Abstract
This paper summarizes and discusses previous investigations into the correlation between the rheology and flotation process of fine particle suspensions. This summary provides a better understanding of the challenges and current status of this subject and useful feedback based on the revision of relevant theories and practical implications for fine particle characterization and processing. Such processes include the sustainable beneficiation of complex ores and wastes for valuable material extraction and the segregation of toxic substances. For example, there has been increasing demand for the beneficiation of complex ores often carrying the values (e.g., critical raw materials) in fine grains, due to the noticeable decrease in the accessibility of high-grade and easily extractable ores. To maintain the sustainable use of limited resources, the effective beneficiation of complex ores is urgently required. It can be successfully achieved only with selective particle/mineral dispersion/liberation and the assistance of mineralogical and fine particle characterization including a proper understanding of the rheological behavior of complex ores in the context of fine particle separation/processing. In correlating flotation with suspension rheology, previous works were summarized and we found that the modeling of their correlations as well as comprehensive contributions of pulp and froth rheology on flotation performance have been studied very limitedly, and comprehensive developments in these aspects are thus strongly suggested.
Highlights
Mineral and metal extraction industries play an important role in the current global economy
They found that in the presence of fine clay minerals, their pulps tend to behave as a non-Newtonian fluid, and properties such as viscosity and yield stress begin to have a dominant role in the hydrodynamics of the system, causing the decrease in the collision rates between bubbles and particles and a decrease in the recovery and grade of valuable minerals
In this article, we report our thorough literature review and summarize the challenges in fine particle flotation, the rheology of fine particle suspensions, and their correlation
Summary
Mineral and metal extraction industries play an important role in the current global economy. 2019 [59] reviewed the negative effects caused by different clay minerals in the flotation of copper ores They found that in the presence of fine clay minerals, their pulps tend to behave as a non-Newtonian fluid, and properties such as viscosity and yield stress begin to have a dominant role in the hydrodynamics of the system, causing the decrease in the collision rates between bubbles and particles and a decrease in the recovery and grade of valuable minerals. 2019 [61] reviewed slurry rheology in mineral processing unit operations (e.g., grinding, classification, flotation, dewatering, and tailings management) They emphasized the importance of the correlation of yield stress with the DLVO (Derjaguin– Landau–Verwey–Overbeek) forces in most slurries made of nearly spherical colloidal particles with homogenous surface charges; in the presence of clay minerals non-DLVO forces present and the rheological behavior becomes much more difficult to predict. This article will provide possible and specific future research directions in this important and useful correlation based on the research gaps identified here
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