Evaluation Of A Turbulent Flow Model For Fine Bubble And Fine Particle Flotation (c7fbb084-2292-4fcc-bd5a-0025a498bd8a)

The Bureau of Mines conducted research to measure the improvement provided by fine bubbles on the flotation of fine-sized particles (minus 20-um size) in an effort to improve flotation efficiency in our domestic minerals industry. The turbulent velocity distributions of the fluid within the flotation cell were measured as a function of time and position and used to increase the precision of a fine particle, turbulent flotation model. For the mineral system investigated, improved flotation response was obtained under laboratory conditions by using small bubbles and intense agitation. These results matched the model's predicted response.