• Resources Recycling
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.104-113
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• 2020

Bubble size in froth flotation has long been recognized as a key factor which affects the bubble residence time, the bubble surface area flux (Sb) and the carrying rate (Cr). This paper presents method of bubble size measurement, relationship between operating variables and gas dispersion properties in flotation column. Using high speed camera and image analysis system, bubble size has been directly measured as a function of operating parameters (e.g., superficial gas rate (Jg), superficial wash water rate (Jw), frother concentration) in flotation column. Relationship compared to measured and estimated bubble size was obtained within error ranges of ±15~20% and mean bubble size was 0.718mm. From this system the empirical relationship to control the bubble size and distribution has been developed under operating conditions such as Jg of 0.65~1.3cm/s, Jw of 0.13~0.52cm/s and frother concentration of 60~200ppm. Surface tension and bubble size decreased as frother concentration increased. It seemed that critical coalescence concentration (CCC) of bubbles was 200ppm so that surface tension was the lowest (49.24mN/m) at frother concentration of 200ppm. Bubble size tend to increase when superficial gas rate (Jg) decreases and superficial wash water rate Jw and frother concentration increase. Gas holdup is proportional to superficial gas rate as well as frother concentration and superficial wash water rate (at the fixed superficial gas rate).