Mining, Minerals Processing and Metallurgical Engineering

Effects of operating parameters on size and distribution of bubbles in coarse-particle flotation column

  • 晋应升,孙 伟,彭 建,沈政昌,韩海生,孙 磊,肖 遥,罗远家,陈 毅
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  • 1. School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China;
    2. State Key Laboratory of Mineral Processing Science and Technology, BGRIMM Technology Group, Beijing 100070, China

Online published: 2025-11-04

Abstract

The size and distribution patterns of bubbles within a laboratory-scale coarse-particle flotation column were examined using a high-speed camera-based dynamic measurement system. The effects of operational parameters such as superficial water velocity, air-flow rate, and frother dosage on bubble-size and distribution characteristics were investigated. This study aims to provide theoretical support for enabling fluidized-bed flotation within coarse-particle flotation columns. The results show that negative pressure for air inspiratory and bubble formation is generated by passing a high-speed jet through a throat, and the greatest number of bubbles are observed under natural inspiratory state at an air-liquid ratio of 1?3-1?2.5. Increasing the air-flow rate transforms the bubble diameter distribution from a peaked distribution to a more uniform distribution. Furthermore, the frother narrows the range of bubble-size distribution. A positive correlation exists between the bubble Sauter diameter and air-flow rate, with the bubble Sauter diameter bearing a negative correlation with the superficial water velocity and frother concentration.

Cite this article

晋应升,孙 伟,彭 建,沈政昌,韩海生,孙 磊,肖 遥,罗远家,陈 毅 . Effects of operating parameters on size and distribution of bubbles in coarse-particle flotation column[J]. Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China, 2025 , 35(9) : 3120 -3133 . DOI: 10.1016/S1003-6326(25)66870-1

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