Effect of nanoparticles on froth stability and bubble size distribution in flotation

摘要

In order to investigate the usability of nanomaterials as a froth stabiliser in mineral flotation, an experimental study was performed using a froth column and a modified flotation cell. Four different nanomaterials, namely SiO2, TiO2, Fe2O3 and Al2O3, were used in the experiments. The froth column tests were carried out to measure the Sauter-mean bubble size and dynamic froth stability under different operating conditions. Single mineral flotation tests with or without the nanomaterials were performed using a pure barite sample. Results of the froth column tests show that despite of the increasing froth height, the bubble coalescence in the froth or bursting on the surface can be decreased considerably by using the nanomaterials. The effect of the increase in froth height on the Sauter-mean bubble size and the bubble coalescence was found to be negligible by using the nanomaterials in all pH values used. These effects of the nanomaterials could not be attributed to both signs and magnitudes of their surface charges.