Development of a carrying-capacity model for column froth flotation

The prediction of carrying capacity for a given flotation technology has been commonly achieved using a simplified expression based on a representative particle size and density of the floatable material. However, this expression was derived with several assumptions and limited data ranges that limits accuracy for all materials and conditions. A new expression has been derived which incorporates the effects of particle size distribution and aeration rate. To evaluate the accuracy of the new expression, laboratory, pilot and full-scale data obtained from treating various US coals using the Jameson Cell have been applied to the model. A statistical analysis reveals that the new model provides significant improvement in the carrying capacity prediction. Based on Jameson Cell data, aeration rates below 1.8 cm/s have a significant impact on the carrying capacity. Particle size distribution, which was not included in the earlier expression, was found to significantly affect the carrying capacity by approximately 35% from a narrow to broad size distribution. An analysis, using the mineral data applied to validate the earlier expression, has shown that the new model can be extended to all other column flotation technologies treating feed material other than coal. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.