The effect of particle concentration on the turbulence and attachment of particle-bubble aggregates in flotation using PERT

摘要

The effect of varying particle concentrations on the pulp-phase particle flow patterns in a quiescent microflotation cell is studied using Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT). Particle occupancies, velocity maps and velocity vector maps were calculated from time averaging across a one hour time period. The combination of coarser particle size and higher concentrations was observed to reduce the suspension, collision and attachment rates. Hindered settling patterns were observed at the highest particle concentration because of particle-particle collisions. The magnitudes and frequencies of instantaneous and average velocities could be measured and zoned. The collision angles leading to attachment were found to be moderately affected by increasing particle concentration in both the turbulent and transport zones. Changes in the momentum and kinetic energies between coupled attachments and detachments were calculated in both zones. Similar measurements may be used in future to validate and develop more robust collision and detachment models.