Study on the effect of flow field optimization on flotation efficiency

Abstract

ABSTRACT With the help of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology, the Eulerian model was used for numerical simulation of XFD type flotation machine. By altering the flow field pattern, analyzing the internal flow characteristics of the flotation machine in terms of velocity field and turbulivity, and optimizing its structure, the relationship between turbulence intensity and turbulent energy dissipation rate in the flotation machine is investigated. The findings demonstrate that altering the flow field pattern enhances the turbulence in the flotation machine’s mixing zone, enhances the velocity distribution of the three-phase fluid at the bottom of the flotation tank, and fosters bubble-particle contact, collision, and adhesion. This can successfully reduce the clean coal ash content.