Investigation of condition-induced bubble size and distribution in electroflotation using a high-speed camera

• Published in: International journal of mining science and technology Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 7 - 12
• Main Authors: Ren, Liuyi, Zhang, Yimin, Qin, Wenqing, Bao, Shenxu, Wang, Peipei, Yang, Congren
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 2014; College of Resources and Environment Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China%School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
• Subjects: Apertures; Bubble; Bubble production and control; Bubbles; Cathodes; Computer programs; Current density; Electroflotation; Fine particle; Flotation; High-speed camera; Software; TAT软件; 分配; 气泡尺寸; 电流密度分布; 电解质浓度; 试剂浓度; 颗粒相互作用; 高速摄影机; Bubble; Electroflotation; Fine particle; Bubble production and control; High-speed camera
• ISSN: 2095-2686
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmst.2013.12.002

In the flotation process, bubble is a key factor in studying bubble-particle interaction and fine particle flo- tation. Knowledge on size distribution of bubbles in a flotation system is highly important. In this study, bubble distributions in different reagent concentrations, electrolyte concentrations, cathode apertures, and current densities in electroflotation are determined using a high-speed camera. Average bubble sizes under different conditions are calculated using Image-Pro@ Plus （Media Cybernetics@, MD, USA） and SigmaScan@ Pro （Systat Software, CA, USA） software. Results indicate that the average sizes of bubbles, which were generated through 38, 50, 74, 150, 250, 420, and 1000 μm cathode apertures, are 20.2, 29.5, 44.6, 59.2, 68.7, 78.5, and 88.8 μm, respectively. The optimal current density in electroflotation is 20 A/m2. Reagent and electrolyte concentrations, current density, and cathode aperture are important factors in controlling bubble size and nucleation. These factors also contribute to the control of fine- Particle flotation.