A continuous‐flow surface flotation cell for the separation of scanty mineral samples based on wettability contrast

Abstract

Reliable measurements of hydrophobicity of minerals and ores are important to the study of the separation performance of a froth flotation process. However, surface heterogeneity, which is inexorably linked to actual industrial ores, has always been a challenging factor to characterize with currently existing measurement techniques. In this study, a new apparatus of surface flotation that provides surface floatability and wettability evaluation requiring parsimonious needs in sample consumption is presented. It consists of a continuous‐flow macroscopically flat‐interface flotation cell for the selective separation at a moving liquid‐gas interface between hydrophobic mineral and hydrophilic gangue from scanty mineral samples. To prove the concept, comparative experiments were conducted with a mineral matrix composed of graphite and quartz using the new surface flotation apparatus, a micro‐flotation cell, and a Denver cell. The results obtained from the surface flotation cell indicate that its separation efficiency and its reproducibility are better than the two standard laboratory separation techniques. Use of this new technique provides more and better information related to the wettability of mineral/ore surfaces while requiring as low as 3 g of mineral samples.

Special issue in honour of Professor Jamal Chaouki

“…We are pleased to report that 30 papers were initially submitted to the journal and after peer review, following the standard journal procedures, 28 papers were accepted. Due to the page limitation of each issue, we have decided to publish a full special issue with 16 papers as Part 1 [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] and a special section in the coming issue (vol. 99, issue 12) with 12 papers as Part II.…”

Flotation response of coal washery reject fines: Characteristics, process optimization, and oxidation

“…[ 16 ] The bubble–particle collision can be well understood by studying hydrodynamics in the flotation cell and measuring the particle and bubble size. [ 17–19 ]…”

“…[16] The bubble-particle collision can be well understood by studying hydrodynamics in the flotation cell and measuring the particle and bubble size. [17][18][19] Moreover, bubble coalescence has a significant impact on flotation performance. It has been found that a reduction in the rate of bubble coalescence in froth increases froth stability.…”