Particle Residence Time Distribution of Collection Zone in Packed Flotation Column

Abstract

In order to make a further understanding of flow pattern and back mixing in the flotation process, the study about particle residence time distribution of collection zone in a packed column has been designed. The pulse tracer method was applied and the particle tracers were the mineral gangue in special size class. The residence time distribution curves of our experiment data shows that there are particle back mixings which were caused by fluid flow and geometry factors in the column. The tank-in-series model has a better fitting to the particle residence time distribution in the column according the comparison research between the tank-in-series model and axial dispersion model. The operation parameters have different effects on the particle residence time distribution according to our experimental study.