A NEW MODELING APPROACH TO FLOTATION COLUMN DESIGN

A mathematical model describing the flotation process is presented. It considers the bubble loading process to be analogous to interphase mass transfer. The behaviour of solid particles under flotation conditions is described using the sedimentation-convection model of Ityokumbul [1]. Using published data, it is shown that only a short collection zone is required for particles made selectively hydrophobic. This observation is consistent with the experimental observation of Wheeler [2], Bensley et al. [3], Reddy et al. [4], Ounpuu and Tremblay [5]. The current practice of designing tall industrial columns is attributed to the poor understanding of the hydrodynamic conditions prevailing in these units.