Abstract
The pulp and froth zones are the main components of froth flotation as it defines both quality of the end product and overall efficiency. The importance of the properties of the two zones, which include pulp hydrodynamics, froth bubble coalescence rate, water overflow rate, air recovery, etc., is being increasingly recognized. The properties are depending not only on the type and concentration of the frother but also on the nature and amount of the particles present in the flotation system, and as well as the frother-particle interactions and potentially of bubble-particle interactions. To date, there is no specific criterion to quantify pulp and froth properties through the interactions between frothers and particles because the various related mechanisms occurring in the pulp and froth are not fully understood. Linking the properties to the metallurgical performance is also challenged. In order to better understand the effect of these issues in flotation, in this review paper, the past and recently published articles relevant to characterizations of pulp and froth properties are widely reviewed; the findings and the gap of knowledge in this area are highlighted for further research.
Highlights
In froth flotation, valuable mineral particles are separated from gangue minerals by exploiting differences in the hydrophobicity of the minerals
Garibay et al [16] tested the impact of increasing solids content (%solids) in a flotation column where gas hold-up tends to increase up the column reflecting the increase in bubble size as static head pressure decreases
We show that the effect of frother in controlling bubble size is highly relevant to flotation
Summary
Valuable mineral particles are separated from gangue minerals by exploiting differences in the hydrophobicity of the minerals. According to the penetration theory proposed by Leja and Schulman [1], frother molecules at the gas/liquid interface interact with collector molecules adsorbed on mineral particles. It is evident, that the efficiency of flotation will depend on the use of frother to control bubble size, and particle collection in the pulp, and to stabilize the bubbles in order to exit the froth zone [2]-[4]. A prime objective of this review paper is to explore how frothers and particles interact to affect the sub-processes occurring in the pulp and froth zones in order to better understand the effect of these issues in mineral flotation.
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