.2 m/s （representing the industrial operating range）, although D32 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.展开更多
The specific results of the work investigating the effect of gas density and water temperature on bubble size were present.These were surrogate variables designed to investigate the effect of viscosity(varying water t...The specific results of the work investigating the effect of gas density and water temperature on bubble size were present.These were surrogate variables designed to investigate the effect of viscosity(varying water temperature) and altitude(varying gas density).The results show that there is a measurable but relatively small effect of gas density on bubble size.The D32 is revealed to increase proportionally as(ρ0/ρg)0.132.The projected impact on flotation kinetics at 4500 m versus sea level is small,of the order of 0.5% recovery loss for a bank of eight flotation cells.The effect of water temperature(4-40 °C) on bubble size is more significant than gas density.The relationship correlates with water viscosity values quite closely.A finding that D32 increases proportionally as(μ/μ20)0.776 highlights the importance of accounting for viscosity effects if,for example,large process temperature fluctuations or deviation from design/test conditions are expected.展开更多
Effects of size distribution (particle size and content of fine fraction (<10μm)) on scheelite flotation were studied using flotation tests and theoretical calculations. The results show that particle size influen...Effects of size distribution (particle size and content of fine fraction (<10μm)) on scheelite flotation were studied using flotation tests and theoretical calculations. The results show that particle size influences the scheelite recovery and the performance of combined reagents. The scheelite recovery is lowered by adding fine particles (<10μm) into the pulp containing coarse particles. Extended DLVO (EDLVO) theory confirms that the fine fractions (<10μm) could interface with the coarse fractions. The interaction energy and fluid forces are relative to the particle size, which might explain why the fine fractions influence the scheelite flotation. The highest recovery of scheelite using combined reagents as collector and optimum ratio of combined reagents were determined by scheelite particle size and reagent performance. However, the optimum adding order was only determined by reagent performance, which has nothing to do with particle size.展开更多
To understand the flotation mechanism of bastnaesite using reactive oily bubble, the interaction between bastnaesite parti-cles and reactive oily bubbles was investigated by electro-kinetic studies, induction time mea...To understand the flotation mechanism of bastnaesite using reactive oily bubble, the interaction between bastnaesite parti-cles and reactive oily bubbles was investigated by electro-kinetic studies, induction time measurements and small-scale flotation ex-periments. The bastnaesite flotation could be seen as a hetero-coagulation between bastnaesite particles and reactive oily bubbles which was confirmed by the zeta potential distribution and induction time measurements from pH 4.8 to pH 9.0. The small-scale flotation tests were consistent with the hetero-coagulation results, and showed a better flotation of reactive oily bubble than air bubble among all pH range. The interaction force between bastnaesite particles and reactive oily bubbles was evaluated by the classical DLVO theory. It indicated that the attachment could be predicted well by the DLVO theory only in a restricted pH range due to the absence of hydrophilic interaction repulsion force and chemical interaction force.展开更多
Bubble surface area flux(S_b) is one of the main design parameter in flotation column that typically employed to describe the gas dispersion properties, and it has a strong correlation with the flotation rate constant...Bubble surface area flux(S_b) is one of the main design parameter in flotation column that typically employed to describe the gas dispersion properties, and it has a strong correlation with the flotation rate constant. There is a limited information available in the literature regarding the effect of particle type,density, wettability and concentration on Sb. In this paper, computational fluid dynamics(CFD) simulations are performed to study the gas–liquid–solid three-phase flow dynamics in flotation column by employing the Eulerian–Eulerian formulation with k-e turbulence model. The model is developed by writing Fortran subroutine and incorporating then into the commercial CFD code AVL FIRE, v.2014.This paper studies the effects of superficial gas velocities and particle type, density, wettability and concentration on Sband bubble concentration in the flotation column. The model has been validated against published experimental data. It was found that the CFD model was able to predict, where the response variable as indicated by R-Square value of 0.98. These results suggest that the developed CFD model is reasonable to describe the flotation column reactor. From the CFD results, it is also found that Sb decreased with increasing solid concentration and hydrophobicity, but increased with increasing superficial gas velocity. For example, approximately 28% reduction in the surface area flux is observed when coal concentration is increased from 0 to 10%, by volume. While for the same solid concentration and gas flow rate, the bubble surface area flux is approximately increased by 7% in the presences of sphalerite.A possible explanation for this might be that increasing solid concentration and hydrophobicity promotes the bubble coalescence rate leading to the increase in bubble size. Also, it was found that the bubble concentration would decrease with addition of hydrophobic particle(i.e., coal). For instance, under the same operating conditions, approximately 23% reduction in the bubble concentration is predicted when the system was working with hydrophobic particles. The results presented are useful for understanding flow dynamics of three-phase system and provide a basis for further development of CFD model for flotation column.展开更多
As is well known to mineral processing scientists and engineers, fine and ultrafine particles are difficult to float mainly due to the low bubble-particle collision efficiencies. Though many efforts have been made to ...As is well known to mineral processing scientists and engineers, fine and ultrafine particles are difficult to float mainly due to the low bubble-particle collision efficiencies. Though many efforts have been made to improve flotation performance of fine and ultrafine particles, there is still much more to be done. In this paper, the effects of nano-microbubbles （nanobuhbles and microbubbles） on the flotation of fine （-38 ＋ 14.36 μm） and ultrafine （-14.36 ＋ 5μm） chalcopyrite particles were investigated in a laboratory scale Denver flotation cell. Nano-microbubbles were generated using a specially-designed nano- microbubble generator based on the cavitation phenomenon in Venturi tubes. In order to better under- stand the mechanisms of nano-microbubble enhanced froth flotation of fine and ultrafine chalcopyrite particles, the nano-microbubble size distribution, stability and the effect of frother concentration on nano- bubble size were also studied by a laser diffraction method. Comparative flotation tests were performed in the presence and absence of nano-microbubbles to evaluate their impact on the fine and ultrafine chalcopyrite particle flotation recovery. According to the results, the mean size of nano-microbubbles increased over time, and decreased with increase of frother concentration. The laboratory-scale flotation test results indicated that flotation recovery of chalcopyrite fine and ultrafine particles increased by approximately 16-21% in the presence of nano-microbubbles, depending on operating conditions of the process. The presence of nano-microbubbles increased the recovery of ultrafine particles （-14.36 ＋ 5 μm） more than that of fine particles （-38 ＋ 14.36 μm）. Another major advantage is that the use of nano-microbubbles reduced the collector and frother consumptions by up to 75% and 50%, respectively.展开更多
Conventional feature description methods have large errors in froth features due to the fact that the image during the zinc flotation process of froth flotation is dynamic,and the existing image features rarely have t...Conventional feature description methods have large errors in froth features due to the fact that the image during the zinc flotation process of froth flotation is dynamic,and the existing image features rarely have time series information.Based on the conventional froth size distribution characteristics,this paper proposes a size trend core feature(STCF)considering the froth size distribution,i.e.,a feature centered on the time series of the froth size distribution.The core features of the trend are extracted,the inter-frame change factor and the inter-frame stability factor are given and two calculation methods of the feature factors are proposed.Meanwhile,the STCF feature algorithm was established based on the core features by adding the inter-frame change factor and the inter-frame stability factor.Finally,a flotation condition recognition model based on BP neural network was established.The experiments show that the recognition model has achieved excellent results,proving that the method proposed effectively overcomes the limitation of the lack of dynamic information in the existing traditional size distribution features and the introduction of the two factors can improve the classification accuracy to varying degrees.展开更多
The flotation behaviors of decyltrimethylammonium (103C), dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC), tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride (TTAC) and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) on kaolinite of different part...The flotation behaviors of decyltrimethylammonium (103C), dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC), tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride (TTAC) and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) on kaolinite of different particle size fraction were studied. The adsorbed amount and adsorption isotherms of collectors on kaolinite were determined for painstaking investigation into the adsorption of quaternary amines at kaolinite-water interface by ultraviolet spectrophotometer methods. The flotation results show that the flotation recovery of kaolinite of different particle fraction increases with an increase in pH when 103C, DTAC, TTAC and CTAC are used as collectors. As the concentration of collectors increases, the flotation recovery increases. Particle size of kaolinite has a strong effect on flotation. The flotation recovery of fine kaolinite decreases with the carbon chain of quaternary ammonium salts collectors increasing, while coarse kaolinite is on the contrary. The adsorbed amount tests and adsorption isotherms show that adsorbed amount increases when the particle size of kaolinite increases or when the carbon chain length of quaternary ammonium salts increases. Within the range of flotation collector concentration, the longer the hydrocarbon chain, the more probable to be absolutely adsorbed by fine kaolinite particles and then the lower the collector concentration in the bulk, which leds to lower flotation recovery.展开更多
Laboratory experiments have been conducted to study the flow field in a cyclone static micro-bubble flotation column. The method of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was used. The flow field velocity distribution in bo...Laboratory experiments have been conducted to study the flow field in a cyclone static micro-bubble flotation column. The method of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was used. The flow field velocity distribution in both cross section and longitudinal section within cyclonic zone was studied for different circulating volumes. The cross sectional vortex was also analyzed. The results show that in cross section as the circulating volume increases from 0.187 to 0.350 m 3 /h, the flow velocity ranges from 0 to 0.68 m/s. The flow field is mainly a non-vortex potential flow that forms a free vortex without outside energy input. In the cyclonic region the vortex deviates from the center of the flotation column because a single tangential opening introduces circulating fluid into the column. The tangential component of the velocity plays a defining role in the cross section. In the longitudinal section the velocity ranges from 0 to 0.08 m/s. The flow velocity increases as does the circulating volume. Advantageous mineral separation conditions arise from the combined effects of cyclonic flow in cross and longitudinal section.展开更多
This paper deals with the operation principle of the cyclonic microbubble flotation column and its structure characterisics. The pilot test results and the commercial applied results of cyclonic microbubble flotation ...This paper deals with the operation principle of the cyclonic microbubble flotation column and its structure characterisics. The pilot test results and the commercial applied results of cyclonic microbubble flotation column for fine coal processing are also introduced. The test results proved that the cyclonic microbubble flotation column has many advantages suck as high selectivity, high efficiency in ash rejection from fine coals, low comsumption of energy, easy operation and maintenance, etc. It is a kind of equipment widely applied to fine coal processing.展开更多
ES-DAF, a novel DAF with low cost, high reliability and easy controllability, was studied. Without a costly air saturator, ES-DAF consists of an ejector and a static mixer between the pressure side and suction side of...ES-DAF, a novel DAF with low cost, high reliability and easy controllability, was studied. Without a costly air saturator, ES-DAF consists of an ejector and a static mixer between the pressure side and suction side of the recycle rotary pump. The bubble size distribution in this novel unit was studied in detail by using a newly developed CCD imagination through a microscope. Compared with M-DAF under the same saturation pressure, ES-DAF can produce smaller bubble size and higher bubble volume concentration, especially in lower pressure. In addition, the bubble size decreases with the increase of reflux ratio or decrease of superficial air-water ratio. These results suggested that smaller bubbles will be formed when the initial number of nucleation sites increases by enhancing the turbulence intensity in the saturation system.展开更多
Effects of particle size and chain length on flotation of quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) onto kaolinite have been investigated by mico-flotation tests. The two kinds of quaternary ammonium salts [RN(CH3)3] with diffe...Effects of particle size and chain length on flotation of quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) onto kaolinite have been investigated by mico-flotation tests. The two kinds of quaternary ammonium salts [RN(CH3)3] with different chain lengths, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) were used as collectors for kaolinite in different particle size fractions (0.075–0.01 mm, 0.045–0.075 mm, 0–0.045 mm). The anomalous flotation behavior of kaolinite have been further explained based on crystal structure considerations by adsorption tests and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The results show that the flotation recovery of kaolinite in all different particle size fractions decreases with an increase in pH when DTAC and CTAC are used as collectors. As the concentration of collectors increases, the flotation recovery increases. The longer the carbon chain of QAS is, the higher the recoveries of coarse kaolinite (0.075–0.01 mm and 0.045–0.075 mm) are. But the flotation recovery of the finest kaolinite (0–0.045 mm) decreases with chain lengths of QAS collectors increasing, which is consistent with the flotation results of unsifted kaolinite (0–0.075 mm). It is explained by the froth stability related to the residual concentration of QAS collector. In lower residual concentration, the froth stability becomes worse. Within the range of flotation collector concentration, it's easy of CTAC to be completely adsorbed by kaolinite in the particle size fraction (0–0.045 mm), which led to lower flotation recovery. Moreover, it is interesting that the particle size of kaolinite is coarser, the flotation recovery is higher. The anomalous flotation behavior of kaolinite is rationalized based on crystal structure considerations. The results of MD simulations show that the (001) kaolinite surface has the strongest interaction with DTAC, compared with the (001), (010) and (110) surfaces. On the other hand, when particle size of kaolinite is altered, the number of basal planes and edge planes is changed. It is observed that the finer kaolinite particles size become, the greater relative surface area of edges is, and the more the number of edges is. It means that fine kaolinite particles have more edges to adsorb less cationic colletors than that of coarse kaolinite particles, which is responsible for the poorer floatability of fine kaolinite.展开更多
Ultrasonic waves have a lot of use in the particle surface cleaning.As flotation is one of the methods associated with surface properties,this paper investigates the effect of these waves on performance,particle size,...Ultrasonic waves have a lot of use in the particle surface cleaning.As flotation is one of the methods associated with surface properties,this paper investigates the effect of these waves on performance,particle size,reagents,and feed ash content in coal flotation.To accomplish this goal,coal samples in three size fractions,including coarse(-800 to+400μm),medium(-400 to+100 μm)and fine(-100μm)with various feed ash content.The flotation experiments were evaluated by process indexes such as yield,combustible recovery,and selectivity index.The results indicated the increasing of yield.The increasing was significant in medium size.Furthermore,the results showed that in presence of ultrasonic waves,the collector and frother consumption decreased.And also,applying ultrasonic waves would result more combustible recovery and selectivity index.The ash selectivity index had the highest impact for high feed ash content.展开更多
To relate froth structural information with mineral flotation performance, segmentation analysis was performed on froth images characterized by fully occupied convex bubbles with white spots effect. An improved valley...To relate froth structural information with mineral flotation performance, segmentation analysis was performed on froth images characterized by fully occupied convex bubbles with white spots effect. An improved valley edge detection method was proposed to extract structural features and overcome fake white spot edges seriously affecting the segmentation performance. After preprocessing, detection template was designed based on the local minimal intensity, and a binary image containing segmented boundaries was obtained by applying logical rules, thinning and filtering. Statistical features such as bubble size were estimated for control purpose. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method avoids over-segmentation or ill-segmentation caused by uneven illumination, and the industrial application reveals the reliability of bubble size estimation.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Nos.2023YFC3904202,2022YFC2904500)Major Science and Technology Program of Yunnan Province,China(No.202202AB080012).
文摘The size and distribution patterns of bubbles within a laboratory-scale coarse-particle flotation column were examined using a high-speed camera-based dynamic measurement system.The effects of operational parameters such as superficial water velocity,air-flow rate,and frother dosage on bubble-size and distribution characteristics were investigated.This study aims to provide theoretical support for enabling fluidized-bed flotation within coarse-particle flotation columns.The results show that negative pressure for air inspiratory and bubble formation is generated by passing a high-speed jet through a throat,and the greatest number of bubbles are observed under natural inspiratory state at an air-liquid ratio of 1:3-1:2.5.Increasing the air-flow rate transforms the bubble diameter distribution from a peaked distribution to a more uniform distribution.Furthermore,the frother narrows the range of bubble-size distribution.A positive correlation exists between the bubble Sauter diameter and air-flow rate,with the bubble Sauter diameter bearing a negative correlation with the superficial water velocity and frother concentration.
基金This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51704208).
文摘The flotation kinetics of different size fractions of conventional and nanobubble(NB) flotation were compared to investigate the effect of NBs on the flotation performance of various coal particle sizes. Six flotation kinetics models were selected to fit the flotation data, and NBs were observed on a hydrophobic surface under hydrodynamic cavitation by atomic force microscope scanning. Flotation results indicated that the best flotation performance of size fraction at-0.125+0.074 mm can be obtained either in conventional or NB flotation. NBs increase the combustible recovery of almost all the size fractions, but they increase the product ash content of-0.25+0.074 mm and reduce the product ash content of-0.045 mm at the same time. The first-order models can be used to fit the flotation data in conventional and NB flotation, and the classical first-order model is the most suitable one. NBs considerably enhance flotation rate on coarse size fraction(-0.5+0.25 mm) but decrease the flotation rate of the medium size(-0.25+0.074 mm). The improvement of flotation speed on fine coal particles(-0.074 mm) is probably the reason for the improved performance of raw sample flotation.
基金Project(ID42787)supported by the Istanbul Technical University,BAP(Scientific Research Project)Department,Turkey。
文摘Frothers facilitate the reduction of bubbles size by preventing bubbles coalescence and produce more stable froths.The collision probability of the bubbles and particles substantially increases by decreasing bubble size.For the same volume system,fewer bubbles result from a distribution of large-sized bubbles,and more bubbles result from a distribution of small-sized bubbles.In this research,fundamental two-phase frother characterization parameters were aimed to link with three-phase coal and talc flotation behavior.For this purpose,the effect of single and dual frother systems on inhibiting bubble coalescence was investigated with methyl isobutyl carbinol(MIBC),isooctanol(2 ethyl hexanol),pine oil,and Dowfroth 250.Based on the results of single frothers,isooctanol at the lowest critical coalescence concentration(CCC)value of 6×10^(−6) achieved the smallest bubbles with Sauter mean diameter of 0.80 mm.By blending Dowfroth 250 and pine oil,the bubbles size decreased significantly,reaching 0.45 mm.While the highest recoveries in coal flotation were obtained in single and frother blends where the bubbles size was measured as the smallest in two-phase system,and such a relationship was not found for talc flotation.
基金the Chair in Mineral Processing at McGill University, under 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
文摘In operating flotation plants, the viscosity of the pulp can vary significantly. Consequently, the resulting impact on bubble size is of interest as many plants experience seasonal changes in water temperature, or particle size changes as ore hardness, mineralogy and throughput fluctuate. However, given its importance in flotation, there existed no mathematical relationship linking bubble size created in flotation machines to the key process variable of fluid viscosity. In this study, a program of investigation to develop such a model was utilizing a pilot-scale mechanical flotation machine, to investigate the effect of water viscosity due to temperature on bubble size distribution. The bubble sizes were determined using a specific bubble viewer and imaging technology. The temperature itself was varied as a method for introducing significant viscosity change. The viscosity-temperature effect introduced a correspondingly significant change in the water viscosity（1619 to 641 μPa·s）. It is suggested that a considerably stronger relationship may exist, yielding D32 versus（μ/μ20）0.776, and hence viscosity becomes an important design consideration for plants operating where pulp temperature fluctuations, very small particles or high solid fractions are present.
基金Project supported by the Chair in Mineral Processing at McGill University,under 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
文摘Effect of frothers in preventing bubble coalescence during flotation of minerals has long been investigated.To evaluate the performance of a frother,an apparatus to measure the bubble size is a basic necessity.McGill Bubble Size Analyzer(MBSA) or bubble viewer that has been developed and completed by McGill University's Mineral Processing Group during the last decade is a unique instrument to serve this purpose.Two parameters which are thought to influence the bubble size measurements by McGill bubble viewer include water quality and frother concentration in the chamber.Results show that there is no difference in Sauter mean(D32) when tap or de-ionized water was used instead of process water.However,the frother concentration,in this research DowFroth 250(DF250),inside the chamber exhibited a pronounced effect on bubble size.Frother concentration below a certain point can not prevent coalescence inside the chamber and therefore caution must be taken in plant applications.It was also noted that the frother concentration which has been so far practiced in plant measurements(CCC75-CCC95) is high enough to prevent coalescence with the bubble viewer.
基金Project supported by the Collaborative Research and Development Program of Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
文摘The size of bubbles created in the flotation process is of great importance to the efficiency of the mineral separation achieved.Meanwhile,it is believed that frother transport between phases is perhaps the most important reason for the interactive nature of the phenomena occurring in the bulk and froth phases in flotation,as frother adsorbed in the surface of rising bubbles is removed from the bulk phase and then released into the froth as a fraction of the bubbles burst.This causes the increased concentration in the froth compared to the bulk concentration,named as frother partitioning.Partitioning reflects the adsorption of frother on bubbles and how to influence bubble size is not known.There currently exists no such a topic aiming to link these two key parameters.To fill this vacancy,the correspondence between bubble size and frother partitioning was examined.Bubble size was measured by sampling-for-imaging(SFI)technique.Using total organic carbon(TOC)analysis to measure the frother partitioning between froth and bulk phases was determined.Measurements have shown,with no exceptions including four different frothers,higher frother concentration is in the bulk than in the froth.The results also show strong partitioning giving an increase in bubble size which implies there is a compelling relationship between these two,represented by CFroth/CBulk and D32.The CFroth/CBulkand D32 curves show similar exponential decay relationships as a function of added frother in the system,strongly suggesting that the frother concentration gradient between the bulk solution and the bubble interface is the driving force contributing to bubble size reduction.
基金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
文摘This work aims to provide a relationship of how the key operational variables of frother type and impeller speed affect the size of bubble （D32）. The study was performed using pilot-scale equipment （0.8 m^3） 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 a and ft. The impeller speed-bubble size tests show that D32 is unaffected by increased impeller tip speed across the range of 4.6 to 9.2 m/s （representing the industrial operating range）, although D32 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.
基金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
文摘The specific results of the work investigating the effect of gas density and water temperature on bubble size were present.These were surrogate variables designed to investigate the effect of viscosity(varying water temperature) and altitude(varying gas density).The results show that there is a measurable but relatively small effect of gas density on bubble size.The D32 is revealed to increase proportionally as(ρ0/ρg)0.132.The projected impact on flotation kinetics at 4500 m versus sea level is small,of the order of 0.5% recovery loss for a bank of eight flotation cells.The effect of water temperature(4-40 °C) on bubble size is more significant than gas density.The relationship correlates with water viscosity values quite closely.A finding that D32 increases proportionally as(μ/μ20)0.776 highlights the importance of accounting for viscosity effects if,for example,large process temperature fluctuations or deviation from design/test conditions are expected.
基金Project(51074037)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘Effects of size distribution (particle size and content of fine fraction (<10μm)) on scheelite flotation were studied using flotation tests and theoretical calculations. The results show that particle size influences the scheelite recovery and the performance of combined reagents. The scheelite recovery is lowered by adding fine particles (<10μm) into the pulp containing coarse particles. Extended DLVO (EDLVO) theory confirms that the fine fractions (<10μm) could interface with the coarse fractions. The interaction energy and fluid forces are relative to the particle size, which might explain why the fine fractions influence the scheelite flotation. The highest recovery of scheelite using combined reagents as collector and optimum ratio of combined reagents were determined by scheelite particle size and reagent performance. However, the optimum adding order was only determined by reagent performance, which has nothing to do with particle size.
基金supported by Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University of China(IRT0974)National Natural Science Foundation of China(50574069)Industrial Research Chair Program in Oil Sands Engineering from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council(NSERC)
文摘To understand the flotation mechanism of bastnaesite using reactive oily bubble, the interaction between bastnaesite parti-cles and reactive oily bubbles was investigated by electro-kinetic studies, induction time measurements and small-scale flotation ex-periments. The bastnaesite flotation could be seen as a hetero-coagulation between bastnaesite particles and reactive oily bubbles which was confirmed by the zeta potential distribution and induction time measurements from pH 4.8 to pH 9.0. The small-scale flotation tests were consistent with the hetero-coagulation results, and showed a better flotation of reactive oily bubble than air bubble among all pH range. The interaction force between bastnaesite particles and reactive oily bubbles was evaluated by the classical DLVO theory. It indicated that the attachment could be predicted well by the DLVO theory only in a restricted pH range due to the absence of hydrophilic interaction repulsion force and chemical interaction force.
基金the Higher Committee for Education Development in Iraq (HCED) for their financial support
文摘Bubble surface area flux(S_b) is one of the main design parameter in flotation column that typically employed to describe the gas dispersion properties, and it has a strong correlation with the flotation rate constant. There is a limited information available in the literature regarding the effect of particle type,density, wettability and concentration on Sb. In this paper, computational fluid dynamics(CFD) simulations are performed to study the gas–liquid–solid three-phase flow dynamics in flotation column by employing the Eulerian–Eulerian formulation with k-e turbulence model. The model is developed by writing Fortran subroutine and incorporating then into the commercial CFD code AVL FIRE, v.2014.This paper studies the effects of superficial gas velocities and particle type, density, wettability and concentration on Sband bubble concentration in the flotation column. The model has been validated against published experimental data. It was found that the CFD model was able to predict, where the response variable as indicated by R-Square value of 0.98. These results suggest that the developed CFD model is reasonable to describe the flotation column reactor. From the CFD results, it is also found that Sb decreased with increasing solid concentration and hydrophobicity, but increased with increasing superficial gas velocity. For example, approximately 28% reduction in the surface area flux is observed when coal concentration is increased from 0 to 10%, by volume. While for the same solid concentration and gas flow rate, the bubble surface area flux is approximately increased by 7% in the presences of sphalerite.A possible explanation for this might be that increasing solid concentration and hydrophobicity promotes the bubble coalescence rate leading to the increase in bubble size. Also, it was found that the bubble concentration would decrease with addition of hydrophobic particle(i.e., coal). For instance, under the same operating conditions, approximately 23% reduction in the bubble concentration is predicted when the system was working with hydrophobic particles. The results presented are useful for understanding flow dynamics of three-phase system and provide a basis for further development of CFD model for flotation column.
基金the Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), the Iran Mineral Processing Research Center (IMPRC) and the IMIDRO for the technical assistance and financial support
文摘As is well known to mineral processing scientists and engineers, fine and ultrafine particles are difficult to float mainly due to the low bubble-particle collision efficiencies. Though many efforts have been made to improve flotation performance of fine and ultrafine particles, there is still much more to be done. In this paper, the effects of nano-microbubbles （nanobuhbles and microbubbles） on the flotation of fine （-38 ＋ 14.36 μm） and ultrafine （-14.36 ＋ 5μm） chalcopyrite particles were investigated in a laboratory scale Denver flotation cell. Nano-microbubbles were generated using a specially-designed nano- microbubble generator based on the cavitation phenomenon in Venturi tubes. In order to better under- stand the mechanisms of nano-microbubble enhanced froth flotation of fine and ultrafine chalcopyrite particles, the nano-microbubble size distribution, stability and the effect of frother concentration on nano- bubble size were also studied by a laser diffraction method. Comparative flotation tests were performed in the presence and absence of nano-microbubbles to evaluate their impact on the fine and ultrafine chalcopyrite particle flotation recovery. According to the results, the mean size of nano-microbubbles increased over time, and decreased with increase of frother concentration. The laboratory-scale flotation test results indicated that flotation recovery of chalcopyrite fine and ultrafine particles increased by approximately 16-21% in the presence of nano-microbubbles, depending on operating conditions of the process. The presence of nano-microbubbles increased the recovery of ultrafine particles （-14.36 ＋ 5 μm） more than that of fine particles （-38 ＋ 14.36 μm）. Another major advantage is that the use of nano-microbubbles reduced the collector and frother consumptions by up to 75% and 50%, respectively.
基金Project(U1701261)supported by the National Science Foundation of China,Guangdong Joint Fund of Key ProjectsProject(61771492)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(2018GK4016)supported by Hunan Province Strategic Emerging Industry Science and Technology Research and Major Science and Technology Achievement Transformation Project,China。
文摘Conventional feature description methods have large errors in froth features due to the fact that the image during the zinc flotation process of froth flotation is dynamic,and the existing image features rarely have time series information.Based on the conventional froth size distribution characteristics,this paper proposes a size trend core feature(STCF)considering the froth size distribution,i.e.,a feature centered on the time series of the froth size distribution.The core features of the trend are extracted,the inter-frame change factor and the inter-frame stability factor are given and two calculation methods of the feature factors are proposed.Meanwhile,the STCF feature algorithm was established based on the core features by adding the inter-frame change factor and the inter-frame stability factor.Finally,a flotation condition recognition model based on BP neural network was established.The experiments show that the recognition model has achieved excellent results,proving that the method proposed effectively overcomes the limitation of the lack of dynamic information in the existing traditional size distribution features and the introduction of the two factors can improve the classification accuracy to varying degrees.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.50974134)the National Basic Research Program of China (No.2005CB623701)
文摘The flotation behaviors of decyltrimethylammonium (103C), dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC), tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride (TTAC) and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) on kaolinite of different particle size fraction were studied. The adsorbed amount and adsorption isotherms of collectors on kaolinite were determined for painstaking investigation into the adsorption of quaternary amines at kaolinite-water interface by ultraviolet spectrophotometer methods. The flotation results show that the flotation recovery of kaolinite of different particle fraction increases with an increase in pH when 103C, DTAC, TTAC and CTAC are used as collectors. As the concentration of collectors increases, the flotation recovery increases. Particle size of kaolinite has a strong effect on flotation. The flotation recovery of fine kaolinite decreases with the carbon chain of quaternary ammonium salts collectors increasing, while coarse kaolinite is on the contrary. The adsorbed amount tests and adsorption isotherms show that adsorbed amount increases when the particle size of kaolinite increases or when the carbon chain length of quaternary ammonium salts increases. Within the range of flotation collector concentration, the longer the hydrocarbon chain, the more probable to be absolutely adsorbed by fine kaolinite particles and then the lower the collector concentration in the bulk, which leds to lower flotation recovery.
基金the State Key Basic Research Program of China (No. 2012CB214905)Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 500834006)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 50974119) for financial support
文摘Laboratory experiments have been conducted to study the flow field in a cyclone static micro-bubble flotation column. The method of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was used. The flow field velocity distribution in both cross section and longitudinal section within cyclonic zone was studied for different circulating volumes. The cross sectional vortex was also analyzed. The results show that in cross section as the circulating volume increases from 0.187 to 0.350 m 3 /h, the flow velocity ranges from 0 to 0.68 m/s. The flow field is mainly a non-vortex potential flow that forms a free vortex without outside energy input. In the cyclonic region the vortex deviates from the center of the flotation column because a single tangential opening introduces circulating fluid into the column. The tangential component of the velocity plays a defining role in the cross section. In the longitudinal section the velocity ranges from 0 to 0.08 m/s. The flow velocity increases as does the circulating volume. Advantageous mineral separation conditions arise from the combined effects of cyclonic flow in cross and longitudinal section.
文摘This paper deals with the operation principle of the cyclonic microbubble flotation column and its structure characterisics. The pilot test results and the commercial applied results of cyclonic microbubble flotation column for fine coal processing are also introduced. The test results proved that the cyclonic microbubble flotation column has many advantages suck as high selectivity, high efficiency in ash rejection from fine coals, low comsumption of energy, easy operation and maintenance, etc. It is a kind of equipment widely applied to fine coal processing.
文摘ES-DAF, a novel DAF with low cost, high reliability and easy controllability, was studied. Without a costly air saturator, ES-DAF consists of an ejector and a static mixer between the pressure side and suction side of the recycle rotary pump. The bubble size distribution in this novel unit was studied in detail by using a newly developed CCD imagination through a microscope. Compared with M-DAF under the same saturation pressure, ES-DAF can produce smaller bubble size and higher bubble volume concentration, especially in lower pressure. In addition, the bubble size decreases with the increase of reflux ratio or decrease of superficial air-water ratio. These results suggested that smaller bubbles will be formed when the initial number of nucleation sites increases by enhancing the turbulence intensity in the saturation system.
文摘Effects of particle size and chain length on flotation of quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) onto kaolinite have been investigated by mico-flotation tests. The two kinds of quaternary ammonium salts [RN(CH3)3] with different chain lengths, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) were used as collectors for kaolinite in different particle size fractions (0.075–0.01 mm, 0.045–0.075 mm, 0–0.045 mm). The anomalous flotation behavior of kaolinite have been further explained based on crystal structure considerations by adsorption tests and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The results show that the flotation recovery of kaolinite in all different particle size fractions decreases with an increase in pH when DTAC and CTAC are used as collectors. As the concentration of collectors increases, the flotation recovery increases. The longer the carbon chain of QAS is, the higher the recoveries of coarse kaolinite (0.075–0.01 mm and 0.045–0.075 mm) are. But the flotation recovery of the finest kaolinite (0–0.045 mm) decreases with chain lengths of QAS collectors increasing, which is consistent with the flotation results of unsifted kaolinite (0–0.075 mm). It is explained by the froth stability related to the residual concentration of QAS collector. In lower residual concentration, the froth stability becomes worse. Within the range of flotation collector concentration, it's easy of CTAC to be completely adsorbed by kaolinite in the particle size fraction (0–0.045 mm), which led to lower flotation recovery. Moreover, it is interesting that the particle size of kaolinite is coarser, the flotation recovery is higher. The anomalous flotation behavior of kaolinite is rationalized based on crystal structure considerations. The results of MD simulations show that the (001) kaolinite surface has the strongest interaction with DTAC, compared with the (001), (010) and (110) surfaces. On the other hand, when particle size of kaolinite is altered, the number of basal planes and edge planes is changed. It is observed that the finer kaolinite particles size become, the greater relative surface area of edges is, and the more the number of edges is. It means that fine kaolinite particles have more edges to adsorb less cationic colletors than that of coarse kaolinite particles, which is responsible for the poorer floatability of fine kaolinite.
文摘Ultrasonic waves have a lot of use in the particle surface cleaning.As flotation is one of the methods associated with surface properties,this paper investigates the effect of these waves on performance,particle size,reagents,and feed ash content in coal flotation.To accomplish this goal,coal samples in three size fractions,including coarse(-800 to+400μm),medium(-400 to+100 μm)and fine(-100μm)with various feed ash content.The flotation experiments were evaluated by process indexes such as yield,combustible recovery,and selectivity index.The results indicated the increasing of yield.The increasing was significant in medium size.Furthermore,the results showed that in presence of ultrasonic waves,the collector and frother consumption decreased.And also,applying ultrasonic waves would result more combustible recovery and selectivity index.The ash selectivity index had the highest impact for high feed ash content.
基金Project(60634020) supported by the Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(60874069) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(200805331104) supported by the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China
文摘To relate froth structural information with mineral flotation performance, segmentation analysis was performed on froth images characterized by fully occupied convex bubbles with white spots effect. An improved valley edge detection method was proposed to extract structural features and overcome fake white spot edges seriously affecting the segmentation performance. After preprocessing, detection template was designed based on the local minimal intensity, and a binary image containing segmented boundaries was obtained by applying logical rules, thinning and filtering. Statistical features such as bubble size were estimated for control purpose. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method avoids over-segmentation or ill-segmentation caused by uneven illumination, and the industrial application reveals the reliability of bubble size estimation.
