Effect of some operating variables on the flotation of aluminium particles

Abstract

The effects of impeller speed, air flow rate, cell concentration, agitator size and cell volume on the recovery of aluminium particles have been studied in a KHD Humboldt Wedge AG machine, using alkyl benzene sodium sulphonate paste as collector and pine oil as frother. The recovery yield increased with increasing impeller speed, air flow rate, cell concentration and cell volume, up to a certain range, whereafter it decreased. A decrease in the recovery yield was observed on increasing the agitator size. A mathematical model has been developed to correlate percentage recovery with the above variables.

A Hybrid Device for Enhancing Flotation of Fine Particles by Combining Micro-Bubbles with Conventional Bubbles

“…The experimental results indicate that at higher airflow rates (8 L/min), the recovery of fine particles was stable. Abdo et al suggested that low airflow rates lead to lower recoveries due to the fact that the flow rate of water to the froth is decreased [95]. Moreover, low aeration rates can cause froth overloading, resulting in the drainage of particles located inthe froth back to the pulp.…”

“…Moreover, low aeration rates can cause froth overloading, resulting in the drainage of particles located inthe froth back to the pulp. It should be also noted that high aeration rates can cause high turbulent conditions and deposition of particles in the flotation cell, thus lowering their recovery [95]. Moreover, the addition of an electrolyte in a solution leads to an increase in bubbles' surface potential, which means repulsive forces between bubbles and particles are promoted [89].…”

“…Moreover, low aeration rates can cause froth overloading, resulting in the drainage of particles located inthe froth back to the pulp. It should be also noted that high aeration rates can cause high turbulent conditions and deposition of particles in the flotation cell, thus lowering their recovery [95].…”