2862 XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3
to comprehend how alterations in hydrodynamic factors,
specifically superficial gas velocity (Jg), impact the bub-
ble size (D32) and critical coalescence concentration. The
work also aims to establish how these factors subsequently
influence bubble surface area flux (Sb) within the novel
hydrodynamic environment of fluidised bed flotation. The
study explores how CCC values and minimum bubble size
change as hydrodynamic conditions are varied compared
to the established relationships observed in conventional
flotation cells.
Ultimately, the goal is to gain insights to optimise
frother dosage and understand its subsequent impact on
bubble size.
Through these objectives, the study aims to enhance
our understanding of the intricate dynamics governing
the fluidised bed flotation system, providing a foundation
for potential performance optimisation strategies of the
process.
MATERIALS AND EXPERIMENTAL
METHODS
Frothers
The current work used pure methyl isobutyl carbinol
(MIBC). MIBC was evaluated at the concentration range
between 10 and 400 ppm. The reagent was sourced from
Sigma Aldrich.
Process Water
All the tests were conducted using synthetic process water.
The ion content was synthesised to match the water chem-
istry of the Mount Isa Mines copper concentrator (Forbes,
Brito e Abreu, Tungpalan et al., 2022). The electrolyte
composition is summarised in Table 1.
Fluidised Bed Flotation
All the tests were conducted in two-phase conditions using
air and water only. The test work was performed using
a semi-batch small-scale fluidised bed flotation device
(JKHFmini), custom-designed and built at the Julius
Figure 2. Conceptual relationship between hydrodynamic and chemical parameters in controlling bubble coalescence in
flotation processes
Table 1. Composition of the synthetic process water
Ion Name Total Ion Concentration, ppm
K+ 120
Cl– 1110
Ca2+ 570
Mg2+ 340
Na+ 430
SO4 2– 2220
CO
3
2– 24
to comprehend how alterations in hydrodynamic factors,
specifically superficial gas velocity (Jg), impact the bub-
ble size (D32) and critical coalescence concentration. The
work also aims to establish how these factors subsequently
influence bubble surface area flux (Sb) within the novel
hydrodynamic environment of fluidised bed flotation. The
study explores how CCC values and minimum bubble size
change as hydrodynamic conditions are varied compared
to the established relationships observed in conventional
flotation cells.
Ultimately, the goal is to gain insights to optimise
frother dosage and understand its subsequent impact on
bubble size.
Through these objectives, the study aims to enhance
our understanding of the intricate dynamics governing
the fluidised bed flotation system, providing a foundation
for potential performance optimisation strategies of the
process.
MATERIALS AND EXPERIMENTAL
METHODS
Frothers
The current work used pure methyl isobutyl carbinol
(MIBC). MIBC was evaluated at the concentration range
between 10 and 400 ppm. The reagent was sourced from
Sigma Aldrich.
Process Water
All the tests were conducted using synthetic process water.
The ion content was synthesised to match the water chem-
istry of the Mount Isa Mines copper concentrator (Forbes,
Brito e Abreu, Tungpalan et al., 2022). The electrolyte
composition is summarised in Table 1.
Fluidised Bed Flotation
All the tests were conducted in two-phase conditions using
air and water only. The test work was performed using
a semi-batch small-scale fluidised bed flotation device
(JKHFmini), custom-designed and built at the Julius
Figure 2. Conceptual relationship between hydrodynamic and chemical parameters in controlling bubble coalescence in
flotation processes
Table 1. Composition of the synthetic process water
Ion Name Total Ion Concentration, ppm
K+ 120
Cl– 1110
Ca2+ 570
Mg2+ 340
Na+ 430
SO4 2– 2220
CO
3
2– 24