The modelling of froth zone recovery in batch and continuously operated laboratory flotation cells

• Published in: International journal of mineral processing Vol. 64; no. 2; pp. 135 - 151
• Main Authors: Vera, M.A, Mathe, Z.T, Franzidis, J.-P, Harris, M.C, Manlapig, E.V, O'Connor, C.T
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.03.2002; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; entrainment; Exact sciences and technology; Flotation. Enrichment. Beneficiation; froth depth; froth flotation; froth zone recovery; Metals. Metallurgy; Ores; Production of metals; water recovery; froth zone recovery; froth flotation; froth depth; entrainment; water recovery; Flotation; Foam; Flotation machine; Theoretical study; Modeling; Recovery; Ore concentration; Froth flotation
• ISSN: 0301-7516; 1879-3525
• DOI: 10.1016/S0301-7516(01)00068-0

This paper proposes an integrated methodology for modelling froth zone performance in batch and continuously operated laboratory flotation cells. The methodology is based on a semi-empirical approach which relates the overall flotation rate constant to the froth depth (FD) in the flotation cell; from this relationship, a froth zone recovery ( R f) can be extracted. Froth zone recovery, in turn, may be related to the froth retention time (FRT), defined as the ratio of froth volume to the volumetric flow rate of concentrate from the cell. An expansion of this relationship to account for particles recovered both by true flotation and entrainment provides a simple model that may be used to predict the froth performance in continuous tests from the results of laboratory batch experiments.