Research on the progress of particle-bubble transport

Abstract

Abstract Due to the pressing need for efficient and environmentally friendly utilization of low-quality mineral resources in the field of mineral processing, there has been a growing focus on investigating the flotation method. Foam flotation is widely employed as a means to separate different valuable minerals. The underlying mechanism involves numerous buoyant bubbles within the fluid that come into contact with and transport target mineral particles towards the upper apex of the fluid, resulting in the formation of a foam layer. This foam layer serves as a collection point for valuable target minerals, thereby facilitating their separation and recovery. This paper reviews the research progress of flotation to the present, and the source, purpose, and significance of flotation research are discussed first. Secondly, the great changes brought by the simulation method to the optimization of flotation performance are demonstrated. Finally, the sub-process mechanism of flotation is discussed. Through the above investigation on the progress of particle-bubble transport, the importance of bubbles and particles to the improvement or reduction of flotation performance is clarified, and the follow-up research and engineering practice are guided.