A study on a continuous column flotation of quartz particles

To investigate the collection of particles in column flotation, quartz particles 32 mu m to 45 mu m diameter were continuously flotaled by using a cationic surfactant as a collector. The axial dispersion of the particles was estimated by measuring the transient particle concentration at the bottom of the column as a function of flotation time in the absence of the collector. As a result, the value of the dispersion coefficient is found to be relatively small, and this is supported by previous investigators results, The value depended slightly on the varied gas flow rates. The continuous and dispersed phase particle concentrations and their removabilities are predicted by a series of mathematical equations which involve a net volumetric flotation rate constant, K and the particle dispersion coefficient stated above. The value of the rate constant for each collector concentration was experimentally determined by applying the predictive equations to the experimental continuous phase concentration profiles; formed along the column under steady-state condition. It was found that K depends strongly on the collector concentrations. When the particle surface is highly hydrophobized, the value of K could also be supported in the order of that based on the theoretical prediction of previous investigators.