Relationship between solids flux and froth features in batch flotation of sulphide ore
(1. Institute of Mineral Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China; 2. Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa)
Abstract: The froth features in the batch flotation of a sulphide ore were investigated by using the digital image parameters of the froth, the small number emphasis(Nsne), the average grey level(Dagl) and the instability number(Nins), under different conditions of impeller speeds and aeration rates. It is found that the value of Nsne is strongly dependent on the average bubble size of the froth and Dagl on the volume fraction of solid in the froth, and the froth features during the batch flotation are influenced by impeller speed and aeration rate. A kinetic model of the concentrate solid flux was developed which relates the flotation process to the image parameters, Nsne and Dagl of the froth and predictions are well consistent with the experimental data.
Key words: sulphide ores; batch flotation; small number emphasis; average grey level; instable number