A theoretical model of flotation deinking efficiency

The associated probabilities of each microprocess occurring in flotation deinking are employed in the development of a kinetic or population balance-type model of the overall flotation process. The overall model contains two kinetic constants: The first, k(1), governs the overall probability of a free ink particle successfully being intercepted by and adhering to an air bubble; the second, k(2), is a measure of the probability that a particle/bubble aggregate pair will become unstable and split to yield a ''new'' free ink particle. The solution to the kinetic model is presented in terms of k(1); and k(2), which are themselves functions of system parameters such as bubble and particle physical properties (e.g., diameter, density) and fluid properties (e.g., viscosity, surface tension). From this solution, a definition of theoretical flotation efficiency is presented, as well as definitions of other system performance parameters, and selected predictions are displayed. (C) 1997 Academic Press.