Abstract
The distribution of micro-bubbles generated by the electroflotation process has great importance in the flotation process for fine and ultrafine particles. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of some parameters on the average bubble size, generated in an electroflotation cell, on 316 stainless steel cathodes with different geometries, surface finishing, and a Ti/RuO2 mesh as an anode, by the laser diffraction method and image analysis. The average bubble size determination was conducted at different pH values, different cathode surfaces, and different types of collector. Results show that an increase in pH and current density led to a decrease of the bubble size, and that mesh electrodes and electrodes polished with coarser grit sandpaper give smaller gas bubbles. Conversely, when Flotigam EDA, sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate or sodium oleate were added, larger bubbles were observed. Under the conditions of generation of small bubbles, higher recoveries of fine phosphate particles were observed.
Published Version
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