Selective detachment process in column flotation froth

Rick Q. Honaker, Ahmet V. Ozsever, B. K. Parekh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

The selectivity in flotation columns involving the separation of particles of varying degrees of floatability is based on differential flotation rates in the collection zone, reflux action between the froth and collection zones, and differential detachment rates in the froth zone. Using well-known theoretical models describing the separation process and experimental data, froth zone and overall flotation recovery values were quantified for particles in an anthracite coal that have a wide range of floatability potential. For highly floatable particles, froth recovery had a very minimal impact on overall recovery while the recovery of weakly floatable material was decreased substantially by reductions in froth recovery values. In addition, under carrying-capacity limiting conditions, selectivity was enhanced by the preferential detachment of the weakly floatable material. Based on this concept, highly floatable material was added directly into the froth zone when treating the anthracite coal. The enriched froth phase reduced the product ash content of the anthracite product by five absolute percentage points while maintaining a constant recovery value.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)687-695
Number of pages9
JournalMinerals Engineering
Volume19
Issue number6-8
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2006

Keywords

  • Coal
  • Column flotation
  • Fine particle processing
  • Froth flotation
  • Froth kinetics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • General Chemistry
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Mechanical Engineering

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