CFD‐PBM simulation of the column flotation unit of FCMC: Importance of gas–liquid interphase forces models

Abstract

AbstractThe cyclonic micro‐bubble flotation column (FCMC) is an efficient flotation device for the separation of fine minerals, but its mechanisms are rarely studied using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This paper reports the air–water two‐phase computational fluid dynamics‐population balance model (CFD‐PBM) simulations for the column flotation unit of an FCMC. The shear stress transport (SST) k‐ω model with curvature correction (CC) is used to simulate turbulence effects. Then, the interphase forces models considering bubble size distribution are selected according to the experimental data in a bubble column, which is in analogy to the column flotation unit of the FCMC. Finally, the optimal combination of interphase forces models (i.e., the Ishii–Zuber drag force model, the Hosokawa–Frank wall lubrication force model, and the Lopez de Bertodano turbulent dispersion force model) is applied to simulate an FCMC with a superficial gas velocity of 0.0144 m/s. The results show that the CFD‐PBM simulation can achieve a relative error of 9.09% for gas volume fraction and −5.45% for bubble rising velocity, indicating the reliability of the selected combination of interphase forces models.