Skip to main content
Conference Proceedings

Centenary of Flotation Symposium

Conference Proceedings

Centenary of Flotation Symposium

PDF Add to cart

Mineral Attachment and Bubble Bursting in Flotation Froths

Mineral froth flotation is used to separate particles of valuable mineral from its associated gangue. It involves the selective separation of the hydrophobic particles from the slurry into the froth. As air is blown into the slurry, the hydrophobic particles attach to the air bubbles, while the waste particles remain in suspension. While the froth rises up, bubbles start to coalesce and burst, allowing the entrained liquid surrounding the bubbles to drain and return part of the gangue to the pulp.
Mineral separation is therefore a function of the amount of valuable material loaded on the bubble shells, as well as the amount of gangue material entrained in the liquid channels separating the bubbles (Plateau borders). As a result, the separation performance of the process is affected by mineral attachment and drainage or bursting in the froth. This study aims to establish the relationship between solids loading, froth stability and separation performance. For this purpose, a series of industrial experiments were carried out to measure mineral attachment as well as bubble bursting by combining direct sampling of the bubble films and video image analysis of the froth surface.
This work suggests that the solids loading on bubbles strongly affects the separation performance. The results generally showed that solids loading and concentrate grade are closely related, while froth bursting rate can be linked to the drainage of gangue from the Plateau borders and also to the overall recovery of valuable mineral. It was shown in particular that higher loadings, usually associated with higher froth bursting rates, are indicative of more selectivity in attachment and therefore a higher mineral grade in the concentrate. Additionally, this work suggests that bubble solids loading and froth stability are essential parameters to include in froth flotation models as they allow control and optimisation of the flotation performance.
Return to parent product
  • Mineral Attachment and Bubble Bursting in Flotation Froths
    PDF
    This product is exclusive to Digital library subscription
  • Mineral Attachment and Bubble Bursting in Flotation Froths
    PDF
    Normal price $22.00
    Member price from $0.00
    Add to cart

    Fees above are GST inclusive

PD Hours
Approved activity
  • Published: 2005
  • PDF Size: 0.159 Mb.
  • Unique ID: P200505056

Our site uses cookies

We use these to improve your browser experience. By continuing to use the website you agree to the use of cookies.