Investigation of condition-induced bubble size and distribution in electroflotation using a high-speed camera

摘要

In the flotation process,bubble is a key factor in studying bubble-particle interaction and fine particle flotation.Knowledge on size distribution of bubbles in a flotation system is highly important.In this study,bubble distributions in different reagent concentrations,electrolyte concentrations,cathode apertures,and current densities in electroflotation are determined using a high-speed camera.Average bubble sizes under different conditions are calculated using Image-ProòPlus(Media Cyberneticsò,MD,USA)and SigmaScanòPro(Systat Software,CA,USA)software.Results indicate that the average sizes of bubbles,which were generated through 38,50,74,150,250,420,and 1000 lm cathode apertures,are 20.2,29.5,44.6,59.2,68.7,78.5,and 88.8 lm,respectively.The optimal current density in electroflotation is20 A/m2.Reagent and electrolyte concentrations,current density,and cathode aperture are important factors in controlling bubble size and nucleation.These factors also contribute to the control of fineparticle flotation.