Characterization of multiphase fluid flow during air-sparged hydrocyclone flotation by x-ray CT. Eighth quarterly report, 14 May 1992--13 August 1992

摘要

The effect of A* (the dimensionless ratio of overflow opening area to underflow opening area) on the fluid flow behavior of the 2 inch ASH-2C unit was studied for different percentage of solids in the suspension. Limestone, a hydrophilic solid was chosen for study. The particle size of the solids was taken as (minus)100 (plus)200 mesh. Three different concentrations of solids in the suspension were considered, 5, 10 and 20% by weight. The corresponding pulp densities of the feed suspension for these three cases are 1.09, 1.18 and 1.36 g/cc respectively. Since no collector was added to the suspension, all the solids are expected to report to the underflow. For all these studies the Q* value was maintained at the same level (Q* = 2.28). Reconstructed images from the CT scanner were analyzed using the graphics software developed at the University of Utah. Assuming the air core to be cylindrical in shape and using the previously generated calibration curve, the average density of the swirl layer and its average thickness were estimated for each slice. These results are presented graphically in the accompanying figures along the axis of the ASH unit from bottom to top.